List of Yellowstone episodes

For the episodes from the British nature documentary series, see Yellowstone (British TV series) § Episodes.

Yellowstone is an American neo-Western drama television series created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson that premiered on June 20, 2018, on Paramount Network. The series stars Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham. The series follows the conflicts along the shared borders of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, a large cattle ranch, the Broken Rock Indian reservation, Yellowstone National Park, and land developers.

The series was renewed for a fifth season to be split into two installments; the first part aired as eight episodes, to be followed with the second half of six episodes. It premiered on November 13, 2022, and the first installment ended on January 1, 2023. The second part of the fifth and final season premiered on November 10, 2024.

During the course of the series, 53 episodes of Yellowstone aired over five seasons, between June 20, 2018, and December 15, 2024.

Series overview

Season	Episodes		Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
1	9		June 20, 2018 (2018-06-20)	August 22, 2018 (2018-08-22)
2	10		June 19, 2019 (2019-06-19)	August 28, 2019 (2019-08-28)
3	10		June 21, 2020 (2020-06-21)	August 23, 2020 (2020-08-23)
4	10		November 7, 2021 (2021-11-07)	January 2, 2022 (2022-01-02)
5	14	8	November 13, 2022 (2022-11-13)	January 1, 2023 (2023-01-01)
		6	November 10, 2024 (2024-11-10)	December 15, 2024 (2024-12-15)

Episodes

Season 1 (2018)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"Daybreak"	Taylor Sheridan	Story by : Taylor Sheridan & John Linson Teleplay by : Taylor Sheridan	June 20, 2018 (2018-06-20)	2.83
Ranch owner John Dutton euthanizes an injured horse after a collision with a developer's truck, then has a legal case dismissed with the help of his middle son Jamie. Top ranchhand Rip hires an ex-con named Jimmy, and John sends them with dynamite to stop the developer's dam project by diverting a river. Meanwhile, Kayce, John's third son, lives on an Indian reservation with his wife Monica and family. When Dutton cattle wander onto Native American land, a confrontation ensues, resulting in the deaths of eldest son Lee Dutton and Kayce's brother-in-law Robert. Aided by daughter Beth's return from Utah, the Duttons then plan their next counter-moves.
2	2	"Kill the Messenger"	Taylor Sheridan	Story by : Taylor Sheridan & John Linson Teleplay by : Taylor Sheridan	June 27, 2018 (2018-06-27)	2.07
Governor Lynelle Perry's autopsy report implicates Kayce in Robert's murder, so John tries to keep the evidence from going public. He convinces Federal agents to stay quiet but the county shares the results with the tribal police. Chief Thomas Rainwater sees an opportunity to remove the Duttons, and John cremates Lee's body to destroy evidence. Meanwhile, Kayce discovers dinosaur bones and decides to leave Montana for the Navy. Monica confronts him about Robert's murder, and then they discover a meth lab. After mercy-killing the lone survivor, Kayce joins Rainwater in a tribal ritual. On John's orders, Rip kills the medical examiner and burns his lab.
3	3	"No Good Horses"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	July 11, 2018 (2018-07-11)	2.17
In a childhood flashback, Beth and Kayce are horseback riding with their mother Evelyn. Beth is nervous, her horse rears up and causes Evelyn to be thrown by her own horse, critically injuring her. Kayce tries going for help, but Evelyn insists Beth go instead as the accident was Beth's fault. John finds Beth and, hours later, Evelyn's deceased body. Back in the present, Governor Lynelle spends the night with John on the anniversary of Evelyn's death, upsetting an already irritated Beth. On the reservation, Kayce and his son Tate come across a suspicious white van. Kayce looks inside, sees a young girl bound with tape and shoots two men as they emerge. He restores the girl to her family and then returns with the girl's father, Danny, to burn and bury the two bodies. Jamie tells John he wants to run for Attorney General. John supports him, but also tells Beth he wants her to run for the state assembly. She doesn't wish to but doesn't say no. Rainwater is arrested for stealing John's cattle. He returns them but tells John that when he dies, Rainwater will tear down his fences and take back the land. Monica's sister-in-law commits suicide, distraught over her husband's death.
4	4	"The Long Black Train"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	July 18, 2018 (2018-07-18)	1.89
Thomas Rainwater and a work crew discover the graves and bones of the bodies buried by Kayce and Danny. A ranch worker is concerned that John should not be riding horses, and it is revealed that he has colon cancer and recently had surgery to have part of his colon removed. Kayce arrives at the ranch with Tate. Tate and John go to the river, where they gather wood to start a fire. Tate falls into the river, and John rescues him. Jimmy struggles with finding his footing in the ranch, and gets into a fight with a ranchhand named Fred. Rip comes to Jimmy's rescue and tells Fred and other men that if they ever hit a branded man, they will die. Later, John tells Rip to take Fred to the "train station".
5	5	"Coming Home"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	July 25, 2018 (2018-07-25)	1.95
As Kayce feels the heat from the tribal police, Jamie works some legal magic. Rip recruits another ex-convict, Walker, as an extra cowboy for the ranch, and a beaten-down Jimmy begins to find some respect. John makes a play to keep Kayce and Monica close to home.
6	6	"The Remembering"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	August 1, 2018 (2018-08-01)	2.10
A new partnership between developer Dan Jenkins and Chief Rainwater threatens John and the Yellowstone ranch. Jamie ramps up his political campaign with the aid of a female organiser. Rip confronts Kayce about cleaning up his messes.
7	7	"A Monster Is Among Us"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	August 8, 2018 (2018-08-08)	2.08
John scares away a coachload of Chinese tourists trespassing on the ranch land. Rip stumbles upon a dangerous and dire situation with two hikers who fall to their death after fleeing a bear, and then shoots the bear in self-defence. A plan is set in motion designed to squeeze John Dutton and threaten his way of life. Monica begins a tough recovery after hospitalisation for a head injury.
8	8	"The Unravelling, Part 1"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	August 15, 2018 (2018-08-15)	2.13
Rip undergoes a sheriff's investigation into the deaths of the tourists and the bear killing. Jamie's political future comes into question, and Beth enacts a strategy to undermine the developer Jenkins' finances and remove him from the board of his own company.
9	9	"The Unravelling, Part 2"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	August 22, 2018 (2018-08-22)	2.37
John discovers his true alliances. Rip searches to identify those plotting against the ranch and recruits the help of a female Native American wrangler, Avery, who joins the men living in the bunkhouse. Jamie's political career is threatened by John's cessation of all economic support, and in retaliation he agrees to a newspaper interview about his father. Beth takes on a new role, and Kayce moves into the ranch bunkhouse after Monica's decision to separate from him. Rip, Kaycee and Jamie interrogate Jenkins with the aid of a hanging rope, to reveal the full extent of the plot against the Dutton ranch.

