Yellowstone moved to a different streaming home after season 5

Yellowstone is not on Paramount Plus because Paramount sold the streaming rights to the show after season 5 ended. The first five seasons aired on Paramount Plus while the show was still in production, but once Paramount decided to end the series, they licensed seasons 1 through 5 to other platforms. Season 5 Part 2 (the final episodes) aired on the Paramount cable channel in November 2023, but those episodes are not included in the Paramount Plus streaming library.

This is a common situation in streaming: a network produces a show, airs it on their own platform while it's active, then sells the rights to recoup costs once production ends. Paramount kept the show on Paramount Plus long enough to build the audience, then moved the library rights elsewhere once the show concluded.

Key Takeaways

  • Seasons 1 through 5 of Yellowstone are available on Peacock, not Paramount Plus, because Paramount licensed the rights to NBCUniversal after the show ended.
  • Season 5 Part 2 aired on the Paramount cable channel but is not part of the Paramount Plus streaming catalog.
  • You can watch all five seasons on Peacock with a subscription, or purchase individual seasons through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
  • The Yellowstone universe continues with 1883 and 1923, which remain on Paramount Plus as part of the network's original content.

Where to watch all five seasons of Yellowstone

Peacock holds the streaming rights to seasons 1 through 5 of Yellowstone. Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service, and they purchased the library rights from Paramount after the show wrapped production. You can watch the entire series with a Peacock subscription, which offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers.

If you do not want a Peacock subscription, you can buy individual seasons or episodes through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, or Vudu. Buying a full season typically costs between $15 and $25 depending on the retailer and whether you choose standard or high definition. This option lets you own the episodes permanently rather than rent them through a subscription.

Why Paramount Plus still has the Yellowstone prequels

Paramount Plus still carries 1883 and 1923, the two prequel series set in the Yellowstone universe. These shows remain on Paramount Plus because Paramount retained the streaming rights to its own original productions. Unlike the main Yellowstone series, which Paramount licensed out after it ended, the prequel shows were created specifically for Paramount Plus and stay within the Paramount ecosystem.

1883 ran for one season and concluded in December 2022. 1923 is an ongoing series with multiple seasons available. Both shows are included with a Paramount Plus subscription and do not require a separate purchase or different streaming service.

The difference between Paramount cable and Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus is the streaming service, while Paramount is the traditional cable channel. Season 5 Part 2 of Yellowstone aired on the Paramount cable channel in November 2023, which is why you might see it listed as "on Paramount" in some places. However, cable broadcasts and streaming libraries are separate: just because something airs on the Paramount channel does not mean it appears on Paramount Plus.

If you have cable and the Paramount channel, you may be able to watch season 5 Part 2 through your cable provider's on-demand service or through the Paramount app using your cable login. Check your cable provider's app or website to see if they offer on-demand access to recent Paramount broadcasts.

What changed with Yellowstone's final season

The show's ending created the licensing split. Paramount Plus had exclusive streaming rights while Yellowstone was actively producing new seasons, which is standard practice for a network's original series. Once Paramount decided to conclude the main series after season 5, they sold the library rights to Peacock to recoup production costs. This freed up Paramount to focus on the prequel shows, which continue to generate new content for Paramount Plus.

Season 5 Part 2 aired on cable first because Paramount wanted to drive viewers to the cable channel before the series ended. Streaming rights to those final episodes were not included in the Peacock deal, which is why they do not appear on either Paramount Plus or Peacock.

How to check if Yellowstone is available in your region

Streaming rights vary by country and region. Yellowstone may be on different platforms outside the United States. If you are outside the US, search for "Yellowstone streaming" plus your country name to find which service carries it in your location. Some regions may have the show on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or a local streaming service instead of Peacock.

You can also check JustWatch.com, which shows where a specific show streams in your country. Enter "Yellowstone" and your location, and the site will display all available streaming options, rental prices, and purchase options for your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Yellowstone ever come back to Paramount Plus?

The main series has concluded, so new episodes will not air. Paramount Plus could theoretically buy back the streaming rights from Peacock, but this is unlikely because Paramount is focused on the prequel shows. The main series will remain on Peacock as long as NBCUniversal holds the rights.

Can I watch season 5 Part 2 anywhere?

Season 5 Part 2 is available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. If you have cable with the Paramount channel, check your provider's on-demand service. It is not included in any streaming subscription as of now.

Do I need both Paramount Plus and Peacock to watch the whole Yellowstone universe?

You need Peacock for the main Yellowstone series and Paramount Plus for 1883 and 1923. If you want all three shows, you will need both subscriptions. Alternatively, you can buy the main series on a digital retailer and subscribe to Paramount Plus for the prequels.

Is there a free way to watch Yellowstone?

Peacock offers a free ad-supported tier that includes Yellowstone. You can watch all five seasons for free with ads, though you will need to create a Peacock account. The free tier has some content restrictions, but Yellowstone is available on it.