The highly anticipated next installment of Yellowstone is not currently streaming. Production has been delayed, and no official streaming release date for new episodes has been announced. This guide offers the latest information on where to catch up on previous seasons and what to expect in the future.
Understanding the Yellowstone Streaming Landscape
The world of Yellowstone streaming can be a bit of a wild west, much like the Dutton ranch itself. Understanding where the show currently resides and the reasons behind its fragmented distribution is key to staying informed. Yellowstone is produced by 101 Studios and MTV Entertainment Studios and airs on the Paramount Network, which is cable. However, the streaming rights are more complex.
The first four seasons are available for streaming on Peacock. This is because, prior to the launch of Paramount+, some streaming rights were sold to NBCUniversal, the parent company of Peacock. While the Paramount Network is owned by Paramount Global, it has a separate agreement for streaming the show.
Due to the complexities of pre-existing streaming rights deals, new episodes of Yellowstone do not stream on Paramount+ alongside their cable premiere. Instead, viewers must subscribe to a cable service or utilize a live TV streaming service that carries the Paramount Network to watch the initial broadcast. After the season concludes, Peacock eventually acquires the rights to stream those episodes.
What about Yellowstone Spinoffs?
It’s important to differentiate between the main Yellowstone series and its spin-offs, such as 1883 and 1923. These spin-offs are exclusively available on Paramount+. This different distribution is due to these series being created after the launch of Paramount+’s streaming service, allowing Paramount Global to retain complete streaming rights.
Where to Catch Up on Existing Seasons
If you’re looking to binge-watch Yellowstone or catch up on previous seasons, Peacock is your best bet for seasons 1-4. You can sign up for a Peacock subscription and start watching immediately. Keep in mind that Peacock offers different tiers of subscriptions, so ensure you choose a plan that includes access to Yellowstone.
For seasons available on the Paramount Network, options include:
- Cable Subscription: Watching live or using On Demand.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV that offer the Paramount Network as part of their channel lineup.
- Purchasing Episodes or Seasons: You can buy digital copies of Yellowstone episodes or entire seasons through services like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
The Future of Yellowstone Streaming
The future of Yellowstone streaming remains somewhat uncertain due to the aforementioned contractual obligations. While Paramount Global would undoubtedly prefer to have all Yellowstone content on its own streaming platform, Paramount+, existing agreements prevent this, at least for the time being.
It is anticipated that future seasons (whenever they arrive) will continue to follow the same distribution model: airing first on the Paramount Network and eventually landing on Peacock after the season concludes. Changes to this arrangement would require renegotiation of existing contracts, which is a complex and potentially costly process.
Rumors and Speculation
There have been numerous rumors and speculation regarding the show’s future, including potential cast changes and even the series ending. However, until official announcements are made by Paramount Global or 101 Studios, these rumors should be treated with skepticism. It is important to rely on verified sources for accurate information about the show’s status.
Yellowstone FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Yellowstone streaming situation:
FAQ 1: Why isn’t Yellowstone on Paramount+?
As explained previously, pre-existing streaming rights agreements with NBCUniversal prevent Paramount+ from streaming the main Yellowstone series at the same time as the Paramount Network cable broadcast. This is a key point of confusion for many viewers.
FAQ 2: When will the next season of Yellowstone air?
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for the next season of Yellowstone. Production delays have hampered progress, and Paramount has not yet announced a premiere date.
FAQ 3: Where can I watch Yellowstone season 5?
Yellowstone Season 5 aired on Paramount Network. To watch the first half you can use On Demand if you have a cable provider that offers it or purchase the episodes on streaming platforms. The second half of Season 5 is not released yet. When the entire season is over, you can expect to find it on Peacock.
FAQ 4: Are Yellowstone spin-offs like 1883 and 1923 on Peacock?
No. 1883 and 1923 are exclusive to Paramount+. They were produced after Paramount+ launched and are not subject to the same pre-existing agreements as the main Yellowstone series.
FAQ 5: Can I watch Yellowstone for free?
There are limited ways to watch Yellowstone for free. Some live TV streaming services offer free trials, which you could use to watch episodes on the Paramount Network while the trial lasts. However, a subscription to Peacock or a cable/streaming service is generally required to access Yellowstone.
FAQ 6: Will all seasons of Yellowstone eventually be on Paramount+?
There is no guarantee that all seasons of Yellowstone will eventually be on Paramount+. It depends on the terms of the existing streaming rights agreement with NBCUniversal and whether Paramount Global can renegotiate those terms in the future.
FAQ 7: What’s the best way to stay updated on new Yellowstone episodes?
The best way to stay updated is to follow official Paramount Network and Yellowstone social media accounts, as well as reputable entertainment news websites. Be wary of unofficial sources and unverified rumors.
FAQ 8: Can I buy Yellowstone episodes individually?
Yes, you can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons of Yellowstone on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. This is a good option if you don’t want to subscribe to a streaming service but want access to specific episodes.
FAQ 9: Is there a specific Peacock subscription tier I need to watch Yellowstone?
You will need either Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus to watch Yellowstone. The free tier of Peacock does not include access to the show.
FAQ 10: Is there a release date for the second half of Yellowstone Season 5?
No. A confirmed release date has not been announced.
FAQ 11: Why are there so many delays in the production of Yellowstone?
Delays have been attributed to various factors, including scheduling conflicts with cast members and reported creative differences. Official statements are often vague, so the exact reasons remain somewhat unclear.
FAQ 12: What other shows are similar to Yellowstone that I can watch while I wait?
If you enjoy Yellowstone, you might also like shows such as Longmire, Hell on Wheels, Justified, and Deadwood. These shows offer similar themes of Western drama, complex characters, and morally ambiguous protagonists. Paramount+ also offers the spin-offs 1883 and 1923.