Season 2 (2019)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
10	1	"A Thundering"	Ed Bianchi	Taylor Sheridan & John Coveny	June 19, 2019 (2019-06-19)	2.41
Kayce settles into his new role at the ranch. A damaging article threatens to expose John. Rainwater pitches his new plan to the tribal council.
11	2	"New Beginnings"	Ed Bianchi	Taylor Sheridan	June 26, 2019 (2019-06-26)	2.21
Kayce and Rip come to blows. Beth starts buying up land to protect the ranch. Monica begins a new chapter at the university teaching America's founding history from the Native American perspective.
12	3	"The Reek of Desperation"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	July 10, 2019 (2019-07-10)	2.28
Rainwater teams up with Jenkins for a big business deal, but powerful new enemies look to block their plans. John and Beth groom a new political candidate.
13	4	"Only Devils Left"	Stephen Kay	Brett Conrad and Taylor Sheridan	July 17, 2019 (2019-07-17)	2.08
John's enemies strike a direct hit on the Yellowstone. John forms an unlikely alliance. Kayce has his first day as a livestock officer.
14	5	"Touching Your Enemy"	John Dahl	John Coveny & Ian McCulloch and Taylor Sheridan	July 24, 2019 (2019-07-24)	2.18
Jamie tries desperately to walk back from a previous mistake. Kayce tracks down evidence. Monica and Martin attend a traditional Indian horse relay.
15	6	"Blood the Boy"	John Dahl	Brett Conrad and Taylor Sheridan	July 31, 2019 (2019-07-31)	2.27
John prepares to partner with a former pair of foes. Jamie makes a drastic move to protect the ranch. Jimmy takes a shot at a bronco riding competition.
16	7	"Resurrection Day"	Ben Richardson	John Coveny & Ian McCulloch and Taylor Sheridan	August 7, 2019 (2019-08-07)	2.31
Tensions escalate as the Beck brothers become frustrated by the Duttons' unwillingness to play ball. Jamie looks for a fresh start. Tate gets his first horse.
17	8	"Behind Us Only Grey"	Ben Richardson	Brett Conrad and Taylor Sheridan	August 14, 2019 (2019-08-14)	2.54
John and Rip seek revenge. Monica ponders the consequences of her living situation. Jimmy clears old debts to prevent further attacks on his grandfather. The Duttons, Rainwater, and Jenkins put aside their differences to unite against the Becks.
18	9	"Enemies by Monday"	Guy Ferland	Taylor Sheridan and Eric Beck	August 21, 2019 (2019-08-21)	2.46
The Duttons gear up for a final fight with the Becks. Beth helps Monica out of an uncomfortable situation. Tate is kidnapped by the Becks.
19	10	"Sins of the Father"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan & Eric Beck	August 28, 2019 (2019-08-28)	2.81
John is reminded of his father's last days as the feud with the Becks comes to a head in an attempt to save Tate. Rip receives an inheritance of sorts.

