No, the new episodes of Yellowstone season 5 are not currently available on Paramount Plus. Instead, new episodes of Yellowstone air exclusively on the Paramount Network cable channel. While previous seasons are available on Peacock, the current season’s streaming rights are a complex issue, explained in detail below.
Understanding the Yellowstone Streaming Landscape
Navigating the streaming availability of Yellowstone is akin to taming a wild horse: complicated, unpredictable, and requiring patience. While many expect Paramount Plus to be the natural home for all things Paramount, the reality is far more nuanced, stemming from pre-existing licensing agreements. This has created a situation where the show’s streaming home is, ironically, not on Paramount’s own platform.
The Peacock Paradox
Here’s the key takeaway: Seasons 1-4 of Yellowstone are available to stream on Peacock. This is due to a long-standing deal struck between Paramount Global (then ViacomCBS) and NBCUniversal before the launch of Paramount Plus. At the time, the deal made sense; now, it’s a source of confusion for many fans.
Why Isn’t Season 5 on Paramount Plus?
The arrangement with Peacock predates the streaming era’s current landscape, where studios prioritize their own platforms. Because Peacock secured the rights to stream previous seasons, and those rights often include exclusivity clauses regarding new episodes during their initial run, Paramount Plus is currently barred from streaming new Yellowstone episodes during the season 5 run. It is possible future seasons or eventually season 5 will appear on Paramount Plus, but that hinges on renegotiating existing contracts.
Where Can You Watch New Yellowstone Episodes?
The primary place to watch new episodes of Yellowstone is on the Paramount Network cable channel. You’ll need a cable subscription, a satellite TV package, or a live TV streaming service that carries Paramount Network. These services typically include:
- Traditional Cable/Satellite Providers: Spectrum, Xfinity, Dish, DirecTV, etc.
- Live TV Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (depending on the package), FuboTV.
Alternatives and Considerations
While the direct answer remains “no” for Paramount Plus, other options exist:
- Purchasing Episodes: You can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons of Yellowstone on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. This allows you to own the content outright, providing access even without a cable subscription or live TV streaming service.
- Patience: The good news is, after a period of time, season 5 will likely be available on Peacock, and potentially even Paramount Plus at a later date, but the exact timeline remains uncertain.
- Yellowstone Spinoffs: While Yellowstone itself isn’t on Paramount Plus for new episodes, its spin-offs like 1883, 1923, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves are exclusively available on Paramount Plus.
Yellowstone Streaming FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
These FAQs address the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding the Yellowstone streaming situation.
FAQ 1: Will Yellowstone ever be fully available on Paramount Plus?
The possibility exists, but it’s not guaranteed. The future streaming landscape is constantly evolving. If Paramount Global can renegotiate the existing deal with Peacock, there is a chance all seasons could eventually land on Paramount Plus. However, for now, this is speculative.
FAQ 2: When will Season 5 of Yellowstone be on Peacock?
An official release date for Season 5 on Peacock hasn’t been announced. Typically, there is a significant delay between the finale airing on Paramount Network and its arrival on Peacock. Expect a wait of several months, potentially even a year.
FAQ 3: Why is Paramount Plus showing Yellowstone spinoffs but not Yellowstone itself?
This stems from the licensing agreements discussed earlier. The spinoffs were produced and licensed with Paramount Plus as the primary streaming platform, while the original Yellowstone was already subject to the deal with Peacock.
FAQ 4: Can I use my Paramount Plus login to watch Yellowstone on Paramount Network’s website or app?
No, you cannot. Watching on the Paramount Network website or app still requires authentication through a participating cable or live TV streaming provider. Your Paramount Plus login will not work.
FAQ 5: Are there any countries where Yellowstone season 5 is on Paramount Plus?
Streaming rights vary by region. It’s possible that in some international markets, Paramount Plus may have the rights to stream new Yellowstone episodes. Check your local Paramount Plus platform for availability.
FAQ 6: If I buy episodes of Yellowstone on Amazon, will they stay available even if the show moves to a different streaming service?
Yes, purchasing episodes or seasons digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play grants you ownership of that content. It will remain accessible regardless of where the show streams in the future.
FAQ 7: What happens to Yellowstone on Peacock if Paramount Plus renegotiates a deal and gets the streaming rights?
The existing deal with Peacock would need to be taken into consideration. Depending on the terms, Peacock might still retain some streaming rights for a period, or Paramount Plus might have to wait until the existing contract expires.
FAQ 8: Can I use a VPN to access Yellowstone season 5 on Paramount Plus in another country?
Using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions on streaming services can violate their terms of service. It is a risky and potentially illegal practice, and we do not endorse it.
FAQ 9: Are there any free ways to watch Yellowstone season 5?
Legally, there are no free ways to watch new episodes of Yellowstone. You’ll either need a subscription to a cable/satellite provider or a live TV streaming service that carries Paramount Network, or you need to purchase the episodes digitally. Avoid illegal streaming sites, as they pose security risks and violate copyright laws.
FAQ 10: Will Yellowstone be removed from Peacock once Season 5 is added?
Unlikely. Deals are often structured to retain availability of prior seasons. Think of it as staggered streaming access with Paramount Network first, then Peacock, and possibly later, Paramount Plus.
FAQ 11: What are the legal consequences of watching pirated versions of Yellowstone?
Watching pirated content is illegal and violates copyright laws. You could face fines or other legal penalties. Furthermore, these sites often contain malware and viruses, posing a significant risk to your devices.
FAQ 12: How often does the streaming rights situation for shows like Yellowstone change?
The streaming landscape is extremely fluid. Streaming rights are constantly being negotiated, renewed, and reassigned. It’s wise to stay informed by following entertainment news and official announcements from the studios and streaming services involved. This allows you to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of online content.