Every ‘Yellowstone’ Prequel and Spin-Off Show Explained

If you are a fan of Yellowstone then you are in luck, as the show has multiple prequels and spin-off shows in the makings. Each one will take a new look into the Yellowstone universe.

Yellowstone has three spin-off and prequel shows. 1883 and 1923 are prequel shows set generations before Yellowstone, whereas 6666 is a spin-off show set at the same time as Yellowstone. While 1883 and 1923 are out, 6666 is yet to be released.

There are also three other prequel shows Taylor Sheridan has planned – 1883: A Bass Reeves Story, and two others featuring other Dutton generations.

With Yellowstone becoming one of the most popular TV shows in the world, fans are eager to learn more about the Dutton family and their origins. Each show will likely reveal more about the Dutton family dynasty and their beloved ranch.

Just like Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and 6666 will all be created by Taylor Sheridan. A real-life cowboy, Sheridan works hard to ensure his shows are authentic as possible.

In addition to the spinoff series that are already released or confirmed, Sheridan is said to be in the works of two new prequels. One takes place in the 1940s which is rumored to be named 1944 and the other will be set in the 1960s.

Kurt Russell is also rumored to be taking on a lead role in a Yellowstone spinoff. However, it is unknown what series this will be. In addition, Matthew McConaughey is also set to join the Yellowstone universe, potentially taking on the lead role of 6666.

Below we discuss the three Yellowstone prequel shows, plus three more Taylor Sheridan has planned:

1883

1883 is a Yellowstone prequel show that premiered in December 2021 and featured 10 episodes. The show follows the origins of how the Dutton family got their land and founded the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

James Dutton, his wife Margaret, and children Elsa and John, flee their life of poverty in Tennessee to get a fresh start.

The family travels to Forth Worth, Texas where they join a European immigrant caravan headed to Oregon.

The caravan is led by Pinkerton Agency agent and former Union captain Shea Brannan and his crew. Across the journey, the wagon train faces many hardships as the Great Plains are unforgiving.

After tragedy strikes the Dutton family, they decide to settle in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. It is the beginning of the Dutton’s story at their coveted ranch.

1883: The Bass Reeves Story

Though 1883 will not have a season 2, it will have its own spin-off show. Named 1883: A Bass Reeves Story, it will take a change of direction away from the Dutttons and focus on the iconic lawmen Bass Reaves.

The season is set to have six episodes, and it is unclear if or how the story will connect to the Duttons.

Bass Reeves was a real-life lawman and the first black deputy of the U.S. Marshals to serve West of the Mississippi River.

The multi-talented Marshal was capable of speaking multiple Native American languages, and during his career, he arrested over 3,000 outlaws.

Reeves is also said to be the inspiration for the iconic western TV series The Lone Ranger.

While there is no set premiere date for 1883: A Bass Reeves Story, the show is set to be released sometime in mid to late 2023. However, a few sources predict that the show will now be released sometime in 2024.

See all the latest news in our 1883: The Bass Reeves Story guide.

1923

The next chapter in the story of the Dutton family is the Yellowstone prequel series 1923. While the series was first announced as 1932, the name was later changed to 1923.

1923 follows the next two generations of the Duttons as they navigate life through the early 20th century.

The show will deal with many struggles of that time including drought, lawlessness, cattle theft, and prohibition. All this occurs under the cloud of Montana’s great depression, which predated the nation by nearly a decade.

The show takes place not only in Montana but Africa as well where Spencer Dutton is working as a hunter. The series is set to be a follow-up to 1883.

1923 premiered in December 2022 and is available to watch on Paramount+. The series stars Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, James Badge Dale, Jerome Flynn, Jennifer Ehle and Robert Patrick.

1923 has already been renewed for a second season. It is set to include eight episodes just like the first season.

See all the latest news in our ultimate 1923 season 1 guide.

