Intro: How to Stream Yellowstone Without Cable
Yellowstone is the number one show on TV and its season five debut just smashed the record for the series with 12.1 million viewers tuning in. Yet despite this success, some confusion persists for cord cutters over how to stream it.
This article will cover everything you need to know about how to stream Yellowstone without cable.
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Paramount+ vs. Paramount Network
First let’s get this out of the way. Paramount, the media company, owns Paramount Network, the cable channel that broadcasts Yellowstone. They also own Paramount+, the streaming service.
One would think Paramount+ would be the streaming home to their wildly successful show. But it isn’t.
Prior to the launch of Paramount+ a deal was made with NBCUniversal to give Peacock the streaming rights to Yellowstone. The CEO of Paramount Bob Bakish has called this decision “unfortunate.”
So, no, Yellowstone is not on Paramount+. Previous seasons (seasons 1-4) are available on Peacock, though, but to watch the current season (season 5) you will need access to the Paramount Network.
So How Do You Watch Paramount Network Without Cable?
You will need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service that provides the same channels you’d get with cable, but over the internet.
The live TV streaming services that offer the Paramount Network are: Philo, Vidgo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, or DIRECTV Stream. Sling also offers Paramount Network with the “Comedy Extra” add-on.
Frndly TV does NOT offer the Paramount Network.
New episodes of Yellowstone air Sunday nights at 8:00PM Eastern/7:00PM Central. All of the live TV streaming services mentioned above give you the option to record shows with a cloud DVR as well.
Here is a chart that breaks down pricing and free trials available. Philo and Sling remain the cheapest options to get Paramount Network.
| Streaming Service | Price | Free Trial? | Sign Up Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philo | $25/mo. | Yes (7 Days) | Sign Up Here |
| Sling | $40/mo. + $6 add-on | No | Sign Up Here |
| Vidgo | $59.95/mo | No | Sign Up Here |
| YouTube TV | $64.99/mo. | Yes (14 Days) | Sign Up Here |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99/mo. | No | Sign Up Here |
| fuboTV | $69.99/mo. | Yes (7 Days) | Sign Up Here |
| DIRECTV Stream | $69.99/mo. | Yes (5 Days) | Sign Up Here |
Purchase Season 5 from Amazon
You can also watch the current season of Yellowstone by purchasing a Season Pass from Amazon. As new episodes become available, you can download them or watch with an Amazon device and through the Prime Video app.
The pricing is as follows:
- In Standard Definition: $29.99
- In High Definition: $39.99
- In Ultra-High Definition: $49.99
How to Stream Yellowstone for Free
At the time of publication, the season five premiere is available to stream for free on Paramount Network’s website. To watch additional episodes you will need to sign-in with a TV provider.
They do also give you the option, though, of signing in with a “24 hour pass” that gives you full access to stream all available episodes of Yellowstone for free for 24 hours.
Pluto TV, which is owned by Paramount, also sometimes runs marathons of Yellowstone which you can watch for free.
Will Season Five Go to Peacock?
Nothing is official yet, but if it’s anything like season four, we can expect season five of Yellowstone to hit Peacock sometime in Spring 2023.
At just $4.99 a month, this is by far the cheapest way to way to watch Yellowstone, but you’ll have to wait a few extra months (potentially) to watch the latest season.
What About the Yellowstone Spin-Offs?
Perhaps to compensate for not having Yellowstone, Paramount has made all of the Yellowstone spin-offs Paramount+ exclusives.
So far they include:
- 1883: A limited series that acts as a prequel to Yellowstone starring Tim McGraw, Sam Elliot, and Faith Hill.
- 1923: Another prequel series starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren that will debut in December 2022.
- 6666: A spin-off set in the present day at the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas that’s set to debut in 2023.
- 1883: The Bass Reeves Story: A sequel series to 1883. Release date TBD.
Final Thoughts: How to Stream Yellowstone Without Cable
So to summarize: to watch Yellowstone when the new episodes air, you need access to the Paramount Network. The cheapest way to get this is with Philo for $25/month.
Previous seasons of Yellowstone stream on Peacock for $4.99/mo, and the current season will likely hit Peacock sometime next year. The spin-offs like 1883 and 1923 can be watched on Paramount+.
