‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 premieres with 12.1 million viewers

Yahoo Finance reporter Allie Canal shares viewership details about Yellowstone's season 5 premiere on Paramount.

Video transcript

DAVE BRIGGS: Allie, stick around. As a general rule, going up against the most watched show on TV for 11 straight years, generally not a good idea, but nobody likes a good old-fashioned duel like the Paramount hit "Yellowstone." Despite Sunday Night Football, the Kevin Costner Western broke a record for season debut Sunday night when season 5 started with a bang-- 12.1 million viewers.

Initially, it was 8.8 million watched on Paramount. That number jumped to 10.3 with CMT, TV Land, and Pop added in, and then it jumped again to 12.1 when you add on the encore telecast if you're wondering how they got to that number. The 18 to 34 demo really stands out here. Increased 52% from last year. Allie, this is the, if you would, bona fide hit on all of television at the moment, or at least in the handful of biggest hits.

ALEXANDRA CANAL: Yeah, and I think Paramount, it's often looked at as sort of the underdog in the streaming wars in a lot of way, but when you take a look at some of this content like "Yellowstone," my mom is the biggest fan of this show. I don't know how she watches all the television series that she does, but she loves "Yellowstone." I know so many people that are just addicted to this type of programming.

And I think Paramount has really proven itself when it comes to that content. You wonder, though, if Paramount has enough gusto behind it to really catapult it to the top of the streaming wars, or could it be a potential acquisition target?

SEANA SMITH: Well, and you know what's interesting is that "Yellowstone" isn't available on Paramount+. They have an exclusive deal with Peacock, so you have to question just how many subscribers potentially they are losing or not getting. They're not attracting new subscribers that would be willing to sign up for Paramount+ because it has been such a hit, Rachelle.

RACHELLE AKUFFO: I mean, you would think so, especially as a lot of these streamers are looking for ways to become more profitable as it does become such a crowded market. Maybe a missed opportunity there, but as you were saying, potentially acquisition may be as attractive as it is and how well it's doing against football. But really interesting. I've never seen a single episode. It looks very well produced, but--

SEANA SMITH: Only one--

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

RACHELLE AKUFFO: --I'm outside of that age demographic.

SEANA SMITH: Guys, you're making me feel better. I felt like heading into this segment, I was the only one that hasn't watched "Yellowstone."

ALEXANDRA CANAL: I just finished "The White Lotus." This is next on my list. I think this will be a good one for us to watch, Seana. We can do it.

DAVE BRIGGS: It is outstanding. It is a terrific series full of drama. Some say it's succeeding because it's anti-woke conservative agenda. I certainly think that plays a role here. I will say, shares of Paramount up 5%. I want to mention that Warren Buffett revealed his increased stock, which is 91 million shares. So Warren Buffett had a very good day, as did "Yellowstone."

SEANA SMITH: Yeah, he first initiated that stake in the company back in May, so, again, adding to that over the last several months. All right, Allie Canal, thanks so much, as always, for hopping on set here for us. All right--