Season 3 (2020)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
20	1	"You're the Indian Now"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	June 21, 2020 (2020-06-21)	4.23
John meets with the Governor and says he will resign as livestock commissioner and decides to name Jamie as his successor. Kayce decides to build a camp for the summer so they can keep an eye on the herd. Monica chastises her students for their lack of interest in the world in which they live. Beth and Chief Rainwater both find out about a new threat in the valley.
21	2	"Freight Trains and Monsters"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	June 28, 2020 (2020-06-28)	3.57
Life continues at the summer camp while Jamie begins his new job as Livestock Commissioner. Beth pays a visit to the enigmatic Roarke Morris and learns of his ultimate plans for the valley. Teeter joins the ranch as the new female ranch hand. John reminisces about past lives. Jamie is faced with a problem that could rock the very foundations of his career and future.
22	3	"An Acceptable Surrender"	John Dahl	Taylor Sheridan	July 5, 2020 (2020-07-05)	3.73
Jamie seeks to fix the problem of Agent Hendon's murderous actions by concocting a story that will save everyone involved, while earning Jamie the respect of the ranchers he represents. Ellis Steele approaches Governor Perry and unveils his plans for placing an airport in the middle of the Yellowstone Ranch, pressuring her to invoke eminent domain for the billions of tax revenue the new resort will earn for Montana. Jimmy decides to pursue his dreams of rodeo, while John and Governor Perry discuss saving the ranch by moving Jamie into the position of interim Attorney General and for Kayce to be appointed as Livestock Commissioner.
23	4	"Going Back to Cali"	John Dahl	Taylor Sheridan	July 12, 2020 (2020-07-12)	3.55
Jimmy recuperates from his rodeo accident with a little help from Mia. Beth leaks information to the press about Market Equities' unsecured leasing plans to develop the valley, thus causing their stock prices to plummet. Thomas Rainwater enlists the help of an old adversary to battle Ellis Steele and his horde of developers. Governor Perry pays a visit to the summer camp to convince Kayce to become Livestock Commissioner. Beth reveals to Rip that she cannot bear children. California bikers are taught a lesson they won't soon forget about trespassing on the Dutton Ranch.
24	5	"Cowboys and Dreamers"	Christina Voros	Taylor Sheridan	July 19, 2020 (2020-07-19)	3.69
A flashback reveals the origin of Beth's intense hatred toward Jamie. Thomas Rainwater and John meet to discuss their common enemy and how best to combat them. Kayce, as new Livestock Commissioner, takes a risk to help a local family after the father's suicide. Beth continues to come after Roarke by shorting his company's stock. Rip and the wranglers get into an altercation with an old adversary of John Dutton.
25	6	"All for Nothing"	Christina Voros	Taylor Sheridan	July 26, 2020 (2020-07-26)	3.68
Wade Morrow and John Dutton confront one another over an old feud. A missing girl on the Broken Rock Indian Reservation sparks a massive search that results in finding the young girl murdered, fostering a newfound commitment from Monica for her people. Mia and Laramie shake up the bunkhouse with a little late night buffalo riding. Willa Hays, CEO of Market Equities, makes Jamie an obscenely lucrative offer for 50,000 acres of the Dutton Ranch. Beth confesses to her father what Jamie did at the abortion clinic when they were teenagers, thus creating more schism in the family.
26	7	"The Beating"	Guy Ferland	Taylor Sheridan	August 2, 2020 (2020-08-02)	3.63
Cattle thieves send Kayce and his crew on a statewide hunt for the missing livestock. Rip has a very bad day with Jimmy and Mia. Beth and Angela Blue Thunder align their common causes against Market Equities. John gives Wade Morrow's son a beating in a local diner. Beth asks Rip to marry her. Jamie discovers a secret that has been kept from him since childhood.
27	8	"I Killed a Man Today"	Guy Ferland	Taylor Sheridan	August 9, 2020 (2020-08-09)	3.83
John and Tate enjoy a little horsemanship. Jamie convinces Kayce that Market Equities' offer is the only way to avoid losing it through eminent domain. Willa Hays and Beth play tug-of-war with each other's companies' stock. Monica departs on a dangerous mission to bring justice to Native women. Beth unsuccessfully attempts to convince John to sell off part of the ranch. Wade Morrow sends a message to John by exacting revenge upon Colby and Teeter.
28	9	"Meaner Than Evil"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	August 16, 2020 (2020-08-16)	3.99
Walker returns to the fold after being spotted by Rip performing in a bar in Dillon. Beth is fired from her job at Schwartz & Meyer by Willa Hays, but vows revenge. Jamie confronts his past in the flesh. Wade Morrow meets his Maker, but not before returning something to John Dutton. Walker is forced to prove his loyalty to the brand. The bodies of Morrow and his son are "taken to the train station" to be dumped.
29	10	"The World Is Purple"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	August 23, 2020 (2020-08-23)	5.16
In speaking with his biological father, Jamie realizes certain truths about his life that will set him on a different path. Willa tasks Roarke with more dirty deeds against the Duttons. Mia confronts Jimmy about his brand and challenges him to return to rodeo. All the players sit down at the negotiating table with John's back clearly against the wall. Angela Blue Thunder admonishes Rainwater for being a slave to the white man's rules and tells him that the land must be retaken by force if necessary. All out war is unleashed on the Dutton family as they are targeted one-by-one for assassination.

