Comparing the Various 'Yellowstone' Series: '1883,' '1923,' and Beyond

The universe of Yellowstone continues to grow! The popular series by Taylor Sheridan made its debut on the Paramount Network in June 2018, starring Kevin Costner, and has since gained a significant following. The original series, which began its fifth season in November 2022, has led to the creation of various spinoff shows.

"I struggle to keep up with the success of all the shows,” Kevin admitted to Entertainment Tonight in March 2022. "I simply come along and wear the hat. I've relished the experience, and we'll see how long it continues."

In Yellowstone, Costner, known for his role in The Bodyguard, portrays John Dutton, the owner of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. He performs alongside Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and Wes Bentley, who portray his children, Kayce, Beth, and Jamie, respectively.

“The concept was about a man who had received the seventh generation of this enormous cattle ranch and was confronting his mortality, wondering who he could rely on to shepherd this ranch into the next generation. With a piece of land this size, it's almost a kingdom,” series creator Taylor told Variety in June 2018, discussing his initial vision for the show. “Does this make you a king then? In decision-making, kings do not apply moral principles. Their task is to safeguard the kingdom. This presents some very intriguing questions about us.”

Once Yellowstone was established, the spinoff ideas started to flow. The first spinoff to be launched was 1883, which aired in December 2021 on Paramount+ and starred Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, among other prominent names.

“My intention was to offer a glimpse of history, showcasing a specific journey,” Taylor explained to Deadline after the final episode of the show aired in February 2022. “Next, I'll provide another glance through the window. I wanted to create something that could be watched and appreciated even without previous exposure to Yellowstone. It should be able to stand on its own. However, for Yellowstone fans, there are some easter eggs and insights that can enhance their viewing experience. As a storyteller, this model appeals to me. I plan to peek through the window into a different era and see what I can discover there.”

And so the brilliant mind behind this universe moves onto the next project! Here is a rundown of all the Yellowstone series to date, in a gallery.