You’d think it’d be easy. You want to see Kevin Costner looking grumpy in a cowboy hat, so you go to the place that literally has "Paramount" in the name. But if you open Paramount+ hoping to find the flagship series, you’re greeted with a big fat zero. It’s arguably the most frustrating licensing knot in modern television history. Honestly, figuring out where can I watch Yellowstone feels a bit like trying to navigate a legal dispute over land rights in Montana—messy, expensive, and full of fine print.
The show is a behemoth. It’s the kind of cultural force that brings together people who usually can’t agree on what to have for dinner. Yet, because of a deal signed back when streaming was a different beast, the rights are split across rival companies. If you're looking for the adventures of the Dutton family, you have to look in specific, sometimes unexpected, places depending on whether you want the newest episodes or the back catalog.
The Peacock Paradox: Why It Isn't on Paramount+
It’s the question everyone asks. Why isn't the biggest show on the Paramount Network available on the Paramount+ streaming service? The answer is a 2020 licensing deal. Back then, Paramount (then ViacomCBS) didn't realize quite how massive Yellowstone would become. They sold the exclusive streaming rights for the library to NBCUniversal’s Peacock.
Because of that contract, Peacock is the only place where you can binge-watch Seasons 1 through 5 (Part 1) as part of a subscription. It’s a bit of a slap in the face for Paramount+, which houses the spin-offs like 1883 and 1923. Basically, if you want the "Yellowstone Universe," you’re paying for two different apps. It’s annoying. It’s pricey. But that’s the reality of the "Streaming Wars" era we live in.
Watching the Final Episodes Live
If you’re trying to keep up with the second half of Season 5—the grand finale of the main series—Peacock won't help you yet. For the live broadcast, you need a way to access the Paramount Network channel. This is where things get traditional. You either need a cable package, a satellite dish, or a "Skinny Bundle" streaming service that includes live TV.
Services like Philo, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are the primary go-tos here. Philo is usually the cheapest way to get the Paramount Network without a massive cable bill. You just log in when the episode airs, or use their DVR feature. Keep in mind that "Paramount Network" is a cable channel, which is totally distinct from "Paramount+," the app. I know, the naming convention is a nightmare.
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The Digital Purchase Route
Sometimes, subscriptions are just too much of a headache. If you don't want to juggle Peacock and a live TV service, you can just buy the seasons outright. Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu sell individual episodes or full season passes.
The benefit here is permanence. Once you buy Season 5 on Amazon, it’s yours. You don't have to worry about licenses shifting or monthly fees. If you're a die-hard fan who re-watches the series every winter, this is actually the most cost-effective way to do it. You pay twenty or thirty bucks once and you’re done. No recurring charges hitting your credit card while you're not looking.
What About Those Spin-offs?
This is where Paramount tries to win you back. While the main show is stuck on Peacock, Taylor Sheridan’s entire expanded universe lives on Paramount+.
- 1883: The gritty origin story starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
- 1923: The Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren era.
- 6666: The upcoming Texas-based series.
- Lawmen: Bass Reeves: Technically a standalone, but often grouped in the same orbit.
If you finish the main series and find yourself wondering where can I watch Yellowstone content that explains how the ranch started, you’ll have to switch apps. It's a fragmented experience. Most fans end up rotating their subscriptions—paying for Peacock for a month to catch up on the main show, then canceling it and moving to Paramount+ for the prequels.
International Differences: A Rare Win for Overseas Fans
Interestingly, if you’re reading this from the UK, Canada, or Australia, you probably have it much easier. Outside the United States, the Peacock deal doesn't apply. In many international markets, Paramount+ actually does have the rights to the main Yellowstone series.
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It’s one of those rare instances where being outside the primary market is a massive advantage. If you’re a traveler or an expat, check your local listings first. You might find everything tucked neatly into one single folder on Paramount+.
Dealing with the "No Costner" Era
The drama behind the scenes has been just as wild as the show itself. Kevin Costner’s departure from the series led to a massive delay in the final episodes. This has created a weird gap in the streaming schedule. Currently, the first eight episodes of Season 5 are on Peacock, but the final installments are trickling out through the Paramount Network.
Don't expect the very last episodes to hit Peacock the day after they air. Usually, there’s a few months of delay while the cable channel retains exclusivity. If you’re someone who hates spoilers, you almost certainly need a live TV option or a digital purchase plan for the home stretch.
Actionable Steps for the Budget-Conscious Viewer
If you want to watch the show without going broke, here is the most logical path forward.
First, check if you already have Peacock through a cable or internet provider. Many Xfinity or Cox customers get it for free or at a discount. If you do, that’s Seasons 1-5 (Part 1) handled.
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Second, for the newest episodes, wait until the season is nearly finished. Instead of paying for a live TV service for four months, wait until the finale is a week away, sign up for a one-month subscription to Philo or Sling TV, and binge the new stuff.
Third, if you prefer high-quality bitrates and no commercials, just buy the "Season Pass" on Apple TV or Amazon. It usually costs less than two months of a live TV streaming service. You get the episodes a few hours after they air on cable, and they stay in your library forever.
Avoid the "free" streaming sites that pop up in search results. They are riddled with malware and the quality is usually garbage. Stick to the official channels; the cinematography of the Montana landscape is half the reason to watch the show anyway, and you don't want to see it in grainy 480p on a sketchy server.
Ultimately, the "Yellowstone" streaming situation is a relic of an old era of TV deals. It’s annoying, but manageable if you know which app handles which era of the Dutton timeline. Check your current subscriptions, pick the cheapest gap-filler, and get back to the ranch.