The Yellowstone universe is far from over. Creator Taylor Sheridan is taking fans back to the wild frontier with 1883: The Bass Reeves Story — a new chapter that expands the acclaimed Western saga with 10 all-new episodes. While it’s not a traditional “Season 2” of 1883, this new installment carries the same spirit, grit, and scope that made the original series a phenomenon.

Here’s your complete guide to the release, cast, plot, and how The Bass Reeves Story connects to the greater Yellowstone timeline.

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Will There Really Be a Season 2 of 1883?

Technically, no — at least not in the traditional sense. Sheridan confirmed that the story of James and Margaret Dutton (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) reached its conclusion in 1883’s emotional finale. However, fans’ appetite for frontier storytelling inspired a spiritual continuation, now officially titled 1883: The Bass Reeves Story.

This new series acts as an anthology sequel, shifting focus from the Duttons to a real historical figure — Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River.

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Who Is Bass Reeves?

Played by David Oyelowo, Bass Reeves is a legendary lawman who made over 3,000 arrests during his career, earning a reputation for courage, justice, and integrity in a time defined by chaos.

The show will explore Reeves’ rise from enslavement to freedom, his family’s struggles, and his unrelenting quest to uphold the law in the untamed American frontier. Expect the same sweeping cinematography, emotional weight, and moral complexity that Sheridan fans crave.

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The Cast and Characters

• David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves — the iconic lawman and central hero.

• Dennis Quaid joins as Deputy U.S. Marshal Sherrill Lynn, Reeves’ conflicted partner.

• Barry Pepper, Lauren E. Banks, and Demi Singleton round out a supporting cast that embodies both danger and humanity on the frontier.

While Sheridan hasn’t confirmed whether 1883 characters like Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) or James Dutton (Tim McGraw) will appear, fans can expect subtle nods and Easter eggs connecting the Reeves saga to the Dutton family legacy.

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Expected Release Date and Schedule

According to Paramount+, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story is set to premiere in early 2025, with 10 episodes released weekly as part of the new Yellowstone Universe Power Hour lineup.

Tentative release schedule (subject to confirmation):

• Episode 1: January 10, 2025

• Episode 2: January 17, 2025

• Episode 3: January 24, 2025

• Episode 4: January 31, 2025

• Episode 5: February 7, 2025

• Episode 6: February 14, 2025

• Episode 7: February 21, 2025

• Episode 8: February 28, 2025

• Episode 9: March 7, 2025

• Episode 10 (Finale): March 14, 2025

Episodes will stream exclusively on Paramount+ worldwide.

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What This Means for the Yellowstone Universe

Sheridan’s Western world keeps expanding — and The Bass Reeves Story marks another bold move. While 1883 captured the Duttons’ perilous journey to Montana, Bass Reeves broadens the focus to explore law, race, and morality in the same rugged era.

Sheridan has already hinted that this won’t be the last prequel. Future projects could trace other generations of Duttons or even cross paths with Reeves’ story through flashbacks or shared characters.

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Why Fans Should Be Excited

If 1883 was about survival, The Bass Reeves Story is about justice. Expect a powerful blend of historical truth and cinematic storytelling — a Western epic with heart, grit, and an unforgettable lead performance from David Oyelowo.

In Sheridan’s words, this new chapter will show “the cost of freedom, and the burden of honor, in a world built on both.”