So, you finally decided to see what all the fuss is about with the Dutton family. Or maybe you're just trying to catch up before the final, final episodes drop and everyone on the internet spoils the ending for you. Either way, trying to figure out how can you stream Yellowstone is honestly way more complicated than it has any right to be. You’d think a show this massive—basically the biggest thing on cable—would be easy to find. It isn't.
It’s a licensing nightmare.
Most people assume that because the show airs on the Paramount Network, it must be on Paramount+. That makes sense, right? Wrong. Thanks to a deal signed before the streaming wars really heated up, the streaming rights for the flagship series actually belong to a different company entirely. If you go to Paramount+ looking for Kevin Costner, you’re going to find a lot of prequels, but zero episodes of the main show.
Where the heck is Yellowstone streaming?
If you want to binge every season from the beginning, you need Peacock.
It’s weird, I know. NBCUniversal’s streaming service grabbed the rights years ago, and they aren’t letting go until the contract expires. This is the only place where you can watch Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, and the first half of Season 5 on demand. You can’t just hop over to Netflix or Hulu and find it there either. Peacock has the exclusive "SVOD" (Subscription Video on Demand) rights.
But there is a catch.
While Peacock has the back catalog, they don't get the brand-new episodes the second they air on TV. There’s usually a significant delay—sometimes months—between when a season finale airs on the Paramount Network and when it actually shows up on Peacock. If you’re trying to stay current with the absolute latest episodes, Peacock is going to leave you hanging.
The Paramount Network vs. Paramount+ Confusion
Let’s clear this up because it trips everyone up.
Paramount Network is a cable channel. You get it through a TV provider like Cox, Xfinity, or a live-streaming service like YouTube TV.
Paramount+ is the streaming app. It is the home of the "Sheridan-verse" spin-offs like 1883 and 1923.
If you want to watch the main Yellowstone series as it airs live, you need the cable channel. If you want to watch the prequels, you need the app. It is a fragmented mess that requires most fans to pay for at least two different services just to get the full story of the Dutton ranch.
Buying episodes might actually be cheaper
Honestly? Sometimes the best way how can you stream Yellowstone is to just buy the seasons outright.
If you don't want to subscribe to Peacock and you don't have a cable login, you can head over to Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu. You pay about $20 to $30 for a season. The big benefit here is that you own it. No one can pull it from a library because of a licensing dispute, and you don't have to worry about monthly recurring fees if you’re a slow watcher.
When new episodes are airing, you can usually buy a "Season Pass." This means the morning after an episode airs on cable, it automatically shows up in your digital library. No commercials. No "previously on" segments you can't skip. Just the show.
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For people who only care about Yellowstone and nothing else on Peacock's roster (like The Office or Premier League soccer), buying the season is often the move that makes the most financial sense in the long run.
What about the final episodes of Season 5?
This is where things get even more frantic. After the massive behind-the-scenes drama involving Kevin Costner’s exit and Taylor Sheridan’s writing schedule, the back half of Season 5 took forever to arrive.
To watch these new episodes as they drop:
- Philo: This is the cheapest way to get live cable channels. It’s around $28 a month. It includes Paramount Network, so you can watch live or DVR the episodes.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Comedy Extra" pack on top of the Blue or Orange tier to get Paramount Network.
- YouTube TV / Fubo / Hulu + Live TV: These are full cable replacements. They work great, but they’re pricey—usually $75+ per month.
- The Paramount Network App: If you have a friend or family member who still pays for traditional cable, you can use their login to stream on the app.
Keep in mind that the "Live" streaming is different from "On Demand" streaming. If you miss the live broadcast on Philo or YouTube TV, you have to hope you set your "Cloud DVR" to record it, otherwise, you're waiting for the repeat.
International viewers have it easier
If you are reading this from the UK, Canada, or Australia, I have some news that might make American fans a little jealous. In many territories outside the US, the licensing deal with Peacock doesn't exist.
In those countries, Yellowstone actually is on Paramount+.
This is because the local rights weren't sold off to third parties years ago. So, if you’re traveling or living abroad, one app usually handles the whole franchise. It’s a much cleaner experience. In the States, though, we’re stuck with the fragmented map.
Don't fall for the "Free" sites
You’ll see a lot of shady websites claiming you can stream the show for free. Don't do it. Aside from the legal issues, those sites are notorious for malware and aggressive pop-ups.
If you're really trying to save money, Peacock occasionally offers a free tier, but Yellowstone is almost always locked behind the "Premium" paywall. Your best bet for "free" is checking if your internet provider or credit card offers a Peacock subscription as a perk. Sometimes companies like Instacart or certain mobile carriers include it in their bundles.
Watching the prequels in order
Once you figure out the main show, you’ll probably want to dive into the history. Thankfully, this part is simple.
- 1883: Available exclusively on Paramount+. It’s a limited series.
- 1923: Available exclusively on Paramount+. There is a second season coming.
- 6666: This will be the Texas-based spin-off, and it’s expected to land on Paramount+ as well.
The irony is thick: you need Peacock for the present, but Paramount+ for the past and the future.
Why the Kevin Costner drama matters for streamers
You might wonder why the show is split into "Part 1" and "Part 2" for Season 5. This wasn't just a creative choice; it was a production nightmare. Because of the delays, the streaming "window" shifted.
If you are waiting for the very end of the series to hit Peacock, you are likely looking at a late 2025 or even early 2026 timeline depending on when the broadcast cycle officially finishes. The gap between the live air date and the "free with subscription" date is getting longer as networks try to claw back every cent of ad revenue from live TV.
Actionable steps to start watching today
Stop clicking around and just follow this checklist based on what you already pay for.
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- If you have a cable box: Go to the Paramount Network channel. Use your "On Demand" feature to see what's available for free.
- If you want the cheapest binge: Sign up for one month of Peacock Premium. Grind through the first four and a half seasons. Cancel before the next billing cycle.
- If you want the newest episodes without cable: Buy the "Season Pass" for Season 5 on Amazon or Apple. It’s a one-time payment, and you keep the episodes forever.
- If you want the prequels: You must get Paramount+. There is no other legal way to stream 1883 or 1923.
Check your existing subscriptions first. Many people don't realize they already have access to Peacock through their Comcast/Xfinity or Cox internet plans. It’s worth the five minutes to log in and check before you drop another $10 on a new service.