Season 4 (2021–2022)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
30	1	"Half the Money"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	November 7, 2021 (2021-11-07)	8.38
After being shot on a remote highway, John leaves a message in the dirt that the shooters are in a blue van, and is still breathing when Rip arrives. Kayce fights back against his attackers and starts a police chase of the blue van, intercepting it and killing all the shooters during a violent firefight. John is rushed to a hospital by helicopter and is barely stable while in intensive care. Beth survives the bombing of her office building and she confronts Jamie about his apparent complicity in arranging the shooting and her desire to take revenge against him. Rip murders Roarke as an act of retaliation.
31	2	"Phantom Pain"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	November 7, 2021 (2021-11-07)	7.84
John is eventually released from the hospital though still shaken by the health consequences of his multiple gunshot wounds. Kayce also recovers from the wounds he suffered during the firefight. While at the hospital seeing to her father's release, Beth takes interest in a 14-year old boy who witnesses the death of his heroin addicted father and brings him home to see Rip, who is initially reluctant to have him around but eventually takes him under his wing. Meanwhile, Jamie buys land with the help of his father, Garrett.
32	3	"All I See Is You"	Guy Ferland	Taylor Sheridan	November 14, 2021 (2021-11-14)	7.49
John and Kayce continue to hunt down the members of the multiple hit squads contracted to kill their family. The results are effective and bloody. Some of the captured perpetrators are bound, tortured, and interrogated about the hit squads. As the Duttons make progress in finding all the culprits, John deals with one of them in a one-on-one, midnight shoot-out with handguns, during which he successfully dispenses with his enemy.
33	4	"Winning or Learning"	Guy Ferland	Taylor Sheridan	November 21, 2021 (2021-11-21)	7.42
John takes Kayce to his favorite place at the ranch and tells him that he must test Jamie's loyalty to the family. He hands Kayce the file given to him by Mo and Rainwater. It identifies the apparent leader of the multiple hit-squads hired to kill his family—an imprisoned felon named Riggins. John instructs Kayce to take the file to Jamie and ask him to open the prison file on Riggins for more information; if Jamie balks or delays in any way, John will assume that Jamie is selling out the family. Kayce gets Jamie to agree to order the prison files to be released. When Jamie receives the prison file for Riggins, he is visibly dismayed to learn that one of Riggins' previous cellmates was an ex-convict named Garrett Randall, Jamie's own biological father.
34	5	"Under a Blanket of Red"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 28, 2021 (2021-11-28)	7.89
John discovers that Beth has slept over at the house without telling anyone. She tells John that she is planning to leverage the offer from Market Equities and Schwartz & Meyer against both of them in an attempt to protect the ranch. At the Livestock Commission, Kayce is surprised by a random protest from an animal rights group against what they see as neglect by local ranchers. As they are arrested, John's attention is caught by the head protester, Summer; he bails her out and offers her a tour of the ranch. Jamie offers formal immunity for Riggins in prison, and reduction of sentence to soft labor in prison if he gives information about his father, Garrett Randall. When Jamie goes to confront his father with his findings, he is surprised to find his ex-girlfriend Christina walking up to him with a child, in front of Garrett. She tells Jamie to meet his own son.
35	6	"I Want to Be Him"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	December 5, 2021 (2021-12-05)	7.28
John's invitation to Summer to tour the ranch after the animal-rights protest turns into an overnight stay. Beth gets upset when she discovers that her father spent the night with a new love interest. Jamie confronts Garrett about the assassination attempt against John by holding a loaded handgun in his face. Garrett tells Jamie to shoot if he completely believes that John did not act in his own interest, over-and-above Jamie's, when it came to protecting John's ranch. He embraces Jamie and the two seem reconciled for the moment. Lloyd continues to have troubles at the bunkhouse and stabs his rival in the side of the chest with his knife. His victim is patched up and John tells Lloyd that he is on final notice for either staying or leaving the ranch forever. Rip decides that Lloyd must have a final knock-down fight with his bunkhouse rival with no holds barred. Meanwhile, Beth confronts Jamie again telling him that he is still on her notice for being a disloyal member of the family.
36	7	"Keep the Wolves Close"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	December 12, 2021 (2021-12-12)	7.54
Kayce is still searching for the horses reported as stolen that are still missing. Jamie continues bonding with his newfound son, his returned ex-girlfriend Christina, and his father Garrett. Garrett asks Christina if she'll help organize Jamie's bid for State Governor. Beth goes to her new office and discovers that the plans to renovate Yellowstone and its surrounding area are far more advanced than she ever suspected. John's sometimes love-interest, Governor Lynelle Perry, comes to visit him at the ranch to tell him that she is running for the U.S. Senate, and that she is ready to endorse Jamie for Governor. John expresses grave doubts about Jamie's loyalty and competence to be Governor, and tells her that he may end up running for Governor himself. Later, John confirms with Beth his suspicions about Jamie and his own plans to run for Governor. Jamie thinks that he is ready to accept Governor Perry's endorsement for his own campaign, when suddenly she announces publicly that she is endorsing John as her chosen candidate for the new Governor instead of Jamie.
37	8	"No Kindness for the Coward"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19)	7.73
Jamie is distraught at the news that the Governor has endorsed John to run for office instead of him as was promised. Garrett and Christina counsel him to spurn the endorsement, and that John's old-fashioned message will not help him with voters, which boosts Jamie's confidence. Beth's work at Market Equities puts her in charge of dealing with a large group of protesters at the building site for the new airport. John and Rip are heading for a meeting with the sheriff to discuss the convict in prison, whom John believes masterminded the assassination plot against him. When they reach the diner, John and Rip see that a hold-up is in progress. After a bloody shoot-out in the diner, John and Rip survive and all of the would-be robbers are dead. The sheriff is wounded and also dies in the attack. Seeing that he was trying to call his daughter, John is left to relay to her that her father has just died in the line of duty.
38	9	"No Such Thing as Fair"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	December 26, 2021 (2021-12-26)	7.48
Jamie is dismayed about John's campaign for Governor, but Christina tells him John's old-fashioned message has no lasting campaign value. Jamie tells her Garrett did hard time for murdering his own wife, Jamie's mother; Christina advises him to distance himself from Garrett for the sake of his campaign. Kayce tells Rainwater and Mo that he wishes to take the warrior initiation rites of Monica's tribe, and they agree to arrange it. John gets a call from Summer that she is in jail for the airport protest, charged for assaulting the arresting officer. On his way to Summer's plea bargain meeting, John spots Garrett having breakfast and they exchange bitter words. When John gets to Summer's meeting, he finds out Beth was behind the arrest of the protesters. Beth is distraught as John voices his disappointment and threatens to kick her out of the house. In the mountains by the ranch, Kayce is taken by Mo and Rainwater to the tribal ritual initiation site where he must endure the outdoor elements for four days without food, water or help.
39	10	"Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	January 2, 2022 (2022-01-02)	9.34
Rip convinces Beth to fully apologize to John, which he accepts. John clears all of Jimmy's debt, allowing him to move to Texas. At Market Equities, Beth is confronted by the board chairman who fires her and threatens to bring a major lawsuit against the ranch. Later, Beth kidnaps a Catholic priest to perform the marriage ceremony with Rip. John tries to get Summer free, but the judge decides to sentence her. Kayce's tribal initiation rites lead to nightmares and unpleasant flashbacks, causing him to believe his marriage to Monica is ill-fated. Beth visits Riggins in prison and gets him to admit he was hired by Garret to kill the Duttons, and that Jamie knew about it. She then confronts Jamie at gunpoint, forcing him to kill Garrett and dispose of his body, using evidence to blackmail him. Without relaying the details, Beth tells John that she now has Jamie under her control.

