‘Yellowstone’ Popularity Has Lifetime Montana Residents Resenting The Show

‘Yellowstone’ has made big money for Paramount, who took a chance on the series to help launch their streaming network. The Paramount+ show is filmed on location in the mountains of Montana. Long-time residents of that area are feeling growing resentment towards the hit drama.

The captivating storyline features Kevin Costner as the patriarch of the Dutton family. The Duttons have to protect their land from ruthless developers who want to turn their slice of heaven into something entirely different. The show has caught the attention of many who have idealized that lifestyle.

According to a recent report by CNBC, local residents are getting annoyed with visitors and carpet-baggers who want to get a closer look at the picturesque setting. Wealthy fans of the show have been gobbling up ranches and land in the area. Many are worried about the entire region losing its character along the way as locals like Ginger Rice are priced out.

“My daughter says we’ll never be able to afford a house,” she said. “We tried to save but everything’s going up and up and up.”

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On the flip side, production of ‘Yellowstone’ brings around $70 million into the local economy every year. Local businesses have received an $85 million economic boost. Of course, the study that determined those numbers was funded by Paramount, so it might need to be taken with a grain of salt.

The American dream of life among the western mountains has enticed many to pack their bags. The new boom in the region has not been kind to many long-time Montana residents. Time will tell if Yellowstone has a long-term effect on the socioeconomic makeup of the region, but it has already caused ruin for some.

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