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Guide to the ‘Yellowstone’ universe: Where to watch the hit cable show, spinoffs and more

By Danica Creahan Feb 24, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Paramount Network

“Yellowstone” was named the most-watched show on TV of 2022, with the Season 5 premiere drawing an audience of nearly 16 million, earning it the title of most-watched cable premiere since 2017’s “The Walking Dead.”

But the Paramount Network’s western drama is infamously difficult to tune into without cable — and things grow even messier when you factor in all the “Yellowstone” spinoffs and prequel series. Looking for a guide to lead you through the wild west of attempting to stream this incredibly popular series? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the “Yellowstone” universe.

Paramount network, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount.  


Best ways to watch “Yellowstone”: 


The ‘Yellowstone’ timeline explained: 

1883

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Looking to start your journey with the Duttons on day one? Right now, the chronological timeline of the “Yellowstone” universe begins in 1883, with the Paramount+ exclusive limited series, aptly named “1883.” The western prequel stars Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as Dutton settlers crossing the country in search of a better life. 

“1883,” now streaming on Paramount+

After “1883” comes “1923,” which takes place in, you guessed it, the year 1923. The second prequel series stars Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford as the generation of Duttons tasked with defending their land throughout The Great Depression. 

“1923,” now streaming on Paramount+

Then, finally, you’ll be ready for the main event: “Yellowstone” seasons 1-5. 

“Yellowstone” Seasons 1-4, now streaming on Peacock

“Yellowstone” Season 5, now streaming on Philo


How many ‘Yellowstone’ spinoffs will there be?

yellowstone spinoffs

Paramount

On top of five seasons of “Yellowstone” and the limited prequel series “1883” and “1923,” one more “Yellowstone” spinoff show is on the way in the form of “6666,” a show that will focus on the Four Sixes Ranch in present day. “6666” currently has no set release date, but the series will join the other “Yellowstone” spinoffs exclusively on Paramount+.

Show creator Taylor Sheridan also reportedly has three more “Yellowstone” stories in the works. “1883: The Bass Reeves Story,” which is an extension of the “1883” story with brand new characters, and two more shows featuring Dutton ancestors from the 1940s and 1960s, respectively.

All in all, that brings the “Yellowstone” universe show count up to seven. And with the series earning the title of most watched show across all of TV in 2022, there may be even more “Yellowstone” stories to tell in the future. 


How to watch ‘Yellowstone’

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Paramount

“Yellowstone” follows the Dutton family, owners of the largest cattle ranch in the U.S., as they handle near-constant conflict on the borders of their land. Starring Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly and more, the first four seasons of this western drama are currently available to stream on Peacock. Season 5 of “Yellowstone” recently aired its midseason finale and is set to return later in 2023. 

“Yellowstone” Seasons 1-4, now streaming on Peacock

Season 5 of “Yellowstone” — the most recent season to air — is currently only available to watch as VOD on the Paramount Network — the channel, not the streaming platform. 

To watch “Yellowstone” Season 5, you’ll need a streaming service that includes the Paramount Network or has a cable add-on, such as Philo TV (the cheapest option), Sling TV with the “Comedy Extra” add-on, DirecTV Stream’s “Choice” tier or Hulu’s Live TV tier. 


How to watch ‘1883’

Sam Elliott as Shea of the Paramount+ original series 1883

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The first “Yellowstone” prequel series charts the origins of the Dutton family and how they came to own their infamous land. “1883” is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.

“1883,” now streaming on Paramount+


How to watch ‘1923’

Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen MIrren as Cara Dutton in 1923 streaming on Paramount+ 2022
Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton in ‘1923.’ Streaming on Paramount+ in 2022.

James Minchin III/Paramount+

The most recent “Yellowstone” prequel stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. “1923” follows Dutton ancestors through the Prohibition Era while they fight to hold on to their family’s land during The Great Depression. “1923” is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+. 

“1923,” now streaming on Paramount+


The best TV deals right now

Looking to upgrade your viewing experience at home so you can rewatch “Yellowstone,” check out the latest and movies and more? Keep reading to check out the best deals on 4K TVs, TV stands and more. 

LG G2 series OLED evo Gallery Edition smart TV

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LG via Amazon

According to the brand, this LG TV designed to compete with Samsung’s “The Frame” features a gallery design that “hugs the wall.” This smart TV is meant to blend in seamlessly with any other wall art you might have. 

The OLED TV features 4K-upscaling, a Filmmaker Mode to enhance your viewing experience with Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos, plus built-in access to Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV plus, Disney Plus and LG channels.

An Amazon customer called the TV “the best 4K panel I’ve ever owned.” “The panel actually does look like wall art hanging in my viewing room,” they commented.

65″ LG G2 series OLED evo Gallery Edition smart TV, $1,797 (regularly $3,000)


65″ TCL Roku smart TV

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TCL via Walmart

This top-rated TCL Roku TV is an ultra-affordable option that uses the user-friendly Roku interface.

“I recently bought this tv last week and I’m really impressed with it amazing picture, great sound and easy set up,” wrote a Walmart customer. “If you want a tv that’s affordable TCL is the way to go. I don’t have anything negative to say about the tv and I would buy TV’s again from this brand in the near future.”

65″ TCL Roku 4K smart TV, $368


75″ Amazon Fire TV Omni series 4K smart TV

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Amazon

This 75-inch Amazon Fire TV offers a 4K UHD display and enhanced color and clarity thanks to Dolby Vision. 

The TV also supports voice control with Amazon Alexa. Its high-quality picture quality and large size make this TV a solid choice for football fans — plus, it’s hard to find such a big screen at such a low price.

75″ Amazon Fire TV Omni series 4K smart TV, $800 (reduced from $1,100)


Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K Ultra HD

Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K Ultra HD

Best Buy

This Amazon streaming stick with a new Wi-Fi antenna design is optimized for 4K streaming. The Amazon Fire TV Stick pairs with compatible Bluetooth headphones and comes equipped with Alexa-enabled voice-control technology. 

Amazon Fire TV Stick with 4K Ultra HD, $40 (reduced from $50)


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