Paramount Network’s Yellowstone is second highest-rated show on cable
After only three episodes, Yellowstone, the new Western starring Oscar-winner Kevin Costner and created by Oscar-nominee Taylor Sheridan, has become basic cable’s second most-watched scripted series.
Deadline reports that the series has averaged 4.6 million viewers in Live+3 ratings across its first three episodes. Yellowstone‘s ratings have been consistent since its first episodes — a feat for a new show, as many new shows see their ratings drop after the premiere.
In fact, the series’ premiere has the distinction of being the most watched of the summer on any network, broadcast or cable. It represented a ratings high for the fledgling Paramount Network, besting the ratings for its other two recently released scripted series Waco and American Woman.
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In addition, Yellowstone‘s third episode, “No Good Horses,” set ratings records in specific demographics, including adults 18-49 (1.3) and women and adults 25-54 (1.7 and 1.9 respectively).
The Paramount Network show is now second only in viewers on ad-supported cable to ratings behemoth The Walking Dead. A pretty nice position for Yellowstone to be in after only three weeks on the air.
The news validates Paramount Network’s strategy of signing name talent with built-in fan bases who can bring in interested viewers. No doubt, Costner’s and Sheridan’s names attracted many viewers to Yellowstone. More importantly, though, once the show drew those viewers in, they decided to stick around, attesting to their ongoing interest in the series.
Next: Yellowstone season 1, episodes 1 and 2 recap: “Daybreak” and “Kill the Messenger”
The network will continue to expand its original series offerings. It recently announced it ordered a pilot for 68 Whiskey, an adaptation of the Israeli series Charlie Golf One, to be directed by Oscar-winner Ron Howard. While Howard is a prolific film director, he doesn’t often direct television, so a Howard-directed pilot would be sure to attract viewers.
Yellowstone broadcasts new episodes every Wednesday at 10 pm on the Paramount Network. You can also check out our recap of the first and second episodes of the series and stream the show on the Paramount Network website.