Season 5 (2022–2024)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
Part 1
40	1	"One Hundred Years Is Nothing"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	November 13, 2022 (2022-11-13)	9.41
John is sworn in as Governor of Montana. Beth and Jamie have a stare down. Market Equities CEO Caroline Warner is upset that John won, certain it spells the death of the airport and resort. Governor Dutton reconfirms he didn't want the job, he just wants to preserve what makes Montana special. He announces his first official action is to cancel the funding for the Paradise Valley Airport Project and surrounding commercial developments. Night falls as the stolen horses are corralled and wait to be picked up. Kayce calls Monica to update her on what's happening. She appears to be ready to give birth any minute even though it's three weeks before her due date. Kayce's worried about her driving and says he'll have an ambulance meet her on the road. Kayce leaves and heads out with the horses. Monica crashes the car on the way to the hospital and loses the baby. Tate reveals his mom and dad named the baby John.
41	2	"The Sting of Wisdom"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	November 13, 2022 (2022-11-13)	8.44
Kayce and Monica decide to bury their dead son at the ranch. John appoints Beth as his chief of staff to stop the airport construction, which Jamie warns could lead to a lawsuit, but Beth finds a zoning loophole. Lynelle warns John to find a political solution to keep his land safe. When the ranch hands find a dead cow in the fields, Rip suspects wolves and has ranch hands kill the 5 wolves responsible but discovers they are wearing GPS tracking collars from Yellowstone Park, forcing them to dispose of the bodies and imitating pack movements away from the ranch towards a river, where they dispose of the trackers. Despite being warned, John makes Jamie deliver the executive order revoking rights against Market Equities, who retaliate with cease-and-desist orders. In a flashback, John finds dead animals around a stream on his property and discovers utility workers spraying an EPA-approved herbicide that seeps into the water. The ranch hands attack the foreman responsible, vandalize the equipment, and spray his house with the deadly weed killer.
42	3	"Tall Drink of Water"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 20, 2022 (2022-11-20)	8.03
Law enforcement officials investigate the missing wolves and question Rip, then insist he ride out with them to track the wolves. They go to the spot where the wolves were killed but the land has been plowed, removing all evidence. Talking with members of Monica's tribe, Kayce and Monica discuss how they're going to say goodbye to their son's spirit. Jamie arrives at his office where he's been served by Sarah Atwood. Sarah appeals to Jamie financially, believing she knows he knows he's made a mistake in canceling the lease, then invites him to dinner. In Salt Lake City, Beth offers up her controlling shares in Schwartz & Meyer to Market Equities' rival, but will keep the Montana real estate. She does so under the guise of relinquishing her power because Equities will be coming after her stake in a lawsuit. The rival company signs the deal, much to Beth's delight, allowing her to block Equities from building on the ranch. Beth, Rip, Carter and the ranchers celebrate at a bar in Bozeman. Another woman starts flirting with Rip then unwisely approaches an angry Beth, who breaks a bottle over her head. A bar brawl ensues, the police arrive and Sheriff Ramsey charges Beth with aggravated assault.
43	4	"Horses in Heaven"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 27, 2022 (2022-11-27)	8.36
John decides to fire his policy staff, while Jamie is forced to help get Beth out of jail and convince the woman that she attacked to not go forward with charges but was unable to get her off the disorderly conduct, for which she is given community service. When Beth discovers Jamie has a son, she becomes infuriated and swears to take his child away from him. Kayce and Monica bury their child in the ranch's family cemetery, following her Native American traditions. Afterward, John comforts Monica, sharing a personal story that seems to bond them. John commutes Summer's sentence after a year of time-served and becomes her supervisor so she can help him fight the upcoming wolf court case. Jamie meets Sarah Atwood at a hotel bar and ends up having sex with her, while Beth listens from a distance. She finds Sarah's license and discovers it's fake, but before she can investigate further, has a tense encounter with Summer.
44	5	"Watch 'Em Ride Away"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	December 4, 2022 (2022-12-04)	7.61
John is assessing his new position as Governor and what he sees as his primary responsibilities to saving the Yellowstone ranch. He changes tactics politically and clears his appointments for two weeks, so he can camp with his many cowboy friends to see to the needs of the ranch. John tasks his office to begin planning an extravagant public event at his home to increase his political base, whom he plans to use to save his ranch from hostile market-based takeovers. Beth is livid with John for signing her out for custodial supervision at their ranch house. When Summer, a vegan, eventually sits down at the supper table with the Duttons, she criticizes the table and the chef for the family's "carnivorous" dinner. Beth immediately invites Summer to step outside and the two get into a fight. Rip gets the two to batter each other punch-for-punch until Beth lands a blow that nearly knocks Summer out, forcing her to concede and fostering a little respect. The next day, the Duttons and ranch members begin silent and determined preparations for their three-day bivouac, which creates a thoughtful atmosphere for Summer to reflect. She watches the cowboys depart for the distant parts of the vast Yellowstone ranch.
45	6	"Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	December 11, 2022 (2022-12-11)	7.89
