Kevin Costner Says UK Rejected Yellowstone Prior To Paramount+

The Paramount Network series Yellowstone is a huge hit with viewers, but up until recently, those in the UK could not watch the drama show. However, with the launch of Paramount+ this week, UK viewers will finally get the chance to watch. Meanwhile, according to the show’s star, Kevin Costner, it could have been brought over to the UK years ago.

Yellowstone finally gets to air in the UK

Yellowstone star Kevin Costner spoke to Lorraine Kelly of the UK’s ITV network this week. He explained that his original attempts to sell Yellowstone to UK distributors completely failed. Talking of the huge success of the series, Costner explained why it has only been available in the US. But now, with the launch of the Paramount+ worldwide streaming platform, UK viewers will finally be able to watch.

Lorraine mentioned how the show has been “phenomenally successful,” adding, “I just can’t believe it’s taken so long for us to get it over here. And now we finally can!”

The Yellowstone star revealed that it could have been brought over to the UK years ago, but this was through no fault of his own. Costner said he traveled to the UK around three years ago and read the script. However, when he and the producers tried to pitch the series to UK buyers, they weren’t convinced that it would find an audience there. Although he spoke to a “whole bunch of people,” his pitch failed. He added that they had a chance to buy it back then, but didn’t. They said, “We’re not sure we want to see this.”

Success of Paramount Network series

While the UK networks turned it down, Yellowstone has gone on to become one of the biggest American shows ever. In fact, the Express reports more than 11 million viewers tuned in to the season 4 finale episode which aired in January this year. In fact, that finale episode was the most-watched cable show since the season finale of The Walking Dead in 2017. That finale drew 11.4 million fans.

Meanwhile, the prequel, 1883, has also become a huge success. In fact, more spinoffs are on the way including 1923 (originally titled 1932). Fans are already looking forward to the new spinoff.

Of course now, with the launch of the worldwide streamer Paramount+, UK viewers will finally have the chance to watch Yellowstone. There is likely to be a lot of bingeing going on internationally, as well as in the UK. Meanwhile, those fans who have watched the show so far are looking forward to the debut of season 5 on Sunday, November 13, 2022.