With the television landscape now dotted with a kaleidoscope of Yellowstone spinoff shows, one may be hard-pressed to piece together the tales chronicling the Dutton family’s journey. Taylor Sheridan’s Western drama has roped in a herd of viewers, evolving into a multi-series juggernaut that paints the rich history of the Duttons in vivid strokes, from the trials of 1883 to the tribulations of 1923.
While 1883 captivates as a standalone odyssey, following James and Margaret Dutton’s journey to claim their future, 1923 depicts the era of empire-building against the backdrop of Prohibition and the Great Depression.
But amidst all these chronicles, a question lingers like smoke over a prairie fire: which prequel has truly struck gold? It is no secret that fans are divided; some Reddit wranglers argue 1923 was dull, while others believe 1883 was “better”.
Thus, Paramount’s gamble to force a second season of 1883, breathing yet some more life into the rich fabric of this series, was a shot right on target.
Which Prequel Wins the Hearts of Fans: 1883 or 1923?
As Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe continues to expand with new spinoff shows, fans are left questioning where to start and which prequel to watch first. From 1883 to 1923, each series explores the hardships and conquests of different generations of the Dutton clan as they fight to protect their land and legacy.
In the debate of which prequel is better, 1883 seems to be the clear favorite among fans. One Reddit user described 1923 as “absurd and dull”, lacking the excitement and entertainment value that 1883 brings to the table.
The contrast between the two branches of the Dutton family tree is stark, with the modern-day Duttons (in 1923) embroiled in power struggles and conflict, while the 1883 Duttons focus on survival in the unforgiving Old West.
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren starred in 1923, and they both have the star power to match Kevin Costner. Although several big names have appeared in every Yellowstone series, the duo of Ford & Mirren wins hands down. And that is the sole reason why fans confidently claim that no one would watch 1923 “without Ford and Mirren.”
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Paramount+’s decision to order a second season of 1883 further emphasizes its popularity among viewers. While 1923 has its own merits, it has yet to reach the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, leaving some fans comparing it unfavorably to 1883.
Paramount’s Bold Move with Taylor Sheridan and Season 2 of 1883
After the explosive finale of 1883, fans were left reeling with emotions running high. The journey of Shea Brennan, portrayed with raw intensity by the legendary Sam Elliott, reached a poignant climax with his heartbreaking decision to end his own life. Thus, the end of 1883 felt like the end of an era—a complete narrative arc that tied up loose ends and left no room for a sequel.
However, Paramount had other plans in mind. In a clash of creative visions, Taylor Sheridan found himself at odds with the production company over the fate of Elliott’s character. The heated discussions and the pressure to churn out a second season led to a standoff, with Sheridan standing firm in his decision that there was no room for continuation. In a Deadline interview, he revealed the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded after the show’s conclusion:
I know they read the scripts, but they don’t read scripts, so when they read the last episode of 1883, I don’t think they digested what had just happened, even though I made it quite clear from the very beginning. The story I heard is Bob Bakish watched it and said, ‘wait a minute, she dies! They all die?
What do we do in season two?’ I said, there is no season two. They’re like, there better be a fu*king season two because we already picked it up. I’m sitting here going, guys everyone is dead.
Paramount executives, stunned by the events of the final episode, were grasping at straws for a way to continue the story. While there may or may not have been a second season on the cards, fans can expect more twists and turns as Yellowstone will release new episodes of the fifth season (the second part) later this year.
Whether you prefer the grit and determination of the 1883 Duttons or the intrigue of the 1923 storyline, we have to admit that the Yellowstone universe has something for everyone.
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will be available on November 10, 2024.
Stream Yellowstone, 1883 & 1923 on Paramount+.