The cowboys, along with John, make it across the vast Yellowstone ranch and begin to round up the cattle. Beth reconnects with Rip who shows her his dream location at Yellowstone. He thinks it might make an impression on Beth as a place to finally build her own home, and she is deeply impressed. While John and the cowboys are away, a government military detachment of special services arrives at the reservation to begin setting up a perimeter for a VIP to arrive for a large public reception. Jamie reacts impulsively when he is seduced by Sarah, and starts having multiple sexual encounters with her. She eventually makes clear that she wants him to grandfather permission for Equities to build the new airport near Yellowstone; Jamie is convinced he can do so. Mo discovers that the President of the United States is unexpectedly arriving at the reservation for a visit of public support. During the herding, a fellow cowboy and friend of John's dies in his sleep, which John calls the perfect cowboy's death. John goes to comfort the widow of the elderly cowboy, which is captured by TV cameras.
46	7	"The Dream Is Not Me"	Stephen Kay	Taylor Sheridan	December 18, 2022 (2022-12-18)	7.72
In a flashback, Rip is jeered by a cowboy for Beth's affections, leading to a fight that leaves his rival severely injured. Despite Rip's going to John for help, the cowboy dies. Agreeing to hide the crime, John makes Rip promise to devote the rest of his life to the ranch, implying his Yellowstone branding. Jamie is confronted by Market Equities and Sarah, with official papers stating that the Dutton ranch and property is protected as a national park under state jurisdiction. Jamie is livid, since John and Beth kept him out of the loop. Sarah warns him that Equities will sue the state, potentially leading to bankruptcy. She convinces him that John needs to be removed from office, and promises him Equities' support in becoming the next governor. At the ranch, John and the cowboys discover that part of the land has been contaminated by bison, forcing them to use winter resources to feed the cattle. With little choice, John decides to lease some land in Texas to protect the livestock, although doing so will put them in debt. Beth discovers another form of income, as opposed to ranching, and struggles to get her father to agree. Jamie prepares a speech to the state assembly calling for John's impeachment.
47	8	"A Knife and No Coin"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	January 1, 2023 (2023-01-01)	8.19
Rip and the other cowboys make their way to Texas, leaving Kayce to run the ranch. As John lends support to Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation in defiance of a pipeline, he learns that Jamie has publicly called for his impeachment. Beth finds out and threatens Jamie with revealing how he dumped the body of his biological father, whom she forced Jamie to execute. Jamie informs Beth about the uselessness of her evidence, revealing the long tradition of the Duttons dumping their enemies in a no-man's land called the "Train Station," leaving Beth shocked and speechless. Jamie points out how their father's reckless, stubborn actions have done the ranch more harm than good and that the only way for it to thrive is to remove him from power. Realizing she had underestimated Jamie, Beth suggests to John that her brother might need to be taken to the train station himself. John is visibly uncomfortable about the idea and does not respond. Unbeknownst to Beth, Jamie has anticipated his sister's murderous intentions, and plans to counter by asking Sarah about hiring "professionals."
Part 2
48	9	"Desire Is All You Need"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 10, 2024 (2024-11-10)	5.85
Beth & Kayce arrive at the Governor's mansion to discover that John Dutton has seemingly committed suicide. As Kayce comforts Beth, she accuses Jamie of being responsible before calling Rip, who is in Texas with the other members. Flashback back to six weeks, Sarah speaks with a 'contractor' on how to kill John Dutton, agreeing to stage his death as suicide. During this time, Rip and the others are finishing up the transport of the cattle and horses to Texas. Back in the present, Jamie confronts Sarah about John's death, who confirms she arranged it. Beth and Kayce discuss if Jamie truly had John killed before Rip arrives back at the ranch to comfort Beth.
49	10	"The Apocalypse of Change"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 17, 2024 (2024-11-17)	5.96
During the six weeks before John's death, Beth finishes her community service before heading out to spend some time with Rip in Texas, where the ranch members struggle with new problems. Kayce, Monica, and Tate move into a new house near the ranch. In the present, Rip comforts Carter before driving Summer to the airport. Beth confronts Jamie, who refuses to answer or look at her, confirming her suspicions before Sarah and Ellis arrive to speak with him on Market Equities' desire to buy the land. After leaving, Beth calls Kayce to confirm Jamie's involvement, who then contacts a war buddy for help.
50	11	"Three Fifty-Three"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	November 24, 2024 (2024-11-24)	6.29
In a flashback, mercenaries kill John Dutton and stage his death as a suicide. In the present, Steven Rawlings is sworn in as Governor and begins to undo John's decisions, even trying to have Jamie removed from his position of power. Kayce uses his authority to have his father's body re-examined, using his knowledge as a soldier to help discover evidence of foul play to have the case reopened. Rainwater pays a visit to Beth and the two discuss the land, while Kayce confronts Jamie, who denies involvement in John's death. When Sarah learns about the case reopening, she begins to panic and has an argument with Jamie before leaving. In her car, Sarah is killed by assassins.
51	12	"Counting Coup"	Christina Alexandra Voros	Taylor Sheridan	December 1, 2024 (2024-12-01)	6.49
52	13	"Give the World Away"	Michael Friedman	Taylor Sheridan	December 8, 2024 (2024-12-08)	6.93
53	14	"Life Is a Promise"	Taylor Sheridan	Taylor Sheridan	December 15, 2024 (2024-12-15)	7.37

