When Yellowstone debuted in 2018, few could have predicted the seismic impact it would have on television. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the sprawling drama about the Dutton family and their vast ranch in Montana became an instant hit, attracting millions of viewers and spawning multiple spinoffs, each exploring different corners of the Yellowstone universe. However, the latest spinoff has left fans scratching their heads, because it bears only the faintest connection to the show that started it all.
That spinoff? 1923, a period piece that takes viewers back nearly 100 years to explore the origins of the Dutton family’s legacy. Set during the early 20th century, 1923 serves as a prequel to both Yellowstone and the earlier spinoff, 1883, which chronicled the Duttons’ journey to Montana as pioneers. But while 1923 may share the Dutton surname and certain themes with Yellowstone, the connection between the two series is, in the grand scheme of things, rather minimal.
At its core, 1923 offers fans a fresh and compelling narrative that is mostly separate from the Yellowstone storyline. The show follows a new generation of Duttons, with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren leading the cast as Jacob and Cara Dutton, a husband-and-wife duo navigating the hardships of life in early 20th-century America. The series explores the violent history of the American West, including the Prohibition era, the Great Depression, and the untold struggles of those who lived on the frontier.
Though 1923 offers a fascinating window into the Dutton family’s past, the connections to Yellowstone are few and far between. This is a significant departure from 1883, which was more directly tied to the Yellowstone storyline, with the younger Duttons making their way to Montana and setting the stage for the eventual rise of the ranching empire that would define the family’s future. In contrast, 1923 delves into an entirely new chapter of the Duttons’ history, with new characters and a completely different set of challenges.
However, the small connection to Yellowstone lies in the family’s enduring connection to the land. As with the main show, 1923 features the Duttons’ unwavering commitment to preserving their ranch and the challenges they face in doing so. While we don’t see much of the contemporary Duttons in this prequel series, the central theme of family loyalty and land ownership runs through both shows. The Duttons’ desire to maintain control over their land is a driving force in Yellowstone, and it’s clear that this legacy begins in 1923, even if it’s not explicitly acknowledged in every scene.
Another key connection between the two shows is the presence of certain familiar elements that Yellowstone fans will recognize. Though the characters in 1923 are from a different era, they share the same rugged, no-nonsense demeanor that has become synonymous with the Dutton family. The themes of violence, betrayal, and the complexities of family loyalty are just as prominent in 1923 as they are in Yellowstone, albeit through the lens of a different time period. This shared thematic territory is one of the few ways in which 1923 feels connected to the world of Yellowstone, even if it’s not immediately obvious.
Furthermore, the inclusion of iconic Yellowstone elements like vast ranch landscapes and tense standoffs hints at the larger universe Sheridan has built. The show’s stunning cinematography and breathtaking landscapes will feel familiar to Yellowstone viewers, who have grown accustomed to the sweeping shots of Montana’s rugged terrain. The visual storytelling in 1923 mirrors the visual approach taken in the main show, grounding both series in a similar sense of place.
While 1923 may be a distant relative to Yellowstone, it does succeed in providing its own unique identity. Unlike other spinoffs in the franchise, 1923 is not simply an extension of the Yellowstone story but an exploration of the world that shaped the Duttons. For fans eager for more of the family saga, it’s a fascinating look into the past, even if it only loosely ties into the present-day drama of Yellowstone.
Ultimately, 1923 is a compelling spinoff that offers a fresh perspective on the Dutton family, albeit with only a loose connection to the original series. The show’s focus on historical events and new characters allows it to stand apart from Yellowstone, but the thematic threads linking the two series are undeniable. Whether you’re a fan of Yellowstone or just a lover of historical drama, 1923 is a series that promises to captivate viewers, even if its connection to the show that started it all is, at best, a subtle one.
As Taylor Sheridan continues to expand the Yellowstone universe, fans can look forward to more spinoffs, each with its own unique take on the Dutton family’s saga. But for now, 1923 stands as the most exciting new chapter in a saga that spans generations, offering a glimpse into the past that shapes the future.
