Do You Need To Watch Every ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff To Understand Season 5?

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The show most recently aired in 2022, which was the start of its final season. However, the upcoming final 6 episodes of the series are a continuation of season 5; they are not considered to be season 6.

This alone can be difficult for any outsiders to navigate, and that’s before we even get into the spinoffs. Two of these, “1883″ and “1993,” have already aired. There are at least three more on the way.

All of this has left many fans confused about what they actually need to watch to understand the series, and how much the side content actually informs “Yellowstone” itself, the franchise flagship.

So, if you’re looking to get into “Yellowstone” but don’t know which parts you need to watch, here’s a guide to help you out.

How many seasons of “Yellowstone” are there?

Four seasons of the series are completed, with the first half of season 5 airing in 2022. Only the first 8 episodes of season 5 have aired thus far.

On Nov. 10, the final 6 episodes of season 5 will begin premiering, with the last being the series finale.

There are also two spinoffs, “1883″ and “1923.” “1883″ has concluded after one season. “1923″ has only aired one season so far, and will conclude with season 2.

So, in total, there are roughly 7 seasons of “Yellowstone” content overall, although only 5 come from the flagship series.

Do I need to watch every ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff to understand season 5?

Long story short, you do not. Both of the spinoffs that have already aired, “1883″ and “1923,” take place in the year they’re named after.

While both shows illustrate the long history of the Dutton family and its roots in Montana, neither directly impacts the events of “Yellowstone.” They serve to deepen the world-building of the series, but otherwise, they are self-contained stories.

In other words, watching either show will give you a deeper appreciation for certain elements of “Yellowstone.” But neither is essential viewing to understanding the main plot.

Where can I watch the “Yellowstone” spinoffs? Where can I watch “1923″ and “1883?”

The sole season of “1883″ is only available on Paramount Plus. There are no other places to watch it. The same is true of “1923.”

You can sign up for Paramount Plus on the streaming service’s website. Currently, Paramount Plus features two subscription plans: a “limited commercials” option for $6 per month ($60 annually), and a premium “no commercials” option for $12 per month ($120 annually). You can try out either tier with a full 7-day free trial.

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Paramount Plus will also be the home of upcoming “Yellowstone” spinoffs such as “1944” and present-day spinoff “6666.”

“The Madison” another spinoff, is currently in development, as well, although it is not clear whether this will air on Paramount Plus or the Paramount Network yet.

Remember, though, that while Paramount Plus carries the “Yellowstone” spinoffs, it does not carry new or old seasons of “Yellowstone” itself.

How to watch previous seasons of “Yellowstone”

“Yellowstone” airs on the Paramount Network. This might lead you to believe that it is available to stream on Paramount Plus, but that is not the case.

Because of a complicated streaming arrangement (which precedes the show’s explosive popularity), “Yellowstone” will not be available on Paramount Plus for the foreseeable future. Instead, exclusive streaming rights to the series belong to Peacock.

The streaming service offers the first five seasons of the show on-demand, with the second half of season 5 to release some months after it begins airing.

You can get Peacock for $7.99 per month to watch with ads, or $13.99 to watch without them.

Remember, Peacock carries all of “Yellowstone,” but it does not feature either “1883″ or “1923.” Those are only available on Paramount Plus (free trial), which you can learn more about below.

When does “Yellowstone” season 5 return?

“Yellowstone” will return to complete its 5th and final season on Sunday, November 10, 2024. After many setbacks, including the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes, the series will finally conclude with these last six episodes.

When will “Yellowstone” season 5 part 2 release on Peacock?

We can’t say for sure, but we can make an informed guess.

There is no official confirmation regarding the Peacock release of “Yellowstone” season 5 part 2.

However, the first half of season 5 concluded on Jan. 1, 2023. A little more than 5 months later, on May 25, those first 8 episodes of the season were released on Peacock.

Assuming there are no interruptions to the show’s release schedule, the series will air its finale around Dec. 15. This makes it likely (but not guaranteed) that the series will be available to view, in its entirety, some time in May of 2025.

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