Ratings

The two-hour series premiere of Yellowstone averaged 2.8 million viewers in live + same day and became the most-watched original scripted series telecast ever on Paramount Network (or its predecessor Spike). The premiere audience grows to nearly 4 million when the two encore airings of the premiere are factored in. The premiere audience more than doubled that of Paramount Network's first scripted drama series, Waco and more than tripled the debut viewership of Paramount Network's new comedy series, American Woman. It was later reported that the premiere's Live+3 Nielsen ratings revealed that 4.8 million viewers ultimately watched the premiere after delayed viewing was factored in. By the series' third episode, it was reported that the show had become the second-most-watched television series on ad-supported cable to air in 2018, only behind AMC's The Walking Dead.

Yellowstone's fourth season premiere broke records. The two-hour premiere was watched by 8.38 million viewers in live + same day, which made it cable's most watched episode since 2018. The premiere also hit a new series high in the key adults 18-49 demo, drawing a 3.26 rating in adults 18-49 (L+SD), which was up 82% from the Season 3 premiere. Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of MTV Entertainment Studios, commented "Taylor has created a riveting world that our remarkable cast led by Kevin Costner brings to life in a way audiences can't get enough of. The Yellowstone season four premiere numbers are just another reason why we are thrilled to deepen our relationship with Taylor and capitalize on this tremendous momentum by building out the Yellowstone franchise together."

