‘Yellowstone’ Series in Chronological Order: Including All Spin-offs
The Dutton family’s wild ride across generations has hooked us with its mix of gritty drama and stunning Montana vistas. If you’re itching to dive into the ‘Yellowstone’ universe, watching it in order—starting with the origins and moving to the present—brings the whole story to life. From dusty trails in the 1800s to modern-day ranch battles, this franchise spans decades, blending prequels and spin-offs into one big tale. Stick with me, and I’ll break down how to follow it all chronologically, series by series.
Taylor Sheridan kicked things off with ‘Yellowstone,’ but he didn’t stop there—he’s built a sprawling world that jumps through time. It’s not just about the main show anymore; there are spin-offs galore, each adding a new layer to the Dutton legacy. We’re talking historical treks, Prohibition struggles, and even a detour to a Texas ranch. Let’s unpack the lineup and see how it all fits together.
How Many Yellowstone Series Are There?
Right now, the ‘Yellowstone’ universe has five shows either out or in the works, all centered on the Duttons or their world. It started with the flagship series, then branched into prequels and side stories that dig into different eras and places. Add in ‘Mayor of Kingstown,’ which shares Sheridan’s creative DNA, and you’ve got six total if you stretch the definition a bit. Each one’s got its own flavor, from pioneer hardships to modern power plays.
The count might grow, with more spin-offs teased, but as of today, we’ve got a solid handful to enjoy. They hit screens at different times, so here’s the release rundown in bullet points by premiere date—makes it easy to see how Sheridan rolled them out.
- ‘Yellowstone’ – June 20, 2018
- ‘1883’ – December 19, 2021
- ‘1923’ – December 18, 2022
- ‘The Madison’ – Expected 2025
- ‘6666’ – No firm date yet, likely 2025 or later
- ‘1944’ – No firm date yet, likely 2025 or later
Yellowstone Series in Chronological Order
To get the full Dutton story, we’re going back to the beginning and moving forward through time. Chronological order starts with their roots in the late 1800s, winds through the 20th century, and lands in today’s ranch wars. It’s a trek worth taking, and I’ll guide you through each show.
1. 1883
‘1883’ brings us the Duttons’ origin story. This one-season run follows James and Margaret Dutton, played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as they haul their family across the plains to Montana. It’s a brutal trip—think bandits, starvation, and sheer grit—ending with them staking their claim on what becomes the Yellowstone Ranch. Sam Elliott’s tough-as-nails Shea Brennan adds muscle to the cast.
This is ground zero for the Dutton legacy, kicking off in 1883. It’s the earliest chapter, setting up everything that follows. No seasons after this one—it’s a tight, 10-episode tale that wraps up their pioneer days and plants the ranch’s roots.
2. 1923
‘1923’ jumps ahead to the Duttons weathering tough times in the early 20th century. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren star as Jacob and Cara Dutton, running the ranch through drought, Prohibition, and the Great Depression’s early rumbles. Their nephew Spencer, off hunting in Africa, ties in a wild subplot.
In the timeline, this lands 40 years after ‘1883,’ starting in 1923. Season one covers that year, and season two picks up right after, still in the ‘20s. It’s the next big step, showing how the family holds on through chaos.
3. 1944
‘1944’ takes us to the Dutton family during the thick of World War II. Details are still under wraps, but it’s set to show how the ranch weathers a global conflict, with the Duttons facing challenges like wartime shortages and shifting priorities. The cast hasn’t been announced yet, though rumors hint at familiar bloodlines carrying the story forward.
In the timeline, this sits about 20 years after ‘1923,’ landing squarely in 1944. It’s a one-season prequel in the works, slated for a 2025 release, picking up the Dutton legacy as they navigate a world at war and keep their Montana empire intact.
4. Yellowstone
‘Yellowstone’ is the heart of it all, set in the here and now. Kevin Costner leads as John Dutton, fighting to keep the ranch against developers, tribal disputes, and his own kids’ drama—Beth, Kayce, and Jamie, played by Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, and Wes Bentley. It’s five seasons deep, with the finale airing December 15, 2024, wrapping up the modern saga.
Chronologically, this is the latest Dutton chapter, starting in 2018 and running through 2024 across its five seasons. Each season moves the clock forward a bit, ending with John’s death and the ranch’s fate in flux. It’s the present-day payoff of all that history.
5. 6666
‘6666’ shifts gears to Texas, focusing on the Four Sixes Ranch. It’s modern-day too, following cowboys and livestock legends at a place Sheridan actually owns. Jefferson White’s Jimmy Hurdstrom, sent there in ‘Yellowstone’ season four, might star. No release date yet, but it’s brewing for 2025 or beyond.
This slots in right after ‘Yellowstone’ season five, set in the present around 2024 or 2025. It’s a side story, not a Dutton prequel, running at the same time as the main show’s endgame. One season’s planned so far, but details are still thin.
6. The Madison
‘The Madison’ takes us into the future with a new family. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Stacy Clyburn, a New Yorker moving to Montana’s Madison River Valley after tragedy. It’s got Patrick J. Adams and Beau Garrett too, and it’s filming now for a 2025 debut. Think grief, fresh starts, and maybe a Dutton cameo.
This is the next chapter after ‘Yellowstone’ ends, set in 2024 or 2025. It’s a sequel, picking up post-season five, possibly tying in Beth and Rip from the main show. One season’s in the works, pushing the timeline forward.
Will There Be More Yellowstone Series in the Future?
Sheridan’s not done yet. With ‘1944’, ‘The Madison,’ and ‘6666’ already lined up for 2025, the universe keeps growing. Fans are buzzing about a Beth-and-Rip spin-off too. As long as viewers stay hooked, I’d bet on more tales from this rugged world.