Summary
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is not a part of the Yellowstone franchise and has no connection to the Dutton family or Yellowstone timeline.
The Western show seeks to create its own series, where each season centers around a distinct figure from American history, whether they be a lawman or an outlaw.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves, although created by Yellowstone's mastermind Taylor Sheridan, stands alone as a separate project and signifies a departure from his recent endeavors.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves, set to premiere on November 5, 2023, is a show based on the true story of Bass Reeves, the first African-American deputy west of the Mississippi River. While it draws inspiration from Bass Reeves' real-life story and Sidney Thompson's Bass Reeves Trilogy, it is important to note that it is not associated with Taylor Sheridan's popular Yellowstone franchise. Despite rumors suggesting a connection, Lawmen: Bass Reeves stands on its own within the neo-Western genre, which is great news for the series.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Is Not Connected To The Yellowstone Franchise
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is not related to the Yellowstone franchise. It has no connection to the Dutton family or the Yellowstone timeline. It is a separate series that shares similarities with Western shows but is not considered part of the Yellowstone canon. Lawmen: Bass Reeves aims to create its own franchise and will be featured in an anthology on Paramount+. Each season will focus on a different historical lawman or outlaw in American history. The first season will showcase the story of Bass Reeves, a notable African-American U.S. marshal portrayed by David Oyelowo. This allows Lawmen: Bass Reeves to establish its unique identity apart from the Duttons' narrative in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone's Taylor Sheridan Is Involved In Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is often assumed to be a Yellowstone spinoff due to the participation of Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan not only played a role in the inception of Lawmen: Bass Reeves but also directed its first episode, indicating his extensive involvement in its creation. Given Sheridan's focus on developing the story of the Dutton family within the Yellowstone franchise since its premiere in 2018, it is understandable that people might associate Lawmen: Bass Reeves with Yellowstone based on his involvement.
Although Taylor Sheridan played a role in the development of Lawmen: Bass Reeves and serves as its executive producer, the show is ultimately distinct from his flagship franchise. While much of the attention surrounding Sheridan's television work has been centered on Yellowstone in recent years, Lawmen: Bass Reeves represents a departure from his recent projects. However, given Sheridan's strong track record in the Western genre, it is promising to see his involvement with Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves Was Reported To Have 1883 Connections
Lawmen: Bass Reeves used to be part of the Yellowstone franchise, leading many to assume it still is. Initially titled 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, it was conceived as a second season of sorts. However, recent updates confirm that Lawmen: Bass Reeves has since detached from 1883. While Yellowstone fans may be disappointed, this separation is actually the best outcome for Lawmen: Bass Reeves. By standing alone, it grants the opportunity for the important and unique story of Bass Reeves to shine, free from being overshadowed by the Dutton family and the Yellowstone franchise.