The fifth season premiere of “Yellowstone” saw ratings increases across all demographics and viewing platforms, with 12 million tuning in during the night’s simulcast. On Paramount Network, the Western saw double-digit increases across 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 demos in official Nielsen Fast National live plus-same day figures.
In linear viewing on Paramount, the series broke its Season 4 numbers with help from the youngest demographic group. In 18-34, viewing was up 52% (1.67 vs. 2.53 in live plus-same day). The key demo of 18-49 saw a 22% (3.26 vs. 3.96), while the older 25-54 was up 13% (4.85 vs. 5.48). Across linear, the program saw a 10% viewing bump, averaging 8.8 million compared to last year’s 8 million.
The same was true for the premiere simulcast occurring on Paramount Network, CMT, TV Land and Pop. During night-of viewing, the Season 5 premiere averaged 12.1 million watchers overall, up from 11.2 million the year prior. Ratings increases were similar to those seen in both exclusive Paramount Network viewing and simulcasting network viewing: 18-34 was up 53% (2.32 vs. 3.55), 18-49 was up 25% (4.47 vs. 5.60) and 25-54 was up 15% (6.70 vs. 7.68).
“Yellowstone” chronicles the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds and hard-earned respect, the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders — including an expanding town, a Native American reservation and vicious business rivalries.
From MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, “Yellowstone” is co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (“Sicario,” “Hell or High Water”) and John Linson, both of whom serve as executive producers. Additional EPs are Art Linson, Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari and Stephen Kay. The wildly popular drama has launched a bevy of spinoffs, including the already concluded “1883,” as well as the upcoming “1883: The Bass Reeves Story,” “1923” and “6666.”
