Welcome to the Dutton universe — where cattle, corruption, and cowboy hats never go out of style.
Since Yellowstone exploded in popularity, Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling Western saga has grown into a full-fledged TV empire. If you’re feeling a little lost in the timeline or you’re wondering what’s coming next, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
This guide breaks down every Yellowstone prequel, sequel, and spinoff series — from gritty origin stories like 1883 to upcoming thrillers like Y: Marshals. So saddle up, because we’re diving deep into the wild world of the Dutton family.
📺 Understanding the Yellowstone Universe
What Makes ‘Yellowstone’ So Addictive?
Let’s be real — there’s something incredibly captivating about the ruthless drama of the Duttons. Yellowstone mixes family loyalty, land wars, political corruption, and raw emotion like no other modern series. Add in a rugged Western aesthetic, a star like Kevin Costner, and complex characters, and you’ve got TV gold.
📜 The Core Series – Yellowstone (2018–2024)
The Beginning of a Western Empire
Created by Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone launched in 2018 with Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the powerful patriarch of a Montana ranching dynasty. It’s packed with betrayal, corporate battles, and more than a few bloody confrontations.
Where It Left Off
As of 2024, Yellowstone is set to conclude with the second part of Season 5. There’s been tension behind the scenes (ahem, Kevin Costner’s exit), but the series remains a flagship show that laid the groundwork for everything else.
🌾1883 – The First Prequel (2021–2022)
The Origin of the Dutton Legacy
1883 is the emotional, gritty prequel that tells the story of how the Dutton family first came to own the land that would become Yellowstone Ranch.
Cast and Characters
Starring Tim McGraw as James Dutton and Faith Hill as Margaret Dutton, this series takes us on a perilous journey across the American frontier. Add Sam Elliott, and you’ve got a powerhouse cast.
Themes and Tone
Think Oregon Trail meets Game of Thrones. It’s raw, heartbreaking, and a haunting portrait of survival in the Wild West.
🏔️ 1923 – A Family at War (2022–2023)
The Next Generation of Duttons
Fast forward 40 years from 1883, and you get 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton. This series showcases the Duttons navigating the Great Depression, Prohibition, and ranch wars.
Why It Matters
1923 bridges the gap between 1883 and Yellowstone, offering more insight into how the family empire was built — and nearly destroyed.
🚔 6666 – The Texas Ranch Spinoff (Coming Soon)
What Is the Four Sixes Ranch?
6666 (pronounced “Four Sixes”) dives into a legendary Texas ranch that’s already appeared in Yellowstone. This series shifts the focus away from Montana but keeps the same gritty vibe.
A Different Kind of Cowboy Drama
Expect cattle wrangling, modern ranching, and plenty of morally grey characters trying to survive in a world where the rules keep changing.
🕵️ Y: 1883 – The Bass Reeves Story (2023–2024)
Meet the Real Lone Ranger
This spinoff doesn’t focus on the Duttons but expands the 1883 universe by following Bass Reeves, the legendary Black lawman of the Wild West.
A Standalone With Impact
Though loosely connected to Yellowstone, this story brings important historical weight to the universe and introduces new depth and diversity.
🎖️ 1944 – The Rumored Prequel (In Development)
What We Know So Far
Taylor Sheridan has teased a 1944 series that might explore the Duttons during World War II. While not much is confirmed, fans expect a continuation from where 1923 leaves off.
Historical Context and Drama
If greenlit, this could show how global conflict affects even the most isolated parts of America — including the Yellowstone ranch.
🛡️ Y: Marshals – The New Frontier (Upcoming)
The Next Chapter in the Universe
Y: Marshals is one of the newest titles in the Sheridanverse. While few details are confirmed, it’s expected to be a law enforcement-driven spinoff, possibly featuring characters from Yellowstone or 6666.
A Gritty Law-and-Order Twist
Think Justified meets Yellowstone — federal agents, old grudges, and a dusty trail of secrets. It’s bound to expand the franchise into thrilling new territory.
🔁 How the Spinoffs Connect
A Shared Universe With Emotional Weight
What sets the Yellowstone universe apart is how each show adds emotional layers to the Dutton family legacy. Even when the timelines don’t overlap, the themes — sacrifice, legacy, violence, and land — remain constant.
📅 The Timeline in Chronological Order
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for watching in chronological order:
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1883
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1883: Bass Reeves
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1923
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(Rumored) 1944
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Yellowstone
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6666
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Y: Marshals
🎬 Taylor Sheridan – The Mastermind
A One-Man Television Studio
Sheridan isn’t just the creator — he’s the visionary behind an empire. With multiple shows across Paramount+, he’s reshaping how we see Westerns on screen.
🌟 Why the Yellowstone Franchise Keeps Growing
It’s Not Just About Cowboys
It’s about power, survival, and family — wrapped in boots and barbed wire. Each spinoff finds a new way to explore universal themes through the Western lens.
📈 What’s Next for the Franchise?
More spinoffs. More drama. Possibly more Duttons. Paramount+ is betting big on Taylor Sheridan, and if the current momentum keeps up, we’re only scratching the surface.
🧾 Conclusion
The Yellowstone universe has gone from a single family drama to a cinematic television dynasty. From the brutal trek of 1883 to the political tension in 1923, every spinoff adds a unique flavor to the Dutton legacy.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes drama, moral gray areas, and emotionally charged storytelling, this is your franchise. Whether you’re catching up or diving in for the first time, now’s the perfect time to ride along.
