Credit: ParamountFew television franchises have kept fans coming back quite like Yellowstone.
The Dutton family has grown into something much bigger than a single series, with Paramount expanding Taylor Sheridan’s universe through different generations, time periods, and stories. Along the way, millions of viewers have followed each new chapter closely.
Now, one of those chapters has reached a major milestone.
It has taken years to get here, and the latest update puts one popular Yellowstone spinoff in impressive territory. For fans who have followed the franchise since the beginning, this is one update they won’t want to miss.
One Dutton Story Has Reached a Major Milestone
1923 has officially established itself as one of the strongest entries in the Yellowstone franchise.
The series serves as one of the two major historical prequels to Yellowstone, alongside 1883. Instead of following Kevin Costner’s John Dutton and his immediate family, 1923 takes viewers several generations back in time.
Harrison Ford stars as Jacob Dutton, while Helen Mirren plays Cara Dutton. The series explores another difficult period for the family as the Duttons attempt to protect their land during a changing America.
The first season premiered on December 18, 2022, and critics responded favorably. Season 1 currently holds an 88% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Season 2 went even further.
The second season currently has a perfect 100% Tomatometer score from critics. Combined, the two seasons give 1923 a 94% average critics’ score, putting it above 1883, which currently sits at 89%.
That is the massive update fans have waited years to see come to fruition.
Nearly four years after 1923 debuted, the show has come remarkably close to achieving a perfect critical record throughout its run. Rotten Tomatoes also currently includes 1923 on its Best Western TV Shows list alongside other major titles, including Yellowstone, 1883, Dutton Ranch, Deadwood, and Lonesome Dove.
Within a franchise that began with Yellowstone, 1923 has proven it can stand firmly on its own.
Season 2 Took the Dutton Family Into Dangerous Territory
The strong reception becomes even more significant when considering what 1923 attempted in its second season.
Season 2 premiered on Paramount+ on February 23, 2025, before releasing episodes weekly through its finale on April 6, 2025.
The series follows an earlier generation of Duttons as they encounter threats created by Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Protecting the family and its land remains central to the story, connecting 1923 directly to the struggles viewers eventually see generations later in Yellowstone.
Season 2 continued expanding those conflicts while pushing its characters into increasingly difficult situations.
Since its release, 1923 has remained an important piece of the franchise, particularly for viewers who wanted more of the Dutton family after becoming invested in Yellowstone.
The perfect Season 2 critics’ score also suggests the series managed something television shows do not always accomplish: its critical reception actually improved as it moved forward.
And Paramount certainly isn’t finished with the larger universe.
What’s Next For the Yellowstone Universe?
The Yellowstone franchise has already moved beyond 1923, with more stories arriving across different periods of the Dutton timeline.
One of the biggest additions is Dutton Ranch, which premiered May 15, 2026, on Paramount+ and Paramount Network.
The series brought Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser back as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Rather than remaining in Montana, Beth and Rip attempt to build a new life together in South Texas.
The series became the biggest original series debut in Paramount+ history, drawing 12.9 million viewers globally during its first seven days. Paramount+ officially renewed Dutton Ranch for Season 2 in June 2026, meaning Beth and Rip’s story will continue.
Another historical chapter, 1944, has also been reported as being in development. That project would continue exploring the Dutton family’s past and extend the timeline established through 1883 and 1923.
Not every proposed expansion will happen, though. Taylor Sheridan has said the long-discussed 6666 spinoff will not move forward because he does not want to fictionalize the real Four Sixes Ranch.
Even with that project off the table, Paramount clearly has plenty invested in keeping the broader franchise alive.
1923 Has Earned Its Place in the Yellowstone Universe
The success of Yellowstone created enormous expectations for every series that followed it. Nearly four years after its December 2022 debut, 1923 has built an impressive legacy of its own and earned a significant place within the growing franchise.
Its first season earned an 88% critics’ score. Season 2 followed with a perfect 100%. The overall series now sits at 94% and appears among Rotten Tomatoes’ Best Western TV Shows.
That gives longtime fans something concrete after years of watching the prequel’s reputation develop and wondering how it would ultimately compare to other Dutton stories.
With Dutton Ranch already renewed and additional stories still being developed, the Yellowstone universe continues moving forward.
But 1923 has accomplished something particularly difficult along the way. It didn’t simply survive in the shadow of Yellowstone. It became one of the franchise’s most critically successful chapters, giving fans another reason to revisit the acclaimed prequel.
