You’ve probably heard of Yellowstone, the hit TV series that became a cultural phenomenon. With its gritty drama, sweeping landscapes, and power struggles, the show has captivated millions. But recently, the drama has spilled offscreen—and it’s offering a powerful business lesson that every entrepreneur should pay attention to.
In a real-life showdown that feels straight out of the Dutton family playbook, Paramount and NBCUniversal are reportedly locked in a battle over streaming rights. According to The Wall Street Journal, the two media giants are clashing over who gets to stream upcoming Yellowstone spin-offs. Paramount, the studio behind the show, is developing new series based on the same characters. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal, which secured exclusive streaming rights to the original series through 2029, believes that deal should extend to the spin-offs too.
At the heart of the conflict? A legal gray area—and a contract that didn’t anticipate just how massive the Yellowstone franchise would become.
When the Stakes Are High, the Fine Print Matters
This may sound like a big media company problem, but here’s the thing: small business owners run into this all the time.
You start a business with a friend. You trust each other. Everything is going great—until it isn’t. Or maybe everything goes too well. Money starts flowing, opportunities pop up, and suddenly, the handshake deal you made over coffee three years ago starts to feel shaky.
This is why a legal agreement isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection.
Why You Need Legal Agreements, Even with Friends
Whether you’re forming a partnership, hiring a contractor, collaborating on a new project, or developing intellectual property, a clear legal agreement should always be in place. Here’s why:
- People change – Success, stress, or even just life can shift someone’s priorities or behavior. A friend today might be a frustrated business partner tomorrow.
- Memories fade – Verbal agreements are easy to forget or misinterpret. A written contract keeps everyone on the same page.
- Growth can complicate things – When your business scales or pivots, original expectations may no longer apply. A legal agreement helps set the rules for how decisions are made moving forward.
- Prevention is cheaper than repair – Trying to resolve disputes without a clear agreement is not only stressful—it can also be expensive and time-consuming.
Lessons from the Yellowstone Drama
NBCUniversal and Paramount are likely spending millions on lawyers, navigating a deal that didn’t fully account for future possibilities. You might not be dealing with TV spin-offs, but you are building something valuable. That could be your brand, your IP, or a growing revenue stream.
Don’t leave things up to chance or goodwill.
Here’s your takeaway:
Before you start a venture, collaborate with a partner, or share ownership of an idea, get it in writing. Even the best partnerships can run into trouble. A strong legal agreement won’t prevent problems, but it will make them easier to solve.
Because when things go bad—or really, really well—people and priorities can shift. The last thing you want is to star in your own business drama.
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How To Find a Partner for Your Business. Stop Going Alone.(Opens in a new browser tab)
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