Now streaming on Netflix, the first season of 1923 offers a fresh chapter in the sprawling Yellowstone saga. Set during Prohibition and on the cusp of the Great Depression, it dives into the tangled roots of the Dutton family tree. If you’ve been glued to Kevin Costner’s modern-day ranching dynasty, this prequel peels back the curtain on their formidable ancestors.
A Family Legacy Begins
To place 1923 in the right spot, we first rewind to 1883, the earlier prequel that chronicles James and Margaret Dutton’s perilous journey west with their children, Elsa, John, and Spencer. James (played by Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill) are the original settlers, laying the foundations of what will become the Yellowstone Ranch.
Now, in 1923, it’s James’ brother Jacob Dutton—played by none other than Harrison Ford—who’s taken the reins. Alongside his formidable wife, Cara (Helen Mirren), Jacob runs the ranch after James and Margaret’s passing. They never had children of their own, but stepped in to raise James’ boys, John and Spencer, creating a family dynamic that's both close-knit and fraught with tension.
The Next Generation
John Dutton (the elder), once a young boy in 1883, is now grown, portrayed by James Badge Dale. He’s married to Emma (Marley Shelton), and together they’ve raised a son, Jack (Darren Mann). Jack’s heart belongs to Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph), and their budding romance adds a welcome dose of hope to a show otherwise brimming with hardship.
Spencer, the younger Dutton son, played by Brandon Sklenar, has chosen a wilder path. Having survived the horrors of World War I, he’s become a big-game hunter in Africa—about as far from Montana ranch life as one can get. When we meet him, it’s been years since he’s seen his family or set foot on American soil.
The story is narrated by Elsa, the daughter tragically lost in 1883, whose voice lingers like a memory across generations. It’s a clever nod to the series’ emotional core, grounding the sprawling plot in personal loss and legacy.
A Tale Still Unfolding
For those hoping to connect the dots to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III in Yellowstone, we won’t spoil the surprise. Part of the fun in 1923 lies in discovering how these earlier generations shape the world we know from the flagship series. Likewise, there’s more to new characters like Teonna, whose story threads promise deeper social and historical layers.
Currently, only the first season of 1923 is available on Netflix. To see how things wrap up, you’ll need to head over to Paramount+ for the second season, also bundled with select Canal+ streaming packages.
So, if you’ve finished 1883 and need another dose of Dutton drama, 1923 brings grit, grandeur, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked. It’s the Duttons like you’ve never seen them before—steeped in struggle, fiercely protective, and already knee-deep in the battles that will define their dynasty.
