Paramount takes third trip to Yellowstone

Kevin Costner in Yellowstone

Paramount Network in the US has ordered a third season of Yellowstone, its drama series starring and executive produced by Kevin Costner.

The Paramount Network original drama is coproduced and co-financed by US-based 101 Studios and stars Oscar and Emmy winner Costner along with Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly and Wes Bentley.

It focuses on the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (Costner), who control the largest cattle ranch in the US. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds and hard-earned respect, the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders.

Yellowstone premiered on Paramount in the US last year and rolled out globally this spring on Paramount Network International. It was created by screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote and directed the first season, along with John Linson.

Its executive producers are Linson, Art Linson, Sheridan, Costner and David C Glasser and Bob Yari.

In related news, the Paramount Television studio operation has hired a trio of new execs. Rob Ortiz joins as senior VP of physical production; Brian Agboh, a former NBCUniversal exec, arrives as senior VP of business affairs; and Julie Katchen Swidler, previously at Freeform, has been named director of a newly created current team.