A Long-Awaited Streaming Release
The final six episodes of Yellowstone Season 5, which wrapped up on Paramount Network on December 15, 2024, are finally hitting streaming platforms this weekend, March 16, 2025. Fans eager to watch the Dutton family’s dramatic conclusion won’t find these episodes on Paramount+, despite the show airing on the Paramount Network. Instead, Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for Yellowstone, including Season 5, Part 2. This news, reported by USA TODAY, has excited fans who have waited months to catch up or rewatch the intense finale that drew 11.4 million viewers.
Why Not Paramount+?
The absence of Yellowstone on Paramount+ has confused many fans, given the network’s connection to the show. Before Paramount+ launched in 2021, Paramount sold the streaming rights to Peacock, a decision that still holds. This means all seasons, including the final episodes, are available only on Peacock in the U.S. For those without cable, services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Philo offer access to Paramount Network for on-demand viewing, but Peacock remains the go-to for streaming without a cable package. This setup has made Yellowstone an outlier among modern dramas, sticking to a traditional TV model.
What Happens in the Finale
The second half of Season 5 picks up after John Dutton’s death, a major shock that shakes the Dutton family. Beth and Jamie’s feud escalates, with Beth blaming her brother for their father’s demise. The episodes focus on the family’s fight to save the Yellowstone Ranch from developers and internal betrayal. The finale, titled “Life is a Promise,” shows Beth and Rip facing tough choices about the ranch’s future, ending with an emotional scene set to Willie Nelson’s “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” The conclusion ties up loose ends while leaving room for potential spin-offs, as reported by USA TODAY.
Streaming Options and Costs
To watch the final episodes, fans need a Peacock subscription. Peacock offers two plans: Premium, which includes ads, and Premium Plus, which is ad-free with offline downloads. Both plans provide access to all Yellowstone seasons. For live viewing, services like Philo, starting at $28 per month after a free trial, or Hulu + Live TV, which includes Paramount Network, are options. These services let viewers catch episodes on-demand if they miss the live Sunday broadcasts at 8 p.m. ET.
Streaming Platforms for Yellowstone
| Platform | Content Available | Cost (Starting) |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock | All seasons, including 5 Part 2 | $5.99/month (Premium) |
| Hulu + Live TV | Paramount Network on-demand | $76.99/month |
Subscription Plans for Peacock
| Plan | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Ads, full library access | $5.99/month |
| Premium Plus | Ad-free, offline downloads | $11.99/month |
What’s Next for Yellowstone
While Season 5 was billed as the end, Paramount has hinted at more to come. The network called the finale a “season finale” instead of a series end, sparking talk of a sixth season or a spin-off with Beth and Rip, played by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. No official confirmation has come from creator Taylor Sheridan, but August 2024 reports suggest negotiations are underway. Fans are buzzing on X about the possibility of more Dutton drama, especially after the finale’s open-ended moments. The Yellowstone universe is also growing with spin-offs like 1923 and The Madison on Paramount+, keeping the franchise alive.