From the rugged peaks of the Bitterroots to the wide, golden valleys, it’s easy to see why Montana wears the nickname “The Last Best Place.” Lately, it’s also turned into one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops.
The runaway success of “Yellowstone” helped spark a worldwide crush on cowboy culture and open-range life. We’re pulling back the curtain on six popular TV shows that filmed right here in Big Sky Country.
Whether you’re the kind of fan who wants to stand where your favorite characters stood or a traveler chasing sweeping views, here’s your guide to Montana’s star-studded locations.
1. Yellowstone
At a Glance:
Genre: Drama, Western
Filming Locations: Montana (Darby, Missoula, Butte, Livingston), Utah
Network / Platform: Paramount Network
Years Aired: 2018–2024
Main Cast: Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Gil Birmingham
“Yellowstone” tells the story of the Dutton family, who own the largest cattle ranch in Montana, fighting to protect their land and legacy from outsiders who want a piece of it. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show mixes the grit of modern ranch life with the tension of family loyalty, politics, and greed.
Kevin Costner’s John Dutton stands as a stubborn patriarch balancing tradition against change, while his children wrestle with love, ambition, and betrayal. The series pairs sharp dialogue with sweeping shots of Montana’s rugged scenery…fields stretching to the horizon, mountains wrapped in fog, and horses cutting through morning light.
Every frame feels authentic, like life on the edge of civilization. Since its release, “Yellowstone” has sparked a renewed fascination with the West, drawing travelers to Big Sky Country to see the very places that shaped one of television’s most talked-about dramas.
2. Big Sky
At a Glance:
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Filming Locations: Montana (Bozeman, Livingston, Missoula)
Network / Platform: ABC
Years Aired: 2020–2023
Main Cast: Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury, Ryan Phillippe, Brian Geraghty, John Carroll Lynch, Dedee Pfeiffer
“Big Sky” is a gripping crime thriller that follows two determined private investigators as they chase down kidnappers, traffickers, and killers across the striking yet unforgiving terrain of Montana.
Created by David E. Kelley, the series blends suspense with human emotion, using the vast setting to mirror the tension and isolation of each case. The sweeping shots of Bozeman, Livingston, and Missoula contrast serenity with danger…open fields hiding dark secrets and endless roads that seem to lead nowhere safe.
Katheryn Winnick and Kylie Bunbury deliver grounded performances that pull viewers into the heart of each mystery, balancing courage with vulnerability. While “Big Sky” brings intense storytelling, it also reveals the underbelly of rural life where beauty and brutality exist side by side.
The show turned Montana’s scenery into more than a backdrop…it became a silent witness to every twist and betrayal.
3. 1923
At a Glance:
Genre: Western Drama
Filming Locations: Montana (Butte, Whitehall, Anaconda, Dillon, Hamilton, Valier, Park City)
Network / Platform: Paramount+
Years Aired: 2022–2025
Main Cast: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Sebastian Roché, Michelle Randolph, Brandon Sklenar
“1923” serves as a powerful prequel to the “Yellowstone” saga, taking viewers into the early 20th century when the Dutton family faced the challenges of a changing frontier. The series captures a time when America was transforming under the weight of Prohibition, drought, and the Great Depression.
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren bring depth and resilience to their roles as Jacob and Cara Dutton, a couple determined to protect their ranch and legacy amid rising hardship.
Filmed across historic Montana towns like Butte and Anaconda, the show feels raw and genuine…every dusty street and weathered barn reflect the harsh reality of survival.
The cinematography leans into Montana’s open plains and snow-tipped ranges, grounding each scene in the struggle between progress and tradition. “1923” doesn’t just tell a family story; it immerses viewers in a pivotal moment when the Old West began to fade into memory.
4. 1883
At a Glance:
Genre: Western Drama
Filming Locations: Texas (Fort Worth, 6666 Ranch), Montana (Livingston, Clyde Park, Paradise Valley)
Network / Platform: Paramount+
Years Aired: 2021–2022
Main Cast: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett
“1883” tells the origin story of the Dutton family long before the Yellowstone Ranch became a dynasty. Set against the backdrop of the Oregon Trail, the series follows James and Margaret Dutton, played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as they lead their family westward in search of a better life.
Along the way, they face relentless hardship…disease, weather, and the constant threat of loss. Sam Elliott’s grizzled presence as Shea Brennan brings heart and gravity to the group’s struggle for survival.
