Exploring the World of 'Yellowstone' and Its Array of Spinoffs
Discover the phenomenal success of Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone' and its numerous accolades and spinoffs Dive into the captivating worlds of '1883', '1923', '6666', and Matthew McConaughey’s spinoff Uncover the thrilling stories of '1944' and '2024'
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The story of the Dutton family in Yellowstone, which premiered in 2018, has proven to have a vast potential. This has led to the creation of three spinoffs (and more in the works) that will be added to the roster of the Paramount Network.
Yellowstone centers around an influential family who oversees the largest ranch in the entire United States. Despite their achievements, the ranchers face challenges from land developers, a Native American reservation, and America's inaugural national park.
Creator Taylor Sheridan's immensely acclaimed series has been a catalyst for numerous spinoffs. Previously, the screenwriter emphasized the arduous process of crafting genuine narratives for the screen.
"The physical challenges faced by the actors and crew result in shots that are truly earned. With the trust of Paramount, I am able to allocate sufficient time, typically 10 to 14 days for a television episode, to treat it as a cinematic experience. This approach allows us to rehearse, properly light, and construct elaborate set pieces. Moreover, the production team is incredibly accommodating. If I make a request for two helicopters in a single day, they readily comply."
He further expressed, "Exploring unexplored locations, unveiling new worlds, and introducing intriguing characters to the story is absolutely captivating to me. It's an opportunity to venture into uncharted territory, offering a fresh perspective that most people have never encountered."
Despite the expansion of the Yellowstone universe, Sheridan remains dedicated to his original vision. Following the debut of 1883, the producer expressed contentment with the one-season format.
"I'm not inclined to neatly wrap up each storyline and provide a clear resolution for every character," shared the Texas native with Deadline in February 2022, following the finale of 1883 which saw the characters settling in Montana. "I also aimed to create a compelling and fulfilling viewing experience that stands on its own, even for those who have never watched Yellowstone. Let it thrive based on its own merits."
Sheridan explained his decision to create a "close ended" finale for Yellowstone, which would open doors for exploring various timeframes in future shows. He described it as a glimpse into a different era through a different window. He emphasized that these new shows should be seen as complete stories with shared origins, rather than spinoffs. Sheridan's ultimate goal for the next installment is to create a standalone experience that can be fully appreciated by viewers, even if they have never watched 1883 or Yellowstone.
Continue scrolling for a comprehensive guide to the Yellowstone franchise.
Credit: Cam McLeod/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
A Guide to 'Yellowstone' and Its Many Spinoffs
There is an abundance of material to explore further! Ever since its premiere in 2018, Yellowstone has presented the captivating tale of the Dutton family, which has proven to hold immense potential for the creation of three spinoffs (with more in the making) that will enrich the lineup of the Paramount Network.
Yellowstone revolves around a dominant family who owns the largest adjoining ranch in the United States. Despite their triumphs, the ranchers confront threats launched by land developers, a Native American reservation, and America's first national park.
The highly praised show swiftly spawned various spinoffs under the guidance of creator Taylor Sheridan. The screenwriter has previously shed light on the tremendous effort required to depict genuine narratives on screen.
The shots look earned because the physical toll on the actors and crew is so challenging. Paramount's trust allows me to treat each episode like a movie, with the luxury of time for rehearsals, lighting, and set construction. Even when I request something ambitious, like two helicopters in one day, Paramount is always supportive and accommodating.
"To me, it is absolutely captivating to venture into unfamiliar territories, places that majority of individuals have never set foot in, and introduce an entirely new realm through different characters and narratives."
Despite the expansion of the Yellowstone universe, Sheridan remains steadfast in his commitment to his initial vision. Following the release of 1883, the producer expressed contentment with the self-contained season.
"I'm not one to neatly wrap things up and provide a clear explanation of whether everyone lived happily ever after," revealed the Texan to Deadline in February 2022, following the conclusion of the 1883 finale which saw the characters settling in Montana. "I also aimed to create something captivating and satisfying, even for those who have never seen Yellowstone. Let it stand on its own merits."
During that time, Sheridan discussed his decision to create a "closed ending" for the finale, which would enable him to explore different time periods in future Yellowstone shows. "It offers a glimpse into a different era from a different perspective. I don't consider any of these as spinoffs, but rather as complete stories with shared origins," he emphasized. "My intention for the next one would be to provide a fully immersive experience for viewers, even if they haven't seen 1883 or Yellowstone."
Scroll down for a full guide to the Yellowstone franchise:
Credit: Cam McLeod/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
'Yellowstone'
The drama series introduces viewers to the Dutton family as they navigate the conflicts surrounding their expansive cattle ranch. Yellowstone, which premiered in June 2018, features a stellar cast that includes Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Cole Hauser. Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Gil Birmingham, Ian Bohen, and Ryan Bingham complete the ensemble.
Credit: Courtesy Paramount Plus/YouTube
'1883'
The prequel premiered in December 2021 and told the story of how the Duttons came to own the Yellowstone Ranch land.
The cast comprised of Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, and Marc Rissmann. Additional notable actors included Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, James Landry Hébert, and Noah Le Gros.
Sheridan confirmed in February 2022 that the series would not continue for a second season. During the same month, Paramount announced the production of additional episodes for 1883 but clarified that it was not a renewal for a second season.
Three months later, the network announced that
there will be a planned follow-up featuring a new story line and a fresh set of cast members. The upcoming limited series, titled "1883: The Bass Reeves Story," will showcase David Oyelowo as the leading star.
Credit: Cam McLeod/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
'1923'
The upcoming series delves into the Dutton Family's journey through Western Expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. In May 2022, Paramount+ announced that Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren would headline the dramatic series, scheduled for a December 2022 release. Just a month later, the streaming service revealed that the show, initially named 1932, had been renamed 1923. Along with the new title came a slight shift in the storyline, now focusing on the decade preceding the Great Depression and the conclusion of Prohibition.
Credit: Cam McLeod/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
'6666'
Set to be released on Paramount+, the second spinoff will center around the Four Sixes Ranch in the present day.
According to the official synopsis, the 6666 Ranch holds significant historical value in the American West, having been established during the era of Comanche dominance in West Texas. Spanning an entire county and operating in much the same way as it did two hundred years ago, the 6666 Ranch serves as a unique intersection where the principles of law and nature harmonize. In this environment, the most perilous act is always the one on the horizon.
Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Matthew McConaughey’s Spinoff
In March 2023, The Hollywood Reporter was informed by ViacomCBS president Chris McCarthy that there is an upcoming Yellowstone spinoff featuring the actor from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Additional information regarding the title of the new series remains undisclosed.
During PaleyFest in April 2023, Dawn Olivieri, star of Yellowstone, disclosed her desired show spinoff to join. "The one with Matthew McConaughey! Well, alright, alright, alright. No, that's the only one," she comically commented to Us. "That's the only one. No, no exceptions."
Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+
‘1944’ and ‘2024’
Paramount Network revealed in November 2023 that there will be two additional spinoffs of Yellowstone. However, specific details regarding the plots were not disclosed. Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, expressed excitement about the upcoming spinoffs, 1944 and 2024, stating that they will provide viewers with a thrilling and unexpected journey, showcasing the franchise's signature complex and captivating storytelling. McCarthy also credited Taylor Sheridan, the creative mastermind behind Yellowstone, for the franchise's global success and cultural impact.
