"Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan recently shared the surprising story of how HBO initially passed on the hit western drama. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sheridan revealed that a top executive at the network felt the show focused too heavily on "Middle America."

Sheridan recounted the challenges he faced finding a network to pick up the series, which he envisioned as "'The Godfather' of Montana." Initially, "Yellowstone" was in development at HBO with the support of then-programming chief Michael Lombardo. However, other executives were less enthusiastic.

One obstacle was securing a lead actor to portray the Dutton family patriarch. Sheridan had envisioned Kevin Costner in the role, but HBO executives reportedly preferred Robert Redford. Sheridan even managed to get Redford on board, only to be told by an HBO executive that they had meant a "Robert Redford type."

During a meeting, an unnamed HBO vice president expressed reservations about the show's setting and themes. According to Sheridan, the executive stated that "Yellowstone" felt too "Middle America" for HBO's avant-garde image and even suggested that rural Montana should be a national park. These comments later found their way into the show's second season dialogue.

HBO executives also reportedly found the character of Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly, "too abrasive" and wanted to "tone her down." Sheridan pushed back against these notes, ultimately leading to HBO's decision to pass on the project.

As a final act before leaving HBO, Lombardo returned the script to Sheridan, allowing him to retain the rights. This allowed "Yellowstone" to eventually find a home at Paramount Network, where it became a massive success. Ironically, Sheridan later received an email from the same HBO executive who had rejected the show, congratulating him on its success and even pitching him a new family drama. Sheridan's response? The idea sounded just like "Yellowstone."