One of America’s most popular TV shows returns today, but there’s a catch

It’s been almost two years since the hugely popular modern western drama Yellowstone recently aired one episode. Season 5, Part 1 ended with its 7th episode in December 2022. Episode 8 is released today.

That’s a hell of a wait, folks. I’m allowed to write sentences like this because I’m from the exact place where this show is set: Bozeman, Montana, born and raised. That’s where I rode my first horse, although I haven’t done any bronco riding and I can’t lasso to save my life. I can hit the side of a barn with a rifle, but I’m no John Dutton.

In fact, “no John Dutton” is like that Speaking of which, because Kevin Costner will not appear in this half of the series. The film’s star and filmmaker had a much-publicized argument with mega-producer Taylor Sheridan over the amount of time he would need to spend on set. Costner was and is in the process of filming his epic four-part Western film series Horizon: An American Saga, and his attention was too divided to remain a part of it Yellowstone Melodrama.

(I rather liked it Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, and I look forward to seeing Chapter 2 later this year.

ForbesHorizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 Review – Kevin Costner’s sprawling western is flawed but still greatFrom Erik Cain

In any case, the story of the Dutton family continues tonight at 8:00 pm ET on Paramount Network and at 10:00 pm ET on CBS (a special broadcast).

The big “catch” in the title of this post is that this is the case the only way to watch unless you wait for the streaming release on Peacock months later. That’s not entirely true. You can also purchase the season on Prime Video and watch the episodes online earlier. But that’s the only way to keep up with Beth (Kelly Reilly), Rip (Cole Hauser), Kayce (Luke Grimes), Monica (Kelsey Asbille), Jamie (Wes Bentley), Jimmy (Jefferson White) and all the rest of the Cowboys cast and their antagonists takes place via traditional cable television.

Are you watching? Yellowstone Despite it? I know many fans have been unhappy with the way the show has gone over the last few seasons, but it remains an extremely popular soap opera (I call it a soap opera, just as I thought). Sons of Anarchy to be a soap opera, but you may disagree). Let me know your thoughts on this TwitterInstagram or Facebook. Also, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

For more shows and movies coming out this weekend, check out my weekend streaming guide. Netflix also just dropped the final season of one of its best shows, although it’s about as different Yellowstone as you can get.