Do you need to watch Yellowstone in order to enjoy its spin-offs?

Yellowstone has been one of TV’s most recent mega-hit series. Already a smash on Paramount TV, the series will soon be airing on CBS this fall due to the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes.

The show has established itself well as a new franchise, with Paramount+ airing the prequels 1883 and 1923. That may lead to some confusion from fans on whether or not they need to watch the main Yellowstone series to understand the spin-offs.

What is Yellowstone about?

The main Yellowstone series tells the tale of the Dutton family, ranchers who have owned a huge spread in Montana for generations. The key conflict is on patriarch John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) as he fights for a dying way of life against developers, politicians, rival ranchers, and even his own family.

The show has been terrific with its wild plot lines and stunning twists, including John becoming governor of Montana. There has been a bit of controversy as it appears the show will be ending amid conflict between Costner and creator Taylor Sheridan but plans for a spin-off to let it continue.

Do you need to watch Yellowstone to watch 1883?

The first spin-off, 1883, is set in the titular year. It follows James Dutton (Tim McGraw) and wife Margaret (Faith Hill) as they travel from Tennessee to Montana to settle what will become the Dutton ranch. Along the way, they clash with Native Americans, thieves, cattle barons and other dangers.

The show is important in showing the origins of the Dutton family and how they survived so many struggles to find their home. However, while there are a couple of small touches in the history that fans can enjoy, it’s not totally necessary to see Yellowstone first. 1883 can be its own stand-alone tale of a family facing the Old West and a first-rate drama, so seeing Yellowstone can help but is not necessary.

Do you need to watch Yellowstone to watch 1923?

The second spin-off is set in 1923 with Harrison Ford as James’ older brother Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as his wife, Cara. They have to handle the aftermath of World War I, Prohibition, and the coming of the Great Depression as they fight for their way of life. A secondary plot has adopted son Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) traveling Africa and romancing Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer), a British noblewoman. Like 1883, the series is narrated by Elsa Dutton (Isabel May).

Like 1883, there are some character touches for the Dutton history that Yellowstone fans can enjoy, such as Spencer’s history and how the family fought for survival. Just like 1883, the series can be seen as a stand-alone tale, and so seeing Yellowstone isn’t truly vital as Ford and Mirren’s star power helps it stand out.

Are there more Yellowstone spin-offs coming?

According to reports, there are a few more spin-offs coming. 1944 is set in that year and will likely show the Duttons handling World War II. There’s also a planned spin-off on famous lawman Bass Reeves and another, tentatively titled 6666, which focuses on the famous Four Sixes ranch.

So Yellowstone newbies don’t have to fret that they need to see every episode in order to enjoy its spin-offs, as each can stand on its own as a great Western drama.

Yellowstone seasons 1-5 is streaming on Peacock. 1883 and 1923 streaming on Paramount+.