Kevin Costner's Yellowstone Returns as TV's Quietest Hit

Though it flew largely under the radar last summer, Yellowstone, the Kevin Costner series co-created by Oscar-nominee Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water and Sicario) was the most-watched new cable program of 2018. Airing on the Paramount Network, the contemporary Western follows the exploits of the Dutton family, touching upon such classic themes as family, business, wealth, and betrayal, all playing out on the sprawling western ranch owned by patriarch John Dutton (Costner). The setting and subject matter stood out, and the series found a vast following as a result. 

SEASON PREMIERE: Season Two of Yellowstone kicks off tonight with John Dutton (Kevin Costner) under the threat of a damaging article coming to light, while Kayce (Luke Grimes) settles into his new role on the ranch. Also look for appearances by Neal McDonough (Justified) and Gil Birmingham (Animal Kingdom). 10:00 PM ET on Paramount

SEASON PREMIERE: The Season 8 premiere of Basketball Wives sees Shaunie O'Neal dealing with the devastating implications of her son's health diagnosis, while Cece changes her mind about inviting Kristen to her wedding, Tami keeps secrets, and Jen returns to add still more drama. 8:00 PM ET on VH1

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Basketball Wives fans will want to stay tuned for Tami Ever After, Tami Roman's spinoff special, in which she and longtime boyfriend Reggie Youngblood prepare to take a trip down the aisle. 9:00 PM ET on VH1

SERIES PREMIERE: The new PBS series Rivers of Life focuses on the rich and complicated ecosystems that have sprung up around the world's mightiest rivers. The first episode covers the legendary Nile. 8:00 PM ET on PBS

ALSO TONIGHT

• The Edge of Democracy takes a look at the fraught state of politics in Brazil. Streaming on Netflix
• Masterchef celebrates the show's 10th anniversary with a pool-party VIP challenge for the Top 18. 8:00 PM ET on FOX
• Southern Charm moves to a new time slot as the men head out on an RV excursion to help Austen take his mind off his ex. 9:00 PM ET on Bravo

Joe Reid is the senior writer at Primetimer and co-host of the This Had Oscar Buzz podcast. His work has appeared in Decider, NPR, HuffPost, The Atlantic, Slate, Polygon, Vanity Fair, Vulture, The A.V. Club and more.