A monster premiere, soaring viewership, and a prequel that refuses to die—despite everything pointing to the end

The Dutton Legacy Still Reigns

Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 has returned—and with a bang. After nearly a three-year hiatus, the Yellowstone prequel shattered streaming records when it premiered its second season on February 23. Paramount+ announced that the episode, titled “The Killing Season,” brought in 5.4 million global viewers—more than doubling the debut numbers of Season 1.

For context: Season 1 pulled 2.2 million viewers on premiere day. Season 2 blew past that with 2.5x growth, making it the most-watched original series premiere in Paramount+ history. Social engagement followed suit, with a 187% spike in online activity.

It’s a clear sign: viewers aren’t ready to say goodbye to the Duttons—not by a long shot.

A Final Season… Or a Rebirth?

The twist? Despite this surge in popularity, Season 2 is widely believed to be the final chapter of 1923. That’s not fan speculation—it’s been confirmed multiple times by the cast, including Brandon Sklenar, who plays Spencer Dutton.

“It’s one story split in two parts,” Sklenar told The Hollywood Reporter. “It will conclude.”

He also revealed to Forbes that he’s known the ending from day one, hinting that Taylor Sheridan planned a full arc from the start.

“The finale of the series is probably one of the best things I’ve read in my life.”

So if Season 2 truly is the end, why is the 1923 audience only growing now?

Could a Season 3 Happen Anyway?

There’s no official confirmation of a third season, but let’s face it: in the TV world, success often changes minds. With Yellowstone wrapped until its Beth and Rip spinoff lands, 1923 is now the flagship of the Sheridan-verse. That gives it leverage.

Complications remain, of course. 1923 stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, two global icons with intense schedules and no guarantee of reprising their roles. Sheridan might not get that magic lineup twice.

Still, there’s hope. Fans are obsessed with Spencer and Alex, calling them the new “Beth and Rip.” Their tragic, cross-continental romance could carry the story into a third season—or even into the rumored 1944 spinoff, which would bridge the gap between 1923 and Yellowstone.

Final or Not, It’s Peak Sheridan

Sheridan’s empire is booming with shows like Landman and Tulsa King, but 1923 may be his most cinematic work yet. Season 2 ramps up the stakes: Spencer fights to return to Montana, Alex faces a solo transatlantic trek, and Jacob and Cara confront a bitter winter and even deadlier enemies.