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Best Order to Watch Yellowstone, 1923, and 1883

Best Order to Watch Yellowstone, 1923, and 1883

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Thanks to Yellowstone’s massive success, the neo-Western drama has already gained two prequel series, 1883 and 1923.

Taylor Sheridan is the mastermind behind all three of these shows and thanks to their success he has become one of the most influential creators in Hollywood.

Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923 all follow the Dutton family at different points in American history.

Each series deals with the hardships the Duttons had to deal with that were relevant to the time.

With each series, viewers learn more about the Dutton family tree. The series shows the progress of how the family has come to own the largest cattle ranch in America, the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

While Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923 all follow the Dutton family, the storylines are loosely connected. This means that you can watch the shows in any order without causing any confusion.

All three series take place in the same universe, however, each series focuses on its own Dutton generation and storyline.

Here is the best order to watch Yellowstone, 1923 and 1883:

  • Yellowstone
  • 1923
  • 1883

The main Yellowstone series is what started it all and made fans fall in love with the Yellowstone universe, so it’s recommended to start there.

The whole Dutton in Yellowstone
Dutton family in Yellowstone

After Yellowstone, watching the 1883 generation of Duttons and how they founded the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch gives some great depth and backstory to the ranch. The main Yellowstone series also features occasional flashbacks of the main 1883 characters.

Finally, 1923 features many big-name stars and adds more depth to the Yellowstone universe. Out of the three series, 1923 is one that probably doesn’t work as well as it’s own standalone series.

Chronological Order to Watch Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923

If you want to watch the Yellowstone universe timeline in chronological order, the correct viewing order is to start with 1883, followed by 1923, and lastly Yellowstone.

  • 1883
  • 1923
  • Yellowstone

By watching in this order, you will start with the founding of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and finish with the present day.

Margaret Dutton, Spencer Dutton, and James Dutton in 1883
Margaret Dutton, Spencer Dutton, and James Dutton in 1883

1883 follows James and Margaret Dutton as they flee their life of poverty in Tennessee with their children Elsa and John. They join a wagon train in Texas that is headed out West in order to get a fresh start in life.

After tragedy strikes the Dutton family, they settle in Paradise Valley Montana, and establish the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

1923 picks up 40 years after 1883 left off. At this point, Jacob Dutton, the brother of James, and his wife Cara are in charge of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.

Jacob and Cara Dutton from the 1923 drama series
Jacob Dutton and Cara Dutton in 1923

The 1923 generation of Duttons deal with many struggles of the early 20th century as they fight to keep their ranch including drought, lawlessness, Western expansion, and the Great Depression.

Yellowstone takes place in the modern day and follows John Dutton along with his children Beth, Kayce, and Jamie.

The ranch is constantly under threat from outside forces eager to get their hands on the valuable land. The Duttons do whatever it takes to keep the ranch under their name.

Also read: Every Yellowstone Prequel and Spin-Off Shows Explained

When Were Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923 Released?

Yellowstone was the first of the series to be released, as it came out in June 2018. The series is currently in its fifth season, which is split up into two parts.

1883 came out in December 2021 and consisted of just one season with 10 episodes.

While Taylor Sheridan is in the works of creating 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, the series will follow the legendary lawman Bass Reeves and not the Dutton family.

James Dutton and Elsa Dutton in 1883

1923 premiered in December 2022, with the first season consisting of eight episodes split into two parts. The series has been renewed for a second season that will also contain eight episodes.

Will There Be Any Other Yellowstone Prequels?

While there is no official confirmation of any more Yellowstone prequels, Taylor Sheridan is considering adding two more shows to the Yellowstone universe.

One show would be set in the 1940s, and the other would be set in the 1960s.

Each series would focus on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and how the Duttons dealt with current events of the time.

Emily and Jimmy at the 6666 Ranch in Yellowstone
Emily and Jimmy at the 6666 Ranch in Yellowstone

While not a prequel, Sheridan does have another Yellowstone spin-off in the works, 6666. 6666 is set to follow the cowboys of the legendary Texas cattle ranch 6666 Ranch aka Four Sixes Ranch.

There are rumors that the series will even feature characters from Yellowstone.

Also read: Who Owns 6666 Ranch? Four Sixes Ranch History, Size & Facilities

Where Can You Watch Watch Yellowstone, 1883 and 1923?

Yellowstone is available to watch on the Paramount Network. Seasons one through five are also available for purchase through Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Vudu. The first four seasons are also available to watch on Peacock.

1883 and 1923 are both Paramount+ exclusive series. 1883 is also available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, but 1923 is not available on Prime Video at this time.

Also read our in-depth where-to-watch guides for Yellowstone, 1923, and 1883.