Quentin Tarantino Critiques Yellowstone: Labels It a “Soap Opera” with a “Forgettable” Format

Yellowstone: Quentin Tarantino, the man behind cinematic masterpieces like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, isn’t exactly known for biting his tongue. So when he recently shared his take on the popular TV series Yellowstone during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, fans of both Tarantino and the show couldn’t help but lean in. As it turns out, the Oscar-winning director has some sharp (and slightly soapy) words for Taylor Sheridan’s hit series.

Television vs. Cinema: Tarantino’s View of the Battle

The golden age of television has blurred the lines between the small and big screens. With shows like Game of Thrones boasting movie-grade budgets and stars like Kevin Costner trading the big screen for weekly drama, TV has never been more ambitious. Tarantino, however, isn’t fully convinced by the TV boom.

“Everyone talks about how great television is now,” he said on The Joe Rogan Experience. “And it’s pretty good, I gotta say, but it’s still television to me. They’re using cinematic language to get you caught up in it.”

For Tarantino, TV’s ability to captivate audiences feels more like a magic trick than a lasting impression. The episodic nature of TV, he argues, keeps viewers hooked on the next installment but rarely delivers the emotional resonance of a great film.

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Tarantino’s Journey into Yellowstone

Tarantino confessed that he didn’t jump on the Yellowstone bandwagon immediately. “I didn’t really get around to watching Yellowstone the first three years or so,” he admitted. But when he finally dove in, he was hooked—for a while, anyway.

“Wow, this is f***ing great!” Tarantino recalled thinking after watching the first season. He even extended his binge-watching spree to include the spin-off 1883. But as he immersed himself in the Dutton family drama, Tarantino had an epiphany that reshaped his view of the show.

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Why Tarantino Thinks Yellowstone Is a “Soap Opera”

Here’s where Tarantino gets spicy. While he acknowledges the show’s ability to draw viewers in, he doesn’t hold back on its shortcomings.

“At the end of the day, it’s all just a soap opera,” he declared. “They’ve introduced you to a bunch of characters… and then everything else is just your connection to the soap opera, of what’s happening to this [or that] character.”

Ouch. If you’re a Yellowstone fan, that probably stung a little. Tarantino’s critique boils down to this: while the show keeps audiences engaged with its sprawling family drama, intense rivalries, and picturesque Montana landscapes, it lacks the lasting impact of a great Western film.

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Cinema’s “Payoff” vs. TV’s “Forgettable Drama”

Tarantino took things a step further by contrasting Yellowstone with his beloved Western movies. He explained how a well-crafted Western film leaves a deep impression on viewers: “I’ll see a good Western movie, and I’ll remember it the rest of my life.”

For him, films offer a satisfying payoff, whether it’s an unforgettable final showdown or a poignant character arc. Television, on the other hand, tends to rely on ongoing drama without any definitive resolution.

“There’s not a payoff on this stuff,” Tarantino continued. “There’s just more interconnectional drama, and while I’m watching it, that’s good enough. But when it’s over… I don’t remember any of the details of it.”

In other words, TV shows like Yellowstone are great at keeping you entertained in the moment but don’t leave the kind of legacy that a film like The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly might.

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Does Tarantino Have a Point?

Okay, let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. Does Tarantino have a point? Is Yellowstone just a glorified soap opera wrapped in cowboy hats and a stunning backdrop?

The Case for Tarantino’s Argument

• Repetitive Storylines: The hallmark of a soap opera is its reliance on drawn-out storylines, and Yellowstone certainly indulges in long-running feuds and family drama. How many times can Beth and Jamie Dutton scream at each other before it starts to feel like déjà vu?
• Character-Driven Drama: Like a soap opera, Yellowstone thrives on interpersonal conflict. The “who’s mad at who this week” formula might keep viewers hooked but lacks the gravitas of a classic Western.
• Lack of Resolution: Tarantino’s complaint about TV’s endless interconnected drama isn’t new. Shows like The Walking Dead and Lost have faced similar criticism for stringing audiences along without delivering satisfying conclusions.

The Case Against Tarantino’s Argument

• Big Screen Production Values: With its sweeping cinematography and gritty realism, Yellowstone doesn’t feel like your grandma’s soap opera. It’s more Dallas on steroids with a hefty dose of grit.
• Cultural Impact: Whether or not Tarantino remembers the details of Yellowstone, the show has clearly struck a chord with millions of viewers. Its popularity has even spawned a franchise, including prequels and spin-offs like 1923.
• Emotional Depth: While Yellowstone may not have a tidy ending (yet), its exploration of themes like loyalty, power, and legacy gives it more substance than your average daytime drama.

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Soap Opera or Not, Yellowstone Knows Its Audience

Here’s the thing: whether or not Yellowstone qualifies as a soap opera might not matter. The show’s massive fan base proves that people love what it has to offer. Maybe it’s the juicy drama. Maybe it’s Kevin Costner’s commanding performance. Or maybe we’re all just suckers for a good cowboy showdown.

Tarantino might scoff at Yellowstone’s soap opera tendencies, but even he admitted that he couldn’t stop watching. And isn’t that what great TV is all about? It pulls you in, keeps you invested, and gives you something to talk about at the watercooler—or in this case, on a podcast.

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The Bigger Question: Can TV Ever Rival Film?

Tarantino’s critique of Yellowstone taps into a larger debate about the evolving role of television. As shows continue to blur the line between TV and cinema, will they ever be able to achieve the lasting impact of a great film?

For now, it seems like the two mediums excel in different ways. Film offers a singular, immersive experience, while TV provides an ongoing connection to characters and stories. And maybe that’s okay. After all, not everything has to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, it’s enough to sit back, watch some cowboy drama, and enjoy the ride—even if you can’t remember all the details later.

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Conclusion: Tarantino’s Soapbox Moment

Love him or hate him, Quentin Tarantino always knows how to spark a conversation. His take on Yellowstone as a “soap opera” might be a little harsh, but it’s also thought-provoking. Is he right about the forgettable nature of TV drama? Or is he just being a little too precious about his love for cinema?

One thing’s for sure: whether you’re team Tarantino or team Yellowstone, there’s no denying that both mediums have their merits. So maybe the next time you watch a Western—on the big screen or the small one—you can thank Tarantino for making you think a little harder about why you’re watching it.