The creator of this series that premiered in 2018 pitched it as “The Godfather in Montana”

On the April 2, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category “21st Century Television.” The clue read: “The creator of this series that premiered in 2018 pitched it as ‘The Godfather in Montana.’”

What is Yellowstone?

The correct response was “What is Yellowstone?” This answer refers to the hit drama series created by Taylor Sheridan, which debuted on the Paramount Network in June 2018. Sheridan, a former actor turned screenwriter and director, has openly described Yellowstone as a family crime saga set against the backdrop of modern-day Montana, making comparisons to The Godfather fitting.

A Western Crime Epic with Shakespearean Undertones

Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, which owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The series revolves around Dutton’s efforts to maintain control over his land in the face of developers, Native American tribes, and political pressures. Much like The Godfather, Yellowstone is concerned with legacy, loyalty, betrayal, and power within a powerful and conflicted family.

Taylor Sheridan’s pitch of Yellowstone as “The Godfather in Montana” highlights the narrative’s underlying theme: a powerful family doing morally ambiguous things to retain control and influence. The rural, frontier setting adds a unique twist, but at its core, the show is about the corrupting and often violent nature of power, paralleling the themes of classic mafia dramas.

Critical and Commercial Impact

Yellowstone has been both a ratings powerhouse and a cultural phenomenon. It helped redefine the modern Western and became a flagship series for the Paramount Network. Its success has extended far beyond expectations, spurring a franchise that includes prequels like 1883 and 1923, also created by Sheridan, and additional spin-offs in development.

Critically, the show has received praise for its production quality, storytelling, and performances—particularly from Costner. While some critics have debated its messaging and portrayal of frontier justice, audiences have consistently embraced its blend of traditional Western themes and contemporary issues.

Sheridan’s Expanding Television Universe

Taylor Sheridan’s role as a television creator has expanded significantly since Yellowstone. Following its success, he signed an extensive deal with Paramount Global, leading to a growing portfolio of dramas that includes Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Lioness. However, Yellowstone remains the centerpiece of his TV empire and the show that defined his brand.

Sheridan’s approach combines cinematic storytelling with complex characters and expansive, often morally gray narratives. His background as a screenwriter of films like Sicario and Hell or High Water helped him bring a gritty, grounded tone to television, distinguishing Yellowstone from more traditional network fare.

A Clue Tied to a Television Milestone

The April 2 Final Jeopardy clue tapped into a major turning point in modern TV, highlighting a series that redefined what cable television could achieve post-Game of Thrones. Yellowstone drew in a multi-generational audience and proved that Westerns—especially ones built on crime-family dynamics—could still thrive.

For contestants and viewers alike, the clue required both pop culture awareness and familiarity with how creators frame and pitch their shows. In describing Yellowstone as “The Godfather in Montana,” Sheridan offered a compelling shorthand for what the series represents—a modern American saga told in an age-old storytelling tradition.