The show will showcase the next generation of Duttons, being introduced in ‘1923’ as we speak
In 1923 season 2, viewers learned that both Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) and Elizabeth Dutton (Michelle Randolph) are pregnant, setting fans of the show abuzz since, as of publication, we only know one member of the next generation of Duttons—John Dutton II (Dabney Coleman). Not to worry, though, because Taylor Sheridan has already confirmed another prequel show in the Yellowstone universe that will take place around World War II and is sure to fill in some much-needed gaps on the Dutton family tree. We have found out everything you need to know about the new show 1944, including its rumored release date below.
What to know about the ‘Yellowstone’ prequel ‘1944’
The new Yellowstone prequel, entitled 1944—as of now—will take place in (yep, you guessed it) 1944 Montana at the Dutton ranch! The series was originally announced back in November 2023, along with another spin-off show, 2024–which has since been renamed The Madison and will star Michelle Pfeiffer.
“Within five years, we grew Yellowstone from a hit U.S. cable show with 5 million viewers into a global hit franchise with over 100 million fans around the world and multiple extensions — and we’re just getting started,” Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, said in 2023. “On the heels of 1883 and 1923’s success, our new planned spin-offs, 1944 and 2024, will take audiences on a new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan.”
As of now, there is no confirmed plot for 1944; however, given the year, it is safe to assume that The D-Day invasion of Normandy during WWII, Anne Frank being sent to a concentration camp or the Battle of the Bulge could be mentioned, since in the past the franchise has loved to incorporate real historical aspects into their storylines.
“This has been such an exhilarating ride,” David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, said in 2023. “We can’t wait to bring 1944 and 2024 to audiences everywhere.”
Along with 1944 and The Madison, they are also working to produce two other spin-off shows. One—entitled 6666 (four sixes), will be located at the 6666 Ranch in Texas and follow the cowboys down there. The other doesn’t have a name yet, but it will reportedly follow Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler (Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser).
Who will be in ‘1944’?
As of publication, there is no news on who will live at the Dutton Yellowstone Ranch in 1944. It is safe to assume that John Dutton II will be there; however, Coleman will not play him since he tragically died from heart failure in 2024. He was 94 and appeared in an episode of Yellowstone in a flashback scene.
John Dutton II was the father of John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) and the grandfather of Lee (Dave Annable), Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce (Luke Grimes) Dutton.
There is also a lot of speculation on whether any of the 1923 cast members will be appearing in 1944 since both shows only take place 21 years apart. At the moment, the ones that have the highest chance of appearing are Jack (Darren Mann), Elizabeth (Randolph), Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alexandra Dutton (Schlaepfer) since they are currently expecting—but that could change as season 2 continues to air. And who knows, maybe Jake (Harrison Ford) and Care Dutton (Helen Miren) will make an appearance as well.
‘1944’ release date
Despite having a date for a name, the new show doesn’t have a release date yet—most likely because they are waiting for 1923 season 2 to finish airing.
The last episode of 1923 is expected to be available to stream on Sunday, April 13, 2025, and according to Sklenar, there will not be a season 3.
“It’s a bookend,” the actor said of the potential final season. “It’s still limited, but I think of it as one piece — there’s just a split in the middle, but it’s all one piece It will consist.”
