Yellowstone's Explosive CBS Premiere Shatters Records with Jaw-Dropping 132% Surge in Viewership

Summary

CBS's premiere of Yellowstone drew 6.56 million viewers, a 132% increase compared to its debut on Paramount Network.

Despite the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes causing a delay in the release of Yellowstone season 5 part 2, the show's success remains impressive. The significant viewership numbers indicate that even previous episodes of the show have the ability to capture a large audience, highlighting its enduring popularity.

Yellowstone's debut on network TV has attracted a massive audience, significantly surpassing its initial release on cable. Having aired on the Paramount Network since its introduction in 2018, Yellowstone was included in CBS's autumn lineup in July. This decision was made by the network in response to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which have resulted in numerous production delays or halts. To fill the gaps left by affected productions, CBS opted to bring Yellowstone to broadcast television.

The CBS premiere of Yellowstone was undeniably successful. As reported by The Wrap, the pilot episode of Yellowstone, which aired on Sunday evening, garnered 6.56 million viewers. This number is expected to increase to 6.82 million views by the end of the week, as it does not account for out-of-home viewing.

How Yellowstone Has Been Affected By The Strikes

Yellowstone's viewing numbers for the show have been incredibly successful. The viewership has increased by a remarkable 132% compared to the debut of Yellowstone season 1 on Paramount Network. In addition, Yellowstone has attracted the largest audience for a scripted series since the NCIS season 20 finale in May. These records, achieved even before the out-of-home totals were calculated, demonstrate Yellowstone's enduring popularity with the CBS audience.

It is noteworthy that Yellowstone's success has come despite the challenges posed by the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Earlier this year, it was announced that Yellowstone would conclude after the second half of season 5, with the most recent episode airing on January 1. Originally scheduled to be released later in 2023, the release of Yellowstone season 5 part 2 has been delayed due to the strikes.

The CBS premiere data indicates that even past episodes of Yellowstone can attract a wide audience, suggesting that both new viewers and those eager to rewatch the series contribute to its strong following. Given the ongoing popularity of the show, its eventual finale could surpass initial expectations and leave a lasting impact.