'Yellowstone' Season 3 Finale Number Grows to Record 7.6 Million Total Viewers

"Yellowstone" has garnered record-breaking 7.6 million viewers during season three's final episode, which aired over the weekend.

Nielsen, a well-known rating provider, hailed the episode as the most-watched cable telecast of the year. The popular drama series revolves around the Dutton family led John Dutton, played by award-winning actor Kevin Costner.

"Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan confirmed that Paramount Network had renewed the show's season 4 in February. Numerous fans are hooked to the show, especially after season 3 ended on a cliffhanger.

Along with Costner, the show's star-studded cast include Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Kelsey Asbille, Cole Hauser, Jefferson White, Forrie Smith, Brecken Merrill, Gil Birmingham, and Denim Richards.

The series is one of the few scripted shows under Paramount Network. Aside from "Yellowstone," military drama-comedy show "68 Whiskey" is on the wait-list for show renewal.

Some projects of the network were recently axed or moved elsewhere. Its "Emily in Paris" dramedy show was moved to Netflix while they canceled the "Sexy Beast" series adaptation in July.

Many fans of the "Yellowstone" have been following the dramatic interplay within the Dutton family. For the viewers, the season 3 finale was the most shocking of all.

The plot has thickened with suprising twists. Costner's role as Montana ranch owner John Dutton was shot by an unknown stranger riding a van while he was fixing a motorist's flat tire.

Fans suspected that behind John's shooting might be the Market Equities, led by Roarke Carter, played by Josh Holloway. The latter and another cowboy were chased down by John in a prior episode.

Aside from John's unexpected predicament, his adopted son, Jaime, re-connected with his real father, Garrett Randall. The latter reminded him that killing was the family's "only gift."

Jamie expressed his frustration to Randall, saying that the ranch has become a vibrant business. The farm's recent boom was not part of his plans.

Randall replied to Jamie that the ranch is an empire and that they should get rid of its owner. This scene also made fans think that they are possible suspects in the shooting of John, aside from Carter.

With season three's finale episode ending on a major cliffhanger, some fans are excited to watch its fourth season as this will be the moment of revelation as to who was behind the shooting of the Dutton patriarch.

Following the recent renewal of the show's season four, Sheridan had also signed an overall deal with the Entertainment & Youth Brands of the ViaocomCBS.

Before the show recently hit 7.6 million views, it amassed at least 5 million views per episode in its delayed viewing, as reported in Variety in February.

Because "Yellowstone's season three started in June this year, many fans expect that season four will be aired in June next year. However, the show has yet to reveal the complete details.

Amid coronavirus concerns, Sheridan earlier said they would push through with the filming of the new season. He assured that they would strictly practice safety measures and sanitation while on set.