‘Masterpiece’ Yellowstone Prequel 1883 Quietly Joins Netflix — And Fans Are Calling It “The Best Show Ever Made”
A Western Epic Finds a New Home
Netflix subscribers are in for a treat — 1883, the stunning prequel to Yellowstone, has officially galloped onto the streaming giant. Originally released in 2022 on Paramount+, the series has been hailed by fans and critics alike as a “masterpiece,” and it’s now ready for a whole new audience to discover.
The 10-episode limited series follows James and Margaret Dutton (played by real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) as they journey from poverty-stricken Texas to the rugged, uncharted frontier that will one day become the Dutton family’s Montana empire.
The Origins of the Dutton Legacy
Set decades before Yellowstone, 1883 tells the raw, emotional story of how the Dutton family first forged their legacy. Joining the Duttons on their perilous westward trek is Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott), a hardened ex-military captain haunted by loss. Together, they face unforgiving terrain, deadly conflicts, and heartbreaking sacrifices in pursuit of a better life.
While 1883 serves as a prequel, it stands firmly on its own — a complete, self-contained tale that combines breathtaking cinematography with gut-wrenching performances.
A “Beautiful and Brutal” Masterpiece
Since its debut, 1883 has earned widespread acclaim, boasting an impressive 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes — matching the rating of Yellowstone itself. Viewers have flooded social media with praise for the series’ stunning realism and emotional depth.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) called it a “truly inspiring, beautiful and sad story,” while another described it as “by far, the best show ever made.” A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer added, “This is about as good as TV could ever get. Beautifully filmed, brutal but never gratuitously so.”
Others simply can’t stop rewatching it, with one viewer admitting, “Binge watched it over again, back to back — still phenomenal!”
The Yellowstone Universe Keeps Growing
1883 marked the first of several Yellowstone spinoffs from creator Taylor Sheridan. It was followed by 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, continuing the family’s saga into the early 20th century.
Though Yellowstone concluded with its fifth and final season in December 2024, the Dutton universe is far from over. Upcoming series include 1944, The Madison, Y: Marshals, and Dutton Ranch — the highly anticipated Beth and Rip spinoff starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser.
Sheridan’s world of grit, loyalty, and survival continues to expand — and with 1883 now streaming on Netflix, new fans can finally experience where it all began.
Where to Watch
1883 is now available to stream on Netflix, with all 10 episodes ready for a binge-worthy deep dive into the roots of the Dutton legacy.