The hit TV show Yellowstone has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut. With a gripping storyline, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable characters, the series has drawn millions of fans. Because of this popularity, many people want to know one thing: Is Yellowstone streaming on Paramount Plus?
The answer is more complicated than it seems. Although Yellowstone is a Paramount Network original series, it is not available on Paramount Plus in the way many expect. This article will explore why that is, where you can stream Yellowstone, and how the rights to the show became such a hot topic in the world of streaming.
What Is Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is a modern Western drama created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. It first aired in 2018 on the Paramount Network. The story follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. The Duttons own the largest ranch in the United States and must protect their land from outside forces, including developers, Native American tribes, and government agencies.
The show is known for its intense drama, moral complexity, and breathtaking views of Montana. Over the years, it has gained a massive following and helped revive interest in the Western genre.
The Confusion Around Streaming Rights
When most people hear “Paramount Network,” they assume that the show will also be available on Paramount Plus. That would make sense. But in this case, it’s not so simple.
Even though Yellowstone is produced by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), the streaming rights to the show were sold to another platform—Peacock.
Why Is Yellowstone Not on Paramount Plus?
In 2020, before Paramount Plus was launched, Paramount made a deal with NBCUniversal to stream Yellowstone on Peacock. At the time, streaming platforms were still figuring out their place in the entertainment world. Paramount saw an opportunity to make a quick profit and sold the digital rights.
The deal gave Peacock exclusive streaming access to Yellowstone for several years. That means even though the show airs on the Paramount Network, it cannot be streamed on Paramount Plus—at least not the main series.
Where Can You Watch Yellowstone?
To watch Yellowstone from the beginning, your best bet is Peacock. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Peacock
Peacock is the exclusive streaming home of Yellowstone. All five seasons are available on the platform. You’ll need a subscription to access all episodes.
- Peacock Premium: Offers full access to Yellowstone for $5.99/month (with ads).
- Peacock Premium Plus: Offers ad-free viewing for $11.99/month.
Paramount Network
If you have cable, you can watch new episodes of Yellowstone on the Paramount Network when they air. Episodes are also available on-demand through your cable provider.
DVD and Digital Purchase
If you prefer owning the show, you can buy individual seasons or episodes from services like:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play
- Vudu
These options allow you to watch without a streaming subscription.
What Is Streaming on Paramount Plus?
While the main Yellowstone series isn’t on Paramount Plus, related content is available. Taylor Sheridan has created several spin-offs and prequels that are exclusive to Paramount Plus.
1883
1883 is a prequel that tells the story of the Dutton family’s ancestors as they travel west across the Great Plains. It stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott. The show explores the hardships of frontier life and how the Duttons first arrived in Montana.
1923
1923 follows a later generation of the Dutton family during the Great Depression and Prohibition era. It stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. The series shows how the family faces new challenges while building their legacy.
Both 1883 and 1923 are available only on Paramount Plus.
Upcoming Spin-Offs and Related Shows
Taylor Sheridan has more projects in the works for Paramount Plus. These include new shows in the Yellowstone universe and other dramas.
6666
This spin-off will focus on the historic 6666 Ranch in Texas. The show will dive into the cowboy lifestyle and the ranch’s deep traditions. Some characters from the main Yellowstone series may appear in this new story.
Yellowstone Sequel Series
Due to Kevin Costner’s planned departure, the original Yellowstone series will end after Season 5. However, a sequel series is already in development. It will continue the Dutton family saga with new characters and storylines. This new show will be available on Paramount Plus.
Why the Streaming Deal Was a Missed Opportunity
Selling the streaming rights to Peacock was a profitable move at the time, but it came with long-term costs. Paramount Plus has struggled to grow as fast as competitors like Netflix and Disney+. If Yellowstone had been available on Paramount Plus, the platform could have gained millions more subscribers.
Paramount executives have admitted that giving away Yellowstone was a mistake. They are now focused on keeping all future content in-house, which is why the spin-offs and sequels are exclusive to Paramount Plus.
What This Means for Viewers
For fans, the situation can be confusing. You may need multiple subscriptions to watch all the shows in the Yellowstone universe. Here’s a guide:
- To watch the main Yellowstone series: Subscribe to Peacock.
- To watch 1883, 1923, and future spin-offs: Subscribe to Paramount Plus.
It’s not the most convenient setup, but it reflects how competitive and complex the streaming industry has become.
Can You Watch Yellowstone on Paramount Plus with Live TV?
Some versions of Paramount Plus offer a live TV option. This allows users to watch the Paramount Network live. If you have Paramount Plus with Showtime or a bundle that includes live TV, you may be able to watch Yellowstone when it airs.
However, these episodes are not available on-demand afterward. Once the episode airs, it won’t stay on Paramount Plus like it does with other shows. This is still tied to Peacock’s exclusive rights.
Will Yellowstone Come to Paramount Plus in the Future?
There is a chance Yellowstone could stream on Paramount Plus one day. But that depends on when the current deal with Peacock expires. Streaming rights deals usually last several years. When the contract ends, Paramount may choose to bring the series home to its own platform.
Until then, Peacock remains the only place to stream the original series.
Viewer Frustration and Industry Reactions
Many fans have expressed frustration over the confusing streaming setup. It feels strange that a show made by Paramount isn’t available on Paramount Plus. This situation highlights a broader issue in the streaming industry: viewers often have to jump between platforms to find their favorite shows.
Industry experts say that media companies are now more cautious about licensing their biggest hits. Paramount is using the Yellowstone franchise to grow its streaming service, but they learned this lesson too late for the original series.
A Closer Look at Taylor Sheridan’s Influence
Taylor Sheridan is now one of the most influential creators in television. His storytelling style blends old-fashioned Western themes with modern issues like land ownership, politics, and loyalty. His success with Yellowstone has allowed him to create multiple shows for Paramount Plus, including:
- Mayor of Kingstown
- Tulsa King
- Lioness
- Land Man
These shows often share the same tone and intensity as Yellowstone, even if they tell different stories.
Should You Subscribe to Paramount Plus or Peacock?
If your goal is to watch Yellowstone only, then Peacock is the better choice. But if you’re interested in the entire Dutton family saga, Paramount Plus offers more content in that universe.
Here’s a simple guide:
| Platform | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock | All five seasons of Yellowstone | Fans who want to watch the main series |
| Paramount Plus | 1883, 1923, future spin-offs, Sheridan’s other shows | Fans who want to explore the full universe |
Conclusion
Yellowstone is not streaming on Paramount Plus, despite being a Paramount Network original. Due to an early streaming rights deal, Peacock holds exclusive access to the series. Paramount Plus does have the spin-offs 1883, 1923, and upcoming shows in the same universe.
This situation reflects how quickly the streaming world is evolving—and how decisions made a few years ago can still affect viewers today. As the franchise continues to grow, fans will need to keep track of where each part of the story is available.
For now, if you want the complete Yellowstone experience, you might need both Peacock and Paramount Plus. It may not be the most convenient setup, but for many fans, the journey through the Dutton family’s wild world is worth it.
