Why I do like Bella Hadid in Yellowstone

If there is one series that is being talked about a lot right now, it is Yellowstone. And rightly so, because it definitely ranks in my top list of the best series ever. If you haven't quite gotten through it yet: really push through. For season 5, I even immediately took a subscription to SkyShowtime, because I had to continue (seasons 1 to 4 are on Netflix). And surprisingly enough, season 5 is by far the best. There is a very small surprise in that season – and her name is Bella. The internet had quite an opinion about it. Bella Hadid in Yellowstone? Too pretty, too famous, too little acting experience? Yes, right? To be honest: I actually found her mini role really enjoyable. It just worked. And that is due to three things: Bella, her style, and the man behind Yellowstone.

1. It's a small role – and that's fine

Let's be realistic: Bella is not playing Beth Dutton 2.0 (one of my all-time favorite actresses). She is not saving a ranch and she is not waging war. She just has a nice supporting role. A vibe role. And she is perfect for that. Because Bella is just fun and in real life also a cowgirl.

2. She is just a cowgirl

Bella Hadid may have become famous on the catwalk, or maybe first as Gigi's sister. But she grew up around horses, competed in shows, and spent hours on her family's ranch.
Just check her Instagram: cowboy hats, leather boots, halters, stables – it's more ranchcore than runway.

So if anyone radiates “cowgirl energy” without it feeling forced, it's her. This is not a model suddenly doing western; this is someone who is just being herself.

3. Taylor Sheridan knows what he is doing

The man behind Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan, there is quite a bit to find about him. He is a storytelling machine, a horse trainer, a director, and a mega control freak. He wrote Sicario, Hell or High Water, and almost every episode of Yellowstone himself. And: he also acts in it, as cowboy Travis.

Sheridan is known for pushing his cast to the limit – and that makes his choice for Bella Hadid all the more striking. Because everything must have a reason. About the reason for choosing Bella, he said that he appreciated that she genuinely wanted to participate, and that she didn't come for exposure but out of love for the series. And he thought that was cool.

4. The cast just thought it was fun

Contrary to what you might think: everyone thought it was a good idea. No eye-rolling or model airs. Bella came, saw, and adapted. Even actress Jen Landon (Teeter, with that strange voice) mentioned in an interview that she found Bella “surprisingly at home”.
She showed up early, knew her lines, wore braids in her hair, and was literally in the saddle. There was no gossip behind the scenes – rather: “Oh, so she is just really super normal and very nice.”

5. Not everything has to be dead serious

And then the most important point: Yellowstone is fantastically written, but it is also just a TV series.
Bella is not intrusive, not annoying, not weird. She adds something.

So yes, I am team Bella

In fact: I hope she shows up more often. Because if anyone combines style, horse sense, and presence, it is Bella Hadid.

Image credits: Paramount