Paramount Network's YELLOWSTONE Premiere Draws Nearly 5 Million Viewers

The premiere of the new Paramount Network's critically acclaimed, "Yellowstone," attracted a record-setting audience of nearly 5 million viewers (Live+3 Days P2+) and now ranks as ad-supported cable's most watched scripted drama series premiere since "The People vs O.J. Simpson" in 2016. Furthermore, the premiere now ranks as summer's #1 new drama on both broadcast and cable*. The debut delivered an impressive 1.1 rating with P 18-49 and soared even higher to a 1.7 with P 25-54. New episodes premiere Wednesday at 10pm ET/PT only on Paramount Network. Full look at the season here.

Aside from the massive "The Walking Dead"/"Fear The Walking Dead" franchise, the "Yellowstone" premiere now ranks as the most-watched entertainment telecast on ad-supported cable this year. Furthermore, the premiere outpaced every 2018 World Cup telecast to-date on Fox/FS1, every MLB telecast this season, as well as every cablecast of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. The premiere also ranks as the most-watched original series telecast not only in the new network's history, but also for its former iteration, Spike.

The success of "Yellowstone" marks the six-month old network's third successful scripted launch in a row. Back in January, the limited-series "Waco" premiered to the best ratings for an ad-supported cable drama debut in nearly six months. Earlier this month, the network's first scripted-comedy "American Woman," bowed to the highest P/W18-49 and W25-54 ratings for an ad-supported cable scripted half-hour series premiere since early January.

Starring world-renowned actor and Oscar(R)-winner Kevin Costner, who serves in the lead role, "Yellowstone" is written and directed by critically-acclaimed, Oscar(R)-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan ("Wind River," "Hell or High Water" and "Sicario").

In addition to Costner, the impressive cast for "Yellowstone" includes Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Dave Anabelle, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Danny Huston, Gil Birmingham, Josh Lucas, Jefferson White, Gretchen Mol, Jill Hennessey, Patrick St. Esprit, Ian Bohen, Heather Hemmons, Denim Richards, and Michael Nouri.

"Yellowstone" chronicles the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (Costner), who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect - the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders - an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America's first national park.

Executive Producers for the series include Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, John Linson, Art Linson, and David C. Glasser. Ted Gold and Lauren Ruggiero are the executives in charge of production for Paramount Network.

* Nielsen, L3 data, CVG AA%; cable drama series premieres with Premiere indicator; 2018 entertainment telecasts=1/1/18-6/20/18 L3 P2+, excludes sports and news; sports comparisons L3 P2+ through 6/20/18; Summer=5/24/18-6/20/18; L3; Premiere indicator; excludes repeats

About Paramount Network:

Paramount Network is a premium entertainment destination that pushes the limits of story-telling with bold original scripted and non-scripted series. Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount Network is where today's brightest stars bring the experience of the big screen to every screen with stories that are immersive, inclusive, and deeply personal. For more information, visit www.ParamountNetwork.com.