Taylor Sheridan’s hit Western drama “Yellowstone” is more than just a show; it is its own television universe.
The flagship series became one of the most-watched scripted series in America, with viewers captivated by its complex family dynamics and breathtaking Montana views.
The show’s success ultimately led to several spinoffs, including the prequel series “1883” and “1923.”
All of the shows in the “Yellowstone” world that have been released so far are loosely connected, taking place in different time periods and focusing on different members of the Dutton clan.
If you’re a newcomer to the universe, here’s where to get started and the best order to watch the spinoffs.
Start with all five seasons of “Yellowstone.”
Although there are now prequels to “Yellowstone,” we still think it’s best to start with the flagship series.
Before Sheridan backfilled the story with details of the Dutton family tree and how they came to own so much land in the Montana countryside, there was just aging rancher John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his concerns over which of his children was the right fit to inherit it all.
The show also spotlighted the lives of the cowboys doing the grunt work at the ranch and the complicated romance between John’s daughter, Beth (Kelly Reilly), and his most loyal worker, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser).
Next, dive into the stand-alone series “1883.”
“1883” tells the story of the first members of the Dutton family and their treacherous journey from the Great Plains to the Wild West before they settled in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone Ranch.
Country legends and real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill play James and Margaret Dutton in the 10-episode series, which also features a large ensemble cast that includes Sam Elliott, Isabel May, Billy Bob Thornton, and LaMonica Garrett.
The characters of James and Margaret were first introduced to viewers through a series of flashback sequences in season four of “Yellowstone.”
Check out the sprawling origin story “1923” after that.
“1923” focuses on the second and third generations of the Duttons in the early 20th century.
Having established themselves in Montana, the Duttons in this series (led by Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford) face a myriad of opponents who threaten to take everything they’ve worked for.
It also tells a more expansive story than “1883,” focusing on three parallel storylines — Jacob and Cara Dutton’s struggle to keep their ranch, their nephew’s perilous journey back home, and the plight of a Native American teenager.
The season one finale left things on a major cliffhanger with plenty of conflicts to resolve in the second season, which airs on February 23.
Fans have “The Madison” to look forward to.
Chances are you haven’t heard much about “The Madison” just yet, but it’s the next continuation of the “Yellowstone” universe and was announced last year.
Michelle Pfieffer stars and serves as an executive producer on the show, which is set to follow a woman named Stacy Clyburn, a New York City native who lives with her family in the Madison River valley in Montana.
Per Paramount Network, “the series is a heartfelt study of grief and human connection.”
And (potentially) another spinoff focusing on Beth and Rip.
While announcing that the flagship series would be drawing to a close back in 2023, Paramount bosses promised “expansions” to the universe.
That perhaps includes a spinoff show reuniting “Yellowstone” fan favorites Beth and Rip.
In November, Hauser told The Hollywood Reporter that he felt there was room to explore Beth and Rip’s future now they’ve got their happy ending.
“You can go on forever about these two. There’s no walls when it comes to them, no limits,” he said. “And as long as Taylor wants to write something special, I know Kelly and I would be interested to do it.”
Paramount Network did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
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