Yellowstone : U.S. viewers per episode (millions)

Audience measurement performed by Nielsen Media Research

Season 1

Viewership and ratings per episode of List of Yellowstone episodes

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"Daybreak"	June 20, 2018	0.4	2.83	0.5	2.48	0.9	5.31
2	"Kill the Messenger"	June 27, 2018	0.3	2.07	0.4	2.22	0.7	4.29
3	"No Good Horses"	July 11, 2018	0.4	2.17	0.5	3.05	0.9	5.22
4	"The Long Black Train"	July 18, 2018	0.3	1.89	0.5	2.75	0.8	4.64
5	"Coming Home"	July 25, 2018	0.3	1.95	0.6	3.03	0.9	4.98
6	"The Remembering"	August 1, 2018	0.4	2.10	0.4	2.20	0.8	4.31
7	"A Monster Is Among Us"	August 8, 2018	0.4	2.08	0.4	2.35	0.8	4.43
8	"The Unravelling, Pt. 1"	August 15, 2018	0.4	2.13	0.6	2.94	1.0	5.07
9	"The Unravelling, Pt. 2"	August 22, 2018	0.4	2.37	0.5	2.44	0.9	4.81

Season 2

Viewership and ratings per episode of List of Yellowstone episodes

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"A Thundering"	June 19, 2019	0.5	2.41	0.6	3.34	1.1	5.75
2	"New Beginnings"	June 26, 2019	0.5	2.21	0.8	3.39	1.3	5.60
3	"The Reek of Desperation"	July 10, 2019	0.4	2.28	0.8	3.41	1.2	5.69
4	"Only Devils Left"	July 17, 2019	0.5	2.08	0.7	3.34	1.2	5.42
5	"Touching Your Enemy"	July 24, 2019	0.5	2.18	0.6	3.20	1.1	5.38
6	"Blood the Boy"	July 31, 2019	0.6	2.27	0.6	3.27	1.2	5.55
7	"Resurrection Day"	August 7, 2019	0.5	2.31	0.9	3.78	1.4	6.09
8	"Behind Us Only Grey"	August 14, 2019	0.5	2.54	0.8	3.44	1.3	5.99
9	"Enemies by Monday"	August 21, 2019	0.5	2.46	0.7	2.83	1.2	5.29
10	"Sins of the Father"	August 28, 2019	0.6	2.81	0.6	2.93	1.2	5.74

Season 3

Viewership and ratings per episode of List of Yellowstone episodes

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"You're the Indian Now"	June 21, 2020	0.9	4.23	0.5	2.80	1.4	7.04
2	"Freight Trains and Monsters"	June 28, 2020	0.7	3.57	0.6	2.82	1.3	6.39
3	"An Acceptable Surrender"	July 5, 2020	0.7	3.73	0.5	2.65	1.2	6.38
4	"Going Back to Cali"	July 12, 2020	0.7	3.55	0.4	2.48	1.1	6.03
5	"Cowboys and Dreamers"	July 19, 2020	0.7	3.69	0.5	2.74	1.2	6.43
6	"All for Nothing"	July 26, 2020	0.7	3.68	0.5	2.62	1.2	6.30
7	"The Beating"	August 2, 2020	0.7	3.63	0.5	2.80	1.2	6.43
8	"I Killed a Man Today"	August 9, 2020	0.7	3.83	—	—	—	—
9	"Meaner Than Evil"	August 16, 2020	0.7	3.99	—	—	—	—
10	"The World Is Purple"	August 23, 2020	0.9	5.16	—	—	—	—

Season 4

Viewership and ratings per episode of List of Yellowstone episodes

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"Half the Money"	November 7, 2021	1.6	8.38	—	—	—	—
2	"Phantom Pain"	November 7, 2021	1.5	7.84	—	—	—	—
3	"All I See Is You"	November 14, 2021	1.5	7.49	—	—	—	—
4	"Winning or Learning"	November 21, 2021	1.3	7.42	—	—	—	—
5	"Under a Blanket of Red"	November 28, 2021	1.4	7.89	0.7	3.49	2.1	11.38
6	"I Want to Be Him"	December 5, 2021	1.3	7.28	0.7	3.68	2.1	10.96
7	"Keep the Wolves Close"	December 12, 2021	1.3	7.54	—	—	—	—
8	"No Kindness for the Coward"	December 19, 2021	1.4	7.73	—	—	—	—
9	"No Such Thing as Fair"	December 26, 2021	1.4	7.48	—	—	—	—
10	"Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops"	January 2, 2022	1.8	9.34	—	—	—	—

Season 5

Viewership and ratings per episode of List of Yellowstone episodes

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)
1	"One Hundred Years Is Nothing"	November 13, 2022	1.9	9.41
2	"The Sting of Wisdom"	November 13, 2022	1.6	8.44
3	"Tall Drink of Water"	November 20, 2022	1.5	8.03
4	"Horses in Heaven"	November 27, 2022	1.5	8.36
5	"Watch'em Ride Away"	December 4, 2022	1.3	7.61
6	"Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You"	December 11, 2022	1.4	7.89
7	"The Dream Is Not Me"	December 18, 2022	1.3	7.72
8	"A Knife and No Coin"	January 1, 2023	1.5	8.19
9	"Desire Is All You Need"	November 10, 2024	0.7	5.85
10	"The Apocalypse of Change"	November 17, 2024	0.8	5.96
11	"Three Fifty-Three"	November 24, 2024	0.9	6.29
12	"Counting Coup"	December 1, 2024	0.9	6.49
13	"Give The World Away"	December 8, 2024	1.0	6.93
14	"Life Is a Promise"	December 15, 2024	1.0	7.37

External links

• Official screenplay for "Horses in Heaven"