YELLOWSTONE IGNITES A COUNTRY MUSIC BOOM, SAYS RILEY GREEN
Yellowstone Sparks a Country Music Boom
The TV juggernaut Yellowstone has taken the world by storm, and country music star Riley Green knows why. Speaking on Stingray Music during his August Canadian tour, he said, “The Western lifestyle has exploded thanks to Yellowstone.” Indeed, the show’s gritty drama and killer soundtrack have made country music hotter than ever. Stars like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Morgan Wallen dominate charts. Meanwhile, newcomers like Beyoncé and Post Malone have claimed their stake in the genre. For instance, Malone even launched his own Western-inspired clothing line. Transitioning from music to fashion, Yellowstone’s influence is undeniable, with fans craving cowboy boots and honky-tonk style.
Why Country Music Wins Hearts
What makes country music irresistible? According to Green, it’s the storytelling. Songs like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” tug at heartstrings, while classics like “Ode to Billie Joe” weave mystery. Consequently, listeners connect deeply with these narratives. Yellowstone amplifies this by featuring artists like Cody Johnson and Kacey Musgraves. Lainey Wilson, for example, not only contributed songs but also starred in the show. As a result, the series blends music and drama, hooking viewers. Furthermore, the Western aesthetic—think Lainey’s elegant outfits—has fans rushing to mimic the look.
Dexter’s Spinoff Dreams Collapse
However, Yellowstone’s success has a darker side. Dexter showrunner Clyde Phillips, on the Dissecting Dexter podcast, revealed Paramount’s failed attempt to copy Yellowstone’s spinoff formula. Inspired by Yellowstone’s prequels like 1883, they scripted 10 episodes for Dexter: Original Sin and a Trinity series featuring John Lithgow’s iconic killer. Phillips noted, “Chris McCarthy, the Yellowstone guy, pushed for this.” Yet, after Paramount’s merger with Skydance, plans shifted. Original Sin’s second season, despite a 27% viewership spike, was canceled. Similarly, Trinity is likely dead. Phillips doubts its revival, saying, “They’re focusing on Dexter: Resurrection with Michael C. Hall.”
What’s Next for TV’s Heavyweights?
Why the shift? Paramount believes spinoffs might weaken Dexter’s core story, unlike Yellowstone’s thriving empire. For now, Yellowstone rules, driving cultural trends while Dexter’s ambitions fade. As Green suggests, storytelling is king. Will Dexter rebound, or will Yellowstone’s wildfire keep burning brighter? Only time will tell.