No, a brand-new episode of Yellowstone itself is not currently available on Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus carries Yellowstone spinoffs like 1883 and 1923, but the flagship series streams on Peacock.
Understanding the Yellowstone Streaming Rights Landscape
The streaming rights for Yellowstone are surprisingly complex, a situation that often leads to confusion among fans. To fully understand why new Yellowstone episodes aren’t on Paramount Plus, we need to delve into the historical context and contractual agreements surrounding the show’s production and distribution.
The Paramount vs. Peacock Dilemma
The key lies in the fact that Yellowstone is a Paramount Network production, but Peacock (owned by NBCUniversal) owns the streaming rights. This stems from a pre-existing deal made before Paramount Plus’s launch. At the time, Paramount (then ViacomCBS) sold the streaming rights to Yellowstone to NBCUniversal to help fund the show’s production. This deal, made years before Paramount decided to launch its own streaming service, has proved to be a significant point of contention and frustration for viewers.
While Paramount Plus carries the Yellowstone prequel and sequel series, 1883 and 1923, respectively, the original series remains exclusive to Peacock for streaming. This complex arrangement highlights the intricacies of media licensing and how historical deals can significantly impact the availability of content in the modern streaming era. It also underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of media rights when trying to access your favorite shows.
The Future of Yellowstone Streaming
The future of Yellowstone streaming remains uncertain, particularly with the upcoming conclusion of the series and the planned sequel featuring Matthew McConaughey. It’s highly probable that any new iterations of the Yellowstone universe will be streamed on Paramount Plus. However, the existing agreement for the original series with Peacock will likely persist until that contract expires. Fans hoping for the flagship show to migrate to Paramount Plus will need to remain patient and follow media rights developments closely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yellowstone and Streaming
Here are some of the most common questions viewers have about streaming Yellowstone:
FAQ 1: Where can I watch previous seasons of Yellowstone?
All previous seasons of Yellowstone are currently available to stream on Peacock.
FAQ 2: Will new episodes of Yellowstone ever be on Paramount Plus?
Currently, there are no plans for new episodes of the original Yellowstone series to be on Paramount Plus due to existing licensing agreements with Peacock.
FAQ 3: What is the relationship between Paramount Plus and Yellowstone?
Paramount Plus is the home for Yellowstone spinoffs like 1883 and 1923, but it does not have the streaming rights for the original Yellowstone series.
FAQ 4: Can I watch Yellowstone on cable TV?
Yes, Yellowstone airs on the Paramount Network cable channel. However, you will need a cable subscription to access it live or on-demand through your cable provider’s app.
FAQ 5: Why is Yellowstone not on Paramount Plus when Paramount owns the show?
This is due to a pre-existing agreement made before Paramount Plus was launched, where NBCUniversal purchased the streaming rights to Yellowstone to help fund its production.
FAQ 6: Are there any Yellowstone related shows on Paramount Plus?
Yes, Paramount Plus hosts several Yellowstone related shows, including the prequels 1883 and 1923, as well as the limited series 1883: The Bass Reeves Story.
FAQ 7: How can I watch Yellowstone if I don’t have Peacock or cable?
You can purchase episodes or seasons of Yellowstone on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
FAQ 8: When will the final episodes of Yellowstone air?
As of now, the exact air date for the final episodes of Yellowstone is still to be determined, but the plan is for them to air in November 2024.
FAQ 9: Will the Matthew McConaughey Yellowstone sequel be on Paramount Plus?
It is highly likely that the upcoming Yellowstone sequel starring Matthew McConaughey will be available on Paramount Plus.
FAQ 10: How can I stay updated on Yellowstone release dates and streaming information?
Follow reputable entertainment news websites, subscribe to streaming service newsletters, and check the official Yellowstone social media channels for the latest updates. Services like JustWatch can also help you track where shows are streaming.
FAQ 11: What is the difference between Paramount Network and Paramount Plus?
Paramount Network is a cable television channel that airs shows like Yellowstone. Paramount Plus is a streaming service that offers a library of movies and TV shows, including Paramount originals and content from other networks owned by Paramount Global.
FAQ 12: Is it possible to watch Yellowstone for free?
Officially, there is no way to watch Yellowstone for free legally, unless you are offered a free trial of Peacock or have access to someone else’s account. Avoid illegal streaming sites, as they pose security risks.