When the story reaches Montana, the cinematography opens up to breathtaking views of Paradise Valley and Clyde Park, framing both the beauty and brutality of frontier life.
Every storm, sunrise, and quiet grave carries emotional weight, reminding viewers of what it cost to start anew. “1883” stands as a raw, emotional portrait of endurance and the sacrifice that built the Dutton legacy.
5. Murder at Yellowstone City
At a Glance:
Genre: Western Thriller
Filming Locations: Montana (Yellowstone Film Ranch, Paradise Valley, Pray)
Network / Platform: Streaming (Amazon Prime Video, iTunes)
Years Aired: 2022
Main Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Gabriel Byrne, Zach McGowan
“Murder at Yellowstone City” blends the grit of a classic Western with the intrigue of a whodunit. Set in a fading Montana gold rush town, the story begins when a prospector strikes gold and is soon found dead, setting off a chain of suspicion and violence.
The film unfolds within the authentic streets of the Yellowstone Film Ranch…a meticulously constructed set that captures the raw, weather-beaten feel of the 19th century.
Richard Dreyfuss and Gabriel Byrne lead a cast that balances moral conflict with quiet desperation, while Montana’s Paradise Valley surrounds the story with sweeping, windswept drama.
Dusty saloons, creaking boardwalks, and wide skies give the film its lived-in realism, grounding each tense moment in a believable past. “Murder at Yellowstone City” isn’t just about solving a crime…it’s about justice, redemption, and the harsh price of survival in a lawless frontier.
6. Frontier House
At a Glance:
Genre: Reality, Historical
Filming Locations: Montana (Deer Lodge, Anaconda, Bitterroot Valley)
Network / Platform: PBS
Years Aired: 2002
Main Cast: Historical reenactors
“Frontier House” is a historical reality series that transports modern families back to the 1880s to live as Montana pioneers once did.
Produced by PBS, the show strips away modern comforts and drops participants into cabins built with period tools, using only what settlers would have had at the time. The series was filmed in Deer Lodge, Anaconda, and the Bitterroot Valley…places that still echo with old homestead spirit.
Families learned firsthand how demanding daily life was: chopping wood for heat, hauling water, raising livestock, and relying on their neighbors to get through long Montana winters.
The experiment wasn’t just a TV gimmick; it revealed the toughness, patience, and community that defined frontier survival.
Viewers got a rare, unscripted look at how grit and resourcefulness shaped the West. “Frontier House” remains a standout in reality television…part history lesson, part human experiment, and fully Montana at heart.
Tips for Visiting Montana TV Show Locations
If you’re planning to see the real places that brought Montana’s hit shows to life, a little preparation goes a long way.
Many filming locations are open to the public or visible from scenic routes, but the state’s wide-open terrain and changing weather can make timing important. Here are a few helpful pointers to make your trip memorable:
- Plan around the seasons. Summer and early fall offer the best weather for road trips and outdoor exploring. Some ranches and mountain passes close in winter, so check accessibility before you go.
- Book early for popular spots. Places like the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby (known to fans as the Dutton Ranch from Yellowstone) fill up months in advance. Lodging options in Livingston and Bozeman also get busy during filming season.
- Join a local tour. Guided tours can provide inside stories about where key scenes were filmed, plus directions to lesser-known spots used by crews.
- Respect private land. Many sites featured on screen are working ranches or private property. Enjoy the view from public roads or approved areas without crossing fences.
- Capture responsibly. Bring your camera, but avoid disrupting ongoing shoots or daily ranch work. Locals appreciate visitors who treat Montana’s wide spaces with care and courtesy.
Exploring these iconic backdrops lets fans experience the same sweeping horizons and rustic charm seen on screen, but just remember…the art of the magic comes from how untouched it still feels.
Conclusion
From gripping Western dramas to fascinating true-crime tales and historical recreations, Montana has set the stage for some of television’s most unforgettable stories. Its sweeping plains, rugged mountains, and small-town charm have become characters in their own right.
Ready to see it all up close? Whether you’re dreaming of standing at the Dutton Ranch or strolling through Butte’s storied streets, your Montana adventure is waiting. Start planning at DiscoveringMontana.com. Did we leave out your favorite show filmed here? Share it with us in the comments below.