Quentin Tarantino, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors, isn’t shy about sharing his views on the world of television and its impact compared to cinema. In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Tarantino discussed his take on TV shows, particularly the wildly popular series Yellowstone. While the show has drawn millions of viewers, Tarantino has some interesting thoughts on why Yellowstone—despite its success—might not have the staying power or lasting emotional impact of a great film.
In this article, we’ll break down Tarantino’s perspective on Yellowstone, explore the show’s appeal, and dive into his broader criticism of TV versus movies. If you’re a fan of the series or just curious about Tarantino’s take on modern TV, this one’s for you.
Why Tarantino Took His Time with Yellowstone
If you’re anything like many of us, you’ve probably heard endless praise about Yellowstone. The show, which centers around the Dutton family’s multi-generational struggle to protect their vast Montana ranch, has captivated audiences with its mix of drama, power struggles, and breathtaking Western landscapes. But for Tarantino, it wasn’t love at first sight.
In his conversation with Joe Rogan, Tarantino admitted that he didn’t initially dive into Yellowstone. “I didn’t really get around to watching Yellowstone the first three years or so,” he said. Despite his admiration for the show’s star, Kevin Costner, Tarantino needed a bit of a nudge before he finally got on board. But when he did, he was impressed.
“I watched the first season, and I’m like, ‘Wow, this is fing great!’ I’ve always been a big Kevin Costner fan—he’s fing wonderful in this,” Tarantino shared. For him, the first season of Yellowstone felt like a “big movie,” with its sweeping cinematography, intense characters, and complex narrative arcs.
The Soap Opera That Reveals Itself
However, as Tarantino continued to watch Yellowstone, he began to feel like something was missing. While he acknowledged that the show had compelling elements—such as the layered characters and their relationships—he ultimately felt that it had a fundamental flaw. He described the series as being “just a soap opera.”
What did he mean by that? According to Tarantino, Yellowstone starts off strong by introducing a range of fascinating characters and their backstories, along with the drama surrounding the Dutton family’s quest to protect their ranch. But once you’ve learned about the characters and their connections, the plot begins to repeat itself. It starts to feel like a never-ending cycle of emotional ups and downs without any lasting impact.
“You know everybody’s connection with everyone else… and then everything else is just your connection to the soap opera.”
In Tarantino’s view, the show quickly settles into a pattern, with over-the-top moments that may be thrilling in the moment but lack the emotional weight or narrative depth that would leave an impression long after the episode ends.
The Temporary Thrills, but No Lasting Impact
Tarantino’s criticism ties into something larger he’s said about modern TV. Many of today’s TV shows have a cinematic feel, especially when it comes to visuals and storytelling. However, according to Tarantino, they rarely deliver the lasting emotional punches that movies do.
“I’ll see a good Western movie, and I’ll remember it the rest of my life,” he explained. “I’ll remember the story, I’ll remember this scene or that scene. It built to an emotional climax of some degree.” For Tarantino, the emotional impact and memorable moments of a good movie are what make it stand out. On the other hand, TV shows—Yellowstone included—often don’t reach the same level of emotional resonance. Sure, they might be fun or entertaining while you’re watching them, but they don’t have the same lasting significance.
The Swerves: Thrills or Trash TV?
One of the major elements that make Yellowstone such a buzzworthy show is its “swerves”—the unexpected plot twists and jaw-dropping moments. Fans tune in for the shocking betrayals, the family drama, and the occasional violent confrontation. These twists are designed to keep viewers hooked, episode after episode. But for Tarantino, these swerves are just that—temporary distractions that might feel dramatic at the time but don’t leave a lasting impact.
In his critique, he highlighted how these dramatic moments can often feel like they belong in the realm of “trash TV,” where the main goal is to create shock and awe rather than to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful story. While Yellowstone might succeed in giving you a jolt, it doesn’t seem to offer the kind of emotional payoff that a great movie or a deeply resonant TV show can provide.
TV vs. Film: Why Tarantino Thinks Movies Are Still Superior
Tarantino’s thoughts on Yellowstone are part of a bigger conversation about the difference between TV and film. While modern TV shows have embraced cinematic techniques, from stunning cinematography to tight storytelling, they often fail to live up to the emotional heft of films. Tarantino believes that TV, despite all its advancements, can’t match the lasting impact of a truly great movie.
In his own films, Tarantino is known for creating unforgettable characters, iconic scenes, and powerful emotional climaxes that stay with you long after the credits roll. Movies, in his opinion, offer something that TV shows often miss: a clear, concise narrative with a punch. A good movie builds to a climax, delivers that emotional payoff, and leaves you thinking about it long after it’s over. TV, on the other hand, can sometimes feel like it’s just spinning its wheels, always setting up for the next big thing but never truly finishing the emotional journey.
The Show’s Impact: Immediate vs. Long-Term Enjoyment
Despite Tarantino’s critiques, Yellowstone undeniably has a massive following. The show offers entertainment, stunning visuals, and compelling characters that keep people coming back for more. But Tarantino’s point is that the enjoyment is often short-lived. You might love it in the moment, but once the season finale airs, you’re left wondering what you’ll watch next. It’s a bit like eating a sugary snack—immediate gratification, but it doesn’t stick with you long after.
This isn’t to say that TV doesn’t have value. There are plenty of series out there that do pack an emotional punch and leave lasting memories. But in the case of Yellowstone, Tarantino feels it ultimately falls into the trap of being more of a soap opera than a cinematic masterpiece.
Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Movies
Quentin Tarantino’s breakdown of Yellowstone is more than just a critique of a single show; it’s a reflection on the broader landscape of television and its relationship with film. While TV has come a long way in terms of production values and storytelling, Tarantino believes that the emotional depth and lasting power of a good movie can’t be replicated by episodic TV series.
Sure, Yellowstone may have you hooked during its run, and it may even have some powerful moments that keep you coming back for more. But will it stand the test of time like Pulp Fiction or The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly? Tarantino would argue that, while entertaining, Yellowstone might just be a bit too fleeting to make that kind of lasting impact.
