Yellowstone, which has already aired four and a half seasons, is a proven hit, with the cable western airing on Paramount Network and drawing big ratings numbers. But it now is going to have the chance to reach its largest audience ever as it is set to debut as part of CBS's 2023 fall TV schedule.
With writers and actors' currently on strike for a new labor agreement with studios, CBS's usual lineup of hit scripted shows aren't able to air new seasons in fall 2023. This includes NCIS season 21, Blue Bloods season 14, Fire Country season 2, Young Sheldon season 7, as well as new shows like Matlock and Elsbeth. While popular reality shows like Big Brother season 25, Survivor season 45 and The Amazing Race season 35 and more are going to be new, Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone is riding in to help fill things out.
Here is everything that you need to know about Yellowstone season 1's CBS debut.
How to watch Yellowstone season 1
Yellowstone season 1's run on CBS has come to an end, which means the easiest way to watch the first season of the western now is to stream it.
Catch up with Yellowstone by streaming everything through the first half of season 5 on Peacock. Rerun episodes also air on Paramount Network, so if you have DVR capability you can record those and watch at your convenience.
Yellowstone season 1 plot
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, who own one of the largest continuous ranches in the US, and have to fight to protect it from a wide range of enemies. Here is the official synopsis for Yellowstone season 1:
"Yellowstone stars Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch of a powerful, complicated family of ranchers. A sixth-generation homesteader and devoted father, Dutton controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. He operates in a corrupt world where politicians are compromised by influential oil and lumber corporations and land grabs make developers billions. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds and hard-earned respect, Dutton’s property is in constant conflict with those it borders — an expanding town, an Indian reservation and America’s first national park."
This is just the first part of what has become an expanding story. In addition to the five seasons of Yellowstone, there are two prequel series, 1883 and 1923, that have introduced us to more of the Dutton family tree.
Yellowstone season 1 recaps
Here are the synopsis for each Yellowstone season 1 episode shown on CBS so far and a link to our recap for the episode:
Yellowstone season 1 episode 1, "Daybreak"
"John Dutton tries to protect his ranch from land developers, an Indian reservation and America's first national park." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 1 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 2, "Kill the Messenger"
"As the dust settles from the shootout, the Duttons deal with the potential repercussions." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 2 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 3, "No Good Horses"
"The Duttons deal with a painful family anniversary. Kayce saves a young girl from danger. Jamie and Beth plan their respective political careers. Rainwater makes an ominous threat to the Dutton legacy." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 3 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 4, "The Long Black Train"
"A secret about John comes to the surface; Beth shows Jenkins a rough night out; Quality time with Tate leads to a close call." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 4 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 5, "Coming Home"
"As Kayce feels the heat from tribal police, Jamie works his legal magic; Rip recruits a new cowboy; John makes a play to keep Kayce and Monica close to home." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 5 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 6, "The Remembering"
"A new partnership threatens John and the Yellowstone; Jamie ramps up his political campaign." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 6 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 7, "A Monster Among Us"
"Rip stumbles upon a dangerous and dire situation; A plan is set in motion designed to squeeze John and threaten his way of life; Monica begins a tough recovery." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 7 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 8, "The Unravelling Part 1"
"Rip faces a sheriff's investigation after his accident with the tourists, Jamie's political future comes into question, and Beth goes after Dan's finances." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 episode 8 recap.
Yellowstone season 1 episode 9, "The Unravelling Part 2"
"John discovers his true alliances, Rip searches for answers, Jamie's political career is threatened, Beth takes on a new role, and Kayce returns home." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 1 finale recap.
Yellowstone season 1 cast
Here is the cast of characters that you are going to need to know for Yellowstone season 1:
- Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard) as John Dutton
- Luke Grimes (Happiness for Beginners, Fifty Shades of Grey) as Kayce Dutton
- Kelly Reilly (A Haunting in Venice, Calvary) as Beth Dutton
- Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games, American Horror Story) as Jamie Dutton
- Cole Hauser (Rogue, Good Will Hunting) as Rip Wheeler
- Kelsey Asbille (Fargo, Wind River) as Monica Dutton
- Gil Birmingham (Under the Banner of Heaven, Animal Kingdom) as Thomas Rainwater
- Jefferson White (Blindspot, God's Country) as Jimmy Hurdstrom
- Danny Huston (Succession, Wonder Woman) as Dan Jenkins
- Brecken Merrill (This Is Us) as Tate Dutton
- Wendy Moniz (FBI: Most Wanted, House of Cards) as Governor Lynelle Perry
- Forrie J. Smith (Dead Man's Hand) as Lloyd Pierce
- Ian Bohe (Teen Wolf) as Ryan
- Denim Richards (Good Trouble) as Colby
- Mo Brings Plenty (Jurassic World: Dominion, The Good Lord Bird) as Mo
Yellowstone season 1 trailer
Watch one of the first trailers for Yellowstone season 1 directly below:
