Kevin Costner, an iconic figure synonymous with the sprawling landscapes and rugged narratives of the American West, is embarking on a new chapter that reaffirms his deep connection to the frontier—though not in the way many might anticipate. Following his widely publicized departure from the hit Paramount series Yellowstone, where he captivated audiences as the patriarch John Dutton, Costner is now channeling his passion for the American wilderness into a different kind of storytelling. He is stepping away from the intense family drama of the ranch to embrace the raw, unparalleled beauty of America’s natural heritage.

On February 8th, Costner is set to debut a brand-new, three-part docuseries titled Yellowstone to Yosemite. This ambitious project promises to take viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through some of the United States’ most treasured and iconic landscapes. Premiering on Fox Nation, the series forms a significant part of the “America 250” campaign, a nationwide initiative gearing up to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. This campaign seeks to honor the nation’s past, present, and future, making Costner’s exploration of America’s foundational natural wonders a timely and poignant contribution.

At the heart of Yellowstone to Yosemite is a sweeping adventure that retraces a legendary expedition from 1903. Costner will guide audiences from the geothermal wonders and vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park to the majestic granite cliffs and ancient groves of Yosemite, following in the footsteps of two giants of American conservation: President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir. This historic camping trip, often credited with profoundly influencing Roosevelt’s commitment to the preservation of public lands, serves as the narrative backbone for the docuseries. Costner, serving as both host and executive producer, brings his distinctive gravitas and a palpable reverence for the land to this exploration. He delves into the rich natural and cultural history woven into these landscapes, highlighting the intricate ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and the profound influence of Indigenous heritage that collectively shaped the very concept of the National Park System. This system, a testament to farsighted preservation efforts, now safeguards over 230 million acres of invaluable land for future generations.

The decision to embark on Yellowstone to Yosemite is not an isolated venture for Costner but rather a continuation of his established commitment to showcasing America’s natural splendor. This project marks his second nature-focused collaboration with Fox Nation, building on the success of Yellowstone: One-Fifty. That earlier series, which premiered in 2022, was itself a poignant commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park, delving into its unique history and ecological significance. These docuseries underscore a deeper personal calling for Costner, extending his profound interest in the American frontier beyond the realm of fiction.

Costner’s connection to the American frontier is not merely a professional choice; it feels like an intrinsic part of his persona. From his Academy Award-winning directorial debut Dances with Wolves, which explored the complex relationships between settlers and Native Americans, to his portrayals in Westerns like Open Range, and his more recent, immensely popular role in Yellowstone, he has consistently returned to themes of land, legacy, and the struggles inherent in carving out a life in a wild, untamed world. His voice, steeped in authenticity, lends itself perfectly to the role of a guide through these historical and natural narratives.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind Yellowstone to Yosemite, Costner shared in a press release, “Once in a while, you come across a story that has that truly special mix of elements; it’s stranger than fiction and happens against all odds.” He elaborated on the specific allure of the 1903 expedition: “The story of President Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir’s camping trip through Yosemite is one of those truly special ones, and I’m excited to dig into the next chapter of the preservation of the American frontier.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of his latest endeavor—to illuminate the pivotal moments and figures who shaped America’s conservation ethos. The series will likely explore not only the beauty of the parks but also the challenges faced in their protection and the ongoing importance of conservation in the modern era.

The legacy of the Roosevelt-Muir expedition is monumental. It symbolized a turning point where a sitting president, known for his “Strenuous Life” philosophy, spent three days in the wilderness with a renowned environmentalist, forging a bond that would significantly impact national policy. Their discussions under the giant sequoias and by the roaring waterfalls of Yosemite were instrumental in deepening Roosevelt’s understanding of the need for federal protection of vast natural areas, ultimately contributing to the expansion of the National Park System, the creation of numerous national forests, and the establishment of wildlife refuges. Costner’s docuseries will aim to bring this foundational moment to life, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes that inspired such profound policy shifts.

While Yellowstone to Yosemite delves into historical conservation, Costner’s broader engagement with the American story also extends to his upcoming Civil War-era film franchise, Horizon: An American Saga. Kicking off in 2024, this ambitious cinematic endeavor further solidifies his commitment to chronicling the complex tapestry of American history. Though distinct in format and period from his nature documentaries, Horizon shares the thematic thread of exploring the foundational struggles and aspirations tied to the expansion and settlement of the American frontier. It showcases Costner’s multifaceted approach to storytelling, whether through factual historical accounts or epic fictional narratives, all rooted in the same vast, challenging, and endlessly inspiring American landscape.

In stepping away from the fictional Dutton ranch and towards the very real, untamed beauty of America’s national parks, Kevin Costner is not merely making a career pivot; he is reinforcing his legacy as a passionate advocate and storyteller for the American spirit. Through Yellowstone to Yosemite, he invites audiences to rediscover the majesty of their natural heritage, to appreciate the foresight of early conservationists, and to understand the enduring power of the American frontier in shaping national identity. It is a journey not just through landscapes, but through history, ecology, and the very soul of a nation.