The ‘Yellowstone Effect’ Brings Larry McMurtry’s ‘Lonesome Dove’ Back to Life!

If you’re from Texas, chances are you know and love "Lonesome Dove." And if you don’t? Well, hand in your cowboy hat at the door. Thanks to the unstoppable "Yellowstone effect", Hollywood is gearing up to revive Larry McMurtry’s legendary Western saga, bringing fresh attention to both the classic story and its West Texas roots in Archer City.

The Legacy of "Lonesome Dove"

Before it was a legendary 1989 miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Diane Lane, Robert Duvall, and Danny Glover, "Lonesome Dove" was a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel written by Archer City’s own Larry McMurtry. The book—based loosely on the real-life adventures of Texas Rangers Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving—cemented itself as one of the greatest Westerns of all time.

Here's the trailer for the series:

Now, producers are exploring new adaptations of McMurtry’s books for TV and film, though they haven’t released many details yet. However, they’ve promised “authentic and soulful” storytelling, which means they better get it right!

Why Archer City Matters

If you want to understand where McMurtry got his inspiration, look no further than Archer City, Texas—a small town with a big literary legacy. McMurtry grew up on a ranch just outside town, and Archer City became the setting for several of his books, including "The Last Picture Show."

He also founded Booked Up, one of the largest antiquarian bookstores in the country, right there in Archer City, Texas! After his passing in 2021, Chip and Joanna Gaines bought the store, moving many books to their Waco hotel. But in a classic West Texas comeback, the Archer City Writers Workshop bought it back and is turning it into the Larry McMurtry Literary Center—ensuring that his legacy stays right where it belongs.

What’s Next?

With McMurtry’s masterpiece getting a fresh Hollywood look, the world is once again paying attention to West Texas storytelling at its finest. Whether you’re a lifelong "Lonesome Dove" fan or just getting started, this is one Western revival you won’t want to miss!

What do you think—should Hollywood leave this classic alone, or are you excited for a new take on "Lonesome Dove"?