6666

Also joining the universe of Yellowstone is 6666. The series is set to follow a group of ranchers at the historic Four Sixes Ranch aka 6666 Ranch in Texas, but it is unclear as to how the Duttons will play into the show.

The premise of the show follows the legendary 6666 Ranch, which still operates as it did two centuries ago. See our guide on the real-life 6666 ranch.

Where world-class cowboys are born, the ranch is home to some of the finest horses and cattle in the nation. Gritty and far from glamorous, it is where the rule of law and the laws of nature meet.

Rumors are swirling that 6666 will feature Yellowstone’s very own Jimmy Hurdstram (Jefferson White) and Walker (Ryan Bingham).

Show creator Taylor Sheridan, along with his wife and a group of investors, is the owner of the real-life ranch upon purchasing the historic property in 2021.

No date or time frame has yet to be given for the release of 6666. The show is still under development. See all the latest news on the series in our 6666 season one guide.

1944: The Latest Rumored Yellowstone Prequel

It seems that 1923 will be followed up with another Yellowstone prequel by the name of 1944. According to Tom Prince, the executive vice president of 101 Studios, 1944 is already in the works.

 “Of course, we’ve got 1923, we’ve got the sequel, we’re not letting the cat out of the bag, it’s going to be called ‘1944,’” said Prince.

Aside from Prince, there has been no information released by Sheridan or Paramount Network at this time regarding 1944. The series would likely follow the Duttons as they navigate life through the hardships of WWII.

“My guess is that it’ll be shooting largely in the Bitterroot Valley because it has to take place at what is Chief Joseph Ranch,” said Prince.

At this time, there is no information available regarding a release date for 1944 or any cast members.

Taylor Sheridan Is Also Planning Another Yellowstone Prequel Series

In addition to 1944, Taylor Sheridan has hinted at the potential of another prequel taking place in the 1960s. Sheridan wants a series on every Dutton generation from 1883 to modern-day Yellowstone.

While little information is revealed about the potential series, it will likely deal with the struggles the Duttons faced on the ranch during the 1960s while also intertwining with current events of the time.

In the series, we would likely get a deeper look at the Dutton family tree. There is a good chance we would learn about John Dutton’s parents while seeing them run the ranch.

The 1960s show would also likely give viewers a look at John’s childhood. Fans could finally learn more about his childhood.

Matthew McConaughey is Set to Join the Yellowstone Universe

Matthew McConaughey is in talks with Taylor Sheridan about joining a Yellowstone spin-off series. He is set to be cast as the lead in an extension of Yellowstone.

“Matthew and Taylor are fans of each other’s work and have been speaking about ways they can work together,” a source told People magazine.

Some sources were reporting that McConaughey would be taking over Kevin Costner’s role in Yellowstone, however, this doesn’t seem likely. Costner is potentially leaving Yellowstone due to scheduling conflicts, which puts the future of the show in uncertainty.

Other reports suggest that McConaughey will be taking on the lead role in the modern-day Yellowstone spin-off 6666.

There is also the chance that McConaughey could be the lead man in 1944 or even the unnamed series set to take place in the 1960s. As of now, we will have to wait until more news is released regarding McConaughey’s upcoming role.

Kurt Russell is Leading a New Yellowstone Spin-Off

Recent rumors also reveal that Kurt Russell is also said to be joining the world of Yellowstone. He is said to be the lead man for a new spin-off series.

As of now, it is unclear what series Russell will be joining. There is a chance he could be taking on a lead role in 1944 or the 1960s series. According to Giant Freakin Robot, Russell will not be starring in 6666.

There is also the possibility that Russell may be joining a whole new series that has not been revealed yet. It is clear that Sheridan is ambitious and could very well already be planning another Yellowstone spin-off featuring Russell.

There is currently little information available regarding Russell’s potential role in an upcoming spin-off series. For now, we will have to wait for further developments.

Also, see our Dutton family tree infographic to learn more about every Dutton generation from 1883 to Yellowstone.