Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has grown into a sprawling neo-Western universe with multiple spinoffs, prequels, and sequels. With the Dutton family saga spanning more than a century of storytelling, new viewers (and longtime fans) often ask the same question: what’s the best order to watch it all?

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways you can experience the Yellowstone franchise — from strict chronology to release order — plus how the upcoming spinoffs will reshape the viewing experience.

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Chronological Order

If you want to follow the Dutton family’s journey as it unfolded in history, the timeline is simple (for now):

1. 1883 – The origins of the Duttons, covering their treacherous journey westward and the founding of their Montana ranch.

2. 1923 – Picks up 40 years later, following Jacob Dutton and the next generation fighting to hold onto the ranch during Prohibition and the Great Depression.

3. Yellowstone (Seasons 1–5) – Set in the present day, focusing on John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) as he struggles to keep control of the family land amid political, criminal, and corporate threats.

Why watch this way?
This order creates an epic, multigenerational tapestry. When John Dutton talks about his family’s sacrifices, you’ve already seen Elsa Dutton’s struggles in 1883 and Jacob Dutton’s battles in 1923, giving his words far greater weight.

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Release Date Order

Taylor Sheridan released the spinoffs before Yellowstone concluded, which complicates the release-viewing experience. The official release order looks like this:

1. Yellowstone Seasons 1–4

2. 1883

3. Yellowstone Season 5, Part 1

4. 1923 Season 1

5. Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

6. 1923 Season 2

Alternative release viewing order: Some fans recommend finishing Yellowstone first, then moving on to 1883 and 1923 as companion series. This prevents you from jumping back and forth between timelines.

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Do You Need to Watch Them All?

Each series in the Yellowstone universe stands on its own. 1883, 1923, and Yellowstone tell complete stories with minimal overlap, so you can watch any one of them independently.

That said, watching the full saga adds depth. The prequels provide context for the Dutton legacy, while Yellowstone gives emotional resonance to the past sacrifices explored in 1883 and 1923.

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Upcoming Spinoffs That Will Change the Order

Taylor Sheridan’s universe is still expanding, with five new series in development:

• Y: Marshals (2026) – Follows Kayce Dutton after he joins a group of U.S. Marshals in Montana.

• The Madison – Focuses on the McCintosh family moving from New York to Montana. Cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.

• 6666 – Set immediately after Yellowstone season 5, following Jimmy (Jefferson White) at the historic Four Sixes ranch in Texas.

• 1944 – Another prequel, filling the gap between 1923 and modern-day Yellowstone.

• The Dutton Ranch – A direct sequel to Yellowstone, centered on Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and new character additions (including Ed Harris).

With these additions, the chronological order will shift dramatically — especially with 1944 slotted between 1923 and Yellowstone.

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The Best Way to Watch Yellowstone

Ultimately, the “best” order depends on what you want:

• Chronological order (1883 → 1923 → Yellowstone): For a sweeping, linear story of the Dutton legacy.

• Release order (Yellowstone first, then 1883 & 1923): For the experience Taylor Sheridan intended, where prequels add context to the already-familiar modern story.

• Soft release order (all Yellowstone → 1883 → 1923): For those who prefer a cleaner, binge-friendly structure without hopping between shows.

Either way, the Yellowstone universe delivers a rich Western saga filled with betrayal, sacrifice, and legacy.