Article: Yellowstone’s Couples Ranked: The Highs and Lows of Love on the Ranch
Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan’s hit drama, isn’t just about family legacy, land disputes, and power plays; it’s also packed with love stories that range from deeply romantic to downright disastrous. Over the course of its run, the series has given fans a variety of couples to root for—or roll their eyes at. From fiery romances to heartbreaking betrayals, the relationships in Yellowstone are as dynamic and complex as the Montana landscape itself. Here’s a ranking of every major couple in Yellowstone, based on chemistry, drama, and their impact on the show’s story.
1. Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler
At the top of the list is the undisputed power couple of Yellowstone: Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). Their love story is raw, intense, and deeply moving, built on years of shared pain and an unshakable bond. Beth’s fiery personality is perfectly complemented by Rip’s quiet strength, creating a relationship that feels both epic and intimate.
What makes Beth and Rip’s love so compelling is their mutual understanding. They don’t try to change each other; instead, they embrace each other’s flaws. Their heartfelt moments, like their impromptu wedding in Season 4, showcase a love that is both unorthodox and deeply loyal. It’s no wonder fans consider them the heart of the series.
2. Kayce Dutton and Monica Long
Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille) are the embodiment of a love that’s constantly tested by external pressures. From family feuds to personal tragedies, their relationship has endured some of the show’s most emotional storylines. Despite their struggles, their connection remains undeniable.
Monica and Kayce’s love story also explores themes of cultural identity and belonging, as Monica’s Native American heritage often clashes with the Dutton family’s ranching legacy. While their journey is far from smooth, their commitment to each other and their son, Tate, keeps fans invested in their story.
3. John Dutton and Evelyn Dutton
Although John (Kevin Costner) and Evelyn’s (Gretchen Mol) relationship is mostly shown through flashbacks, their love serves as the foundation of the Dutton family’s story. Evelyn’s untimely death left a void in the family, and her absence continues to shape John’s decisions and relationships.
Through glimpses of their life together, it’s clear that Evelyn’s strength and love for her family were integral to the ranch’s survival. Their relationship may not take center stage, but its impact reverberates throughout the series.
4. Jimmy Hurdstrom and Mia/Laramie
Jimmy (Jefferson White) has had his fair share of romantic ups and downs, first with Mia (Eden Brolin) and later with Laramie (Hassie Harrison). While both relationships brought a mix of fun and heartbreak, Jimmy’s arc is ultimately about his journey to find himself.
Mia’s fiery personality initially seems like a good match for Jimmy, but their relationship falters when their priorities clash. Laramie, on the other hand, offers Jimmy a lighter, more carefree connection, but even that comes with complications. Jimmy’s eventual growth and his departure for the Four Sixes Ranch suggest he’s ready for a new chapter, with or without a partner.
5. Jamie Dutton and Christina
Jamie (Wes Bentley) is one of Yellowstone’s most complex characters, and his relationship with Christina (Katherine Cunningham) reflects that. While their romance begins with promise, it’s overshadowed by Jamie’s strained relationship with his family and his own insecurities.
Christina’s desire for Jamie to break free from the Duttons’ influence ultimately drives a wedge between them. Their relationship highlights Jamie’s internal conflict and his struggle to balance loyalty with his own ambitions. While their story is intriguing, it’s not exactly a fairytale romance.
6. Lloyd Pierce and Laramie
The unexpected pairing of Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) and Laramie adds a dose of humor and drama to the series. Their fling creates tension within the bunkhouse, particularly with Walker (Ryan Bingham), and serves as a reminder of the complications that arise when personal relationships interfere with professional dynamics.
While their relationship is short-lived, it’s memorable for the chaos it brings to the ranch. Lloyd’s heartbreak and subsequent actions add depth to his character, proving that even the toughest cowboys aren’t immune to love’s challenges.
7. Thomas Rainwater and Angela Blue Thunder
Although not a traditional couple, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Angela Blue Thunder (Q’orianka Kilcher) share a fascinating dynamic. Their alliance is rooted in mutual ambition rather than romance, as they work together to reclaim Native American land from the Duttons.
Their relationship is marked by tension and power struggles, making them one of the most intriguing pairings in the series. While not romantic in the conventional sense, their partnership adds another layer to Yellowstone’s exploration of loyalty and conflict.
8. Walker and Laramie
Walker’s relationship with Laramie is as tumultuous as it is fleeting. Their connection creates friction within the bunkhouse, particularly with Lloyd, and adds an extra layer of drama to the ranch’s already chaotic dynamics.
While their relationship doesn’t have the depth of some of the series’ other pairings, it’s a reminder of how quickly emotions can spiral out of control in Yellowstone’s high-stakes environment.
Final Thoughts
From enduring love stories to fiery flings, Yellowstone’s couples bring a mix of passion, heartbreak, and drama to the series. Each relationship reflects the show’s larger themes of loyalty, power, and the sacrifices required to protect what matters most. Whether you’re rooting for Beth and Rip’s epic romance or intrigued by the complexities of Kayce and Monica’s marriage, Yellowstone’s couples keep viewers hooked as they navigate the challenges of life on the ranch.
