Yellowstone’s latest follow-up series could end up starting a legal battle between Paramount+ and Peacock.Yellowstoneseason 5 will come to an end this weekend, with an episode that was originally understood to be a series finale. Earlier this week, however, it was announced that a planned follow-up series starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser will indeed be aYellowstonespinoff.
Now, a report byPuckclaims that this showcould cause a legal battle with Peacock. Currently, Paramount has a deal with Peacock that allows the service to include all the episodes of the mainYellowstoneshow on its platform. This deal was struck before Paramount+ existed. While NBC Universal has not yet commented directly on the situation, the source was informed that the company would try to fight Paramount+ on the issue if they try to bar the next installment ofYellowstonefrom Peacock.
What This Means For The Yellowstone Spinoff’s Future
The Show May Include Yellowstone In The Title
Ultimately, the outcome of this debate will come down to whether the next installment of the series is deemed a legally distinct spinoff series or functionallyYellowstoneseason 6. While it makes sense that the spinoff series might include some characters from the original show, thisYellowstonespinoff is slated to include not only Beth and Rip, but other main characters as well. To complicate this even more, this weekend’s episode ofYellowstonehas beenmarketed as a season finale, rather than a series finale.
15 Best Yellowstone Episodes, Ranked
Yellowstone is one of the most popular shows, with certain episodes standing out and showcasing the best of Taylor Sheridan’s Western franchise.
Another hangup could be reports that theBeth and Rip show intends to includeYellowstonein the title. While the series' announcement did not call itYellowstoneseason 6, including the mothership show’s name in that of the new series might complicate the legality even more. It is still possible for Paramount+ to attempt to pivot in this respect, as they could easily removeYellowstonefrom the title if that would avoid the legal battle.
Our Take On The Yellowstone Debacle
Paramount+ May Have To Pivot Strategies
Given the shared name, season 5 marketing, and an abundance of common characters, it makes sense why NBCU might take issue with the newYellowstoneseries' distinctness from the mothership. After all, the crux of this debate stems from the fact that theYellowstonename carries immense weight in the TV industry right now, as the Taylor Sheridan-created series continues to dominate streaming charts. This will likely force Paramount+ to either have to pivot strategies for the series significantly or allow Peacock to stream the new series, both of which might be undesirable for them.
Yellowstone
Cast
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they defend their expansive ranch against external threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Released on June 26, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
