Yellowstone Finale Hit a Ratings High Point, But There a Catch

Yellowstone series’ high-stakes finale saw a major death, advanced set-ups for a few promising spin-offs, and sent the entire Dutton Ranch into the sunset, one board at a time.

As dramatic as the finale itself was, trying to watch it wasn’t any simpler. Fans in the United States had to tune in to the Paramount Network (not Paramount+, which confusingly hosted the finale in Canada, the UK, and Ireland). Navigating where to find the finale felt like an episode of Yellowstone full of twists, turns, and an occasional identity crisis.

---

A Record-Breaker? Well, Kind Of…

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: Paramount’s claim comes with a caveat big enough to rival the Dutton Ranch itself. The 11.4 million viewers figure is impressive, no doubt. But when compared to the Season 5B premiere, which reportedly drew in 16.4 million viewers, there’s a noticeable gap.

Why the discrepancy? It’s all in how the numbers were crunched. The finale’s 11.4 million figure is based solely on Live and Same-Day viewing across the Paramount Network and CMT. On the other hand, the Season 5B premiere’s 16.4 million included everything — live viewers, CBS broadcasts, other cable networks, and even encore airings. Basically, it was a ratings buffet, while the finale’s count was more like a grab-and-go meal.

---

Switching From Nielsen to VideoAmp: The Plot Thickens

If you’re already scratching your head over these numbers, hold onto your cowboy hat, because there’s more. Paramount has shifted its data source from Nielsen (the industry gold standard for TV ratings) to VideoAmp, following the expiration of their contract in September.

RETATED……What Did Jamie Do? Breaking Down the Yellowstone Feud

Now, this change isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make comparisons a little tricky. It’s like switching horses mid-race and then arguing over which one ran faster. Sure, both are reliable, but they measure performance differently.

Paramount’s use of VideoAmp data for both the finale and the Season 5B premiere makes those two numbers directly comparable. However, stacking them up against past seasons, which relied on Nielsen data, is a bit of a wild card.

---

So, Is 11.4 Million Really That Impressive?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this number. Pulling in 11.4 million viewers in today’s fragmented TV landscape is no small feat. With streaming services, on-demand options, and people binge-watching at their own pace, getting that many folks to tune in live is like herding cattle during a thunderstorm — a rare and miraculous sight.

But — and here’s the kicker — it’s also important to keep perspective. Back in the glory days of network TV, shows like Friends and The Sopranos regularly pulled in tens of millions of viewers without breaking a sweat. In comparison, Yellowstone’s finale might not seem like a juggernaut, but for a cable show in 2024, it’s a big win.

RETATED……6666 Spin-Off Teases Two Major Yellowstone Stars Returning Post-Season 5

---

The Real MVPs: The Fans (and Their Patience)

One of the funniest (and mildly frustrating) parts of the Yellowstone finale saga is the sheer complexity of its airing schedule. Fans in the U.S. were glued to the Paramount Network, while viewers in other countries hopped onto Paramount+. The confusion sparked memes, debates, and plenty of “Where do I watch this thing?!” tweets.

It’s almost as if Paramount wanted to test viewers’ loyalty. But hey, if fans could survive the endless drama of the Dutton family, what’s a little streaming confusion?

---

What’s Next for Yellowstone? Spin-offs, of Course!

If you thought the Yellowstone universe would ride off into the sunset after the finale, think again. Taylor Sheridan is already cooking up a batch of spin-offs that promise to expand the Dutton saga even further.

There’s 1923, 1883, and whispers of a new spin-off that could focus on the next generation of Duttons. And let’s not forget the much-anticipated Yellowstone: The 4Sixes Ranch, which might give Rip and Beth fans something to cling to while mourning the main series.

RETATED……Yellowstone’ Concludes with Record Viewership

In true Sheridan fashion, these spin-offs will likely come with their fair share of drama, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping moments. And who knows? Maybe one of them will finally explain why the Duttons can’t go a single day without starting a feud.

---

The Legacy of Yellowstone

Whether you loved or hated the finale, one thing is certain: Yellowstone has cemented its place in TV history. Its unique blend of Western grit, family drama, and breathtaking Montana landscapes captured the hearts of millions.

And while the finale’s ratings might come with an asterisk, they’re still a testament to the show’s cultural impact. After all, how many modern shows can say they’ve sparked nationwide debates, inspired cowboy hat trends, and made ranch life seem cool?

---

A Final Ride Into the Sunset

As Yellowstone rides off into the sunset, it leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable characters, dramatic showdowns, and enough plot twists to last a lifetime. The finale may not have shattered every ratings record, but it proved that the Duttons’ story still has plenty of life left — whether in spin-offs, streaming marathons, or passionate fan discussions