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With the television landscape now dotted with a kaleidoscope ofYellowstonespinoff 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 of1883to the tribulations of1923.
While1883captivates as a standalone odyssey, following James and Margaret Dutton’s journey to claim their future,1923depicts 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 argue1923was dull, while others believe1883was “better”.
Thus, Paramount’s gamble to force a second season of1883, 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:1883or1923?
AsTaylor Sheridan’sYellowstoneuniversecontinues to expandwith new spinoff shows, fans are left questioning where to start and which prequel to watch first. From1883to1923, each series explores the hardships and conquests of different generations of the Dutton clan as they fight to protect their land and legacy.
“I’ll do what you want to do”: Taylor Sheridan Would’ve Never Been Okay With Kevin Costner Offering Yellowstone Writers a Grisly Option to Kick John Dutton Out of the Show
In the debate of which prequel is better,1883seems to be the clear favorite among fans. One Reddit user described1923as“absurd and dull”, lacking the excitement and entertainment value that1883brings to the table.
The contrast between the two branches of the Dutton family tree is stark, with the modern-day Duttons (in1923) embroiled in power struggles and conflict, while the1883Duttons focus on survival in the unforgiving Old West.
Harrison FordandHelen Mirrenstarred in1923, and they both have the star power to match Kevin Costner. Although several big names have appeared in everyYellowstoneseries, the duo of Ford & Mirren wins hands down. And that is the sole reason why fans confidently claim that no one would watch1923 “without Ford and Mirren.”
Paramount+’s decision to order a second season of1883further emphasizes its popularity among viewers. While1923has its own merits, it has yet to reach the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, leaving some fans comparing it unfavorably to1883.
Paramount’s Bold Move with Taylor Sheridan and Season 2 of1883
After the explosive finale of1883, fans were left reeling with emotions running high. The journey of Shea Brennan, portrayed with raw intensity by the legendarySam Elliott, reached a poignant climax with his heartbreaking decision to end his own life. Thus, the end of1883felt 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 tochurn out a second seasonled to a standoff, with Sheridan standing firm in his decision that there was no room for continuation. In aDeadlineinterview, 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 asYellowstonewill release new episodes of the fifth season (the second part) later this year.
“It’s also why the Duttons have a deep connection to the ranch”: Taylor Sheridan Still Can Land the Perfect Yellowstone Finale With a Heartbreaking Revelation Despite Kevin Costner’s Sad Exit
Whether you prefer the grit and determination of the1883Duttons or the intrigue of the1923storyline, we have to admit that theYellowstoneuniverse has something for everyone.
YellowstoneSeason 5’s second part will be available on August 23, 2025.
StreamYellowstone,1883&1923on Paramount+.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
