The Season 5 premiere of the neo-Western “Yellowstone” starring Kevin Costner scored a series record 12.1 million viewers Sunday.
The Paramount Network drama captured 8.8 million viewers in its first airing, with simulcast airings on CMT, TV Land and Pop bring that up to 10.3 million.
With encore presentations, the total reached 12.1 million, making “Yellowstone” the most-watched scripted series premiere of 2022, according to TV analytics firm Samba TV.
“Yellowstone” follows the Dutton family of Montana, which operates the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., in conflict with neighbors, developers and the government.
The Season 5 opener sees John Dutton (Costner) being sworn in as governor of Montana, and his daughter, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) promoted to his chief of staff.
