The Yellowstone franchise is set to dive even deeper into the Dutton family saga with its latest prequel, “1944”, expanding Taylor Sheridan’s ever-growing Western universe. Following the massive success of 1883 and 1923, Paramount+ is taking viewers into one of the most transformative eras in American history—World War II—offering a fresh, emotionally charged chapter that promises to bridge the gap between the past and the present of the Dutton dynasty.
Release Date Info
The release date for the Yellowstone spinoff “1944” has not been announced yet. However, Paramount has approved one season of the show. Paramount announced the series in 2023. Initially, people thought it might premiere in 2025, but recent reports show that production has not started. Given this timeline, “1944” may now debut in 2026 or later. Fans should keep an eye out for official updates from Paramount about the series’ progress and release schedule.
What is 1944 about?
1944 will follow a previous generation of Duttons who lived on the Yellowstone ranch before the birth of John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family in the original Yellowstone series. It will be the third prequel series to Yellowstone, following 1883 and 1923.
Who is behind 1944?
1944 is part of the Yellowstone franchise, which is created by Taylor Sheridan. Sheridan is also working on other projects, including 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, Land Man, and Lioness.
Other Yellowstone spinoffs:
- A spinoff set in 2024 will feature new cast members and locations, as well as some crossover characters from the original series.
- A spinoff following Beth and Rip is also planned.
A Turning Point in the Dutton Legacy
Set against the sweeping Montana landscape during the 1940s, 1944 will explore how the Dutton family navigated the challenges of World War II—both on the home front and within their own ranks. This era marked a seismic shift in American agriculture and rural life. With many young men drafted into the armed forces, ranches like the Duttons’ faced severe labor shortages, forcing families to rely on women, older generations, and even prisoner-of-war labor to keep operations running.
1944 aims to capture this tension, portraying how the war not only affected the Dutton family’s survival but also tested their values of loyalty, legacy, and sacrifice. The series is expected to highlight the broader impact of the war on Montana, where more than 40,000 residents served in WWII, while those who stayed behind struggled to maintain the state’s vital agricultural economy.
The Duttons Amidst National Turmoil
Unlike the frontier hardships depicted in 1883 or the early industrial challenges in 1923, 1944 will explore a nation at war on a global scale. The Duttons’ struggles won’t be limited to cattle rustlers or land disputes — instead, they’ll grapple with government rationing, economic shifts, and the emotional strain of family members serving overseas.
Expect the narrative to also reflect Montana’s unique role during the war. As one of the leading states in wheat and cattle production, Montana ranchers like the Duttons were critical to feeding American troops abroad. Meanwhile, the construction of military installations across the state and the presence of German POW camps added new dynamics to local communities, potentially offering intriguing plotlines in the series.
Bridging Past and Present: Where ‘1944’ Fits in the Yellowstone Universe
1944 serves as a narrative bridge between 1923—where the Dutton family cemented its hold on the ranch during Prohibition and the Great Depression—and the present-day Yellowstone series, where modern-day patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) fights to preserve his family’s legacy. This new prequel could reveal key moments that shaped the modern Duttons, from land disputes born out of wartime policies to personal sacrifices that redefined the family’s values.
With Taylor Sheridan at the helm, fans can expect the same high production quality, nuanced characters, and breathtaking cinematography that have become hallmarks of the franchise. If 1883 was about survival and 1923 about resilience, 1944 promises to be a story about sacrifice—both personal and generational.
Expanding the Yellowstone Universe
The announcement of 1944 underscores Paramount’s commitment to growing the Yellowstone saga into a multi-generational epic, much like the great Western sagas of Hollywood’s golden age. This new installment complements existing spinoffs like 1923 and 6666, which explores the historic Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, and the upcoming The Madison, set in Montana’s scenic Madison River Valley.
Given the success of previous prequels—1883 became one of Paramount+’s most-watched series upon release, and 1923 brought in record viewership with Hollywood icons Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren—expectations for 1944 are sky-high. The franchise’s ability to blend historical events with deeply personal family drama has resonated with millions of viewers, and 1944 is poised to continue that legacy.
When Can Fans Expect ‘1944’?
While Paramount+ has yet to confirm a release date, industry insiders hint that production is slated to begin in late 2024, with a potential premiere in 2025. Casting announcements are expected soon, sparking fan speculation about which actors might take on the next generation of Duttons—and whether any familiar faces could make a return through flashbacks or family connections.
Why ‘1944’ Matters
By venturing into the complexities of World War II and its impact on rural America, 1944 offers an opportunity to tell a story rarely explored in Western dramas. It’s not just about the open range anymore—it’s about how global events ripple through even the most isolated landscapes, reshaping families, traditions, and the very concept of legacy.
For fans of Yellowstone and its spinoffs, 1944 promises another powerful chapter, combining the grit of the American West with the emotional depth that has made the franchise a cultural phenomenon. Taylor Sheridan has made it clear: the Duttons’ story is far from over.
Key Takeaways
- The 1944 spinoff will explore the Dutton family during World War II era Montana
- Taylor Sheridan continues to expand the franchise following the success of previous prequels
- The series will connect the events of 1923 to the present-day Yellowstone storyline
Background and Development of ‘Yellowstone 1944’
Taylor Sheridan‘s expansion of the Yellowstone universe continues with ‘1944’, a new prequel series that explores the Dutton family‘s struggles during World War II. The series builds upon the success of previous prequels while adding fresh historical context.
Creating the Dutton Family Legacy
‘1944’ marks the third prequel in Taylor Sheridan’s vision of the Dutton dynasty. The series joins ‘1883’ and ‘1923’ in chronicling the family’s journey through American history.
The announcement of ‘1944’ came as Paramount sought to expand the Yellowstone franchise beyond the original series starring Kevin Costner.
Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling approach blends family drama with historical events, creating a unique narrative that resonates with audiences.
Exploration of Historical Context
The series places the Dutton family against the backdrop of World War II, a pivotal moment in American history. The story unfolds during a time when the ranch faces new challenges from the war effort.
The 1940s setting introduces elements like wartime rationing, military service, and changing social dynamics that affected ranching families.
The Montana setting during this era provides a unique perspective on how the American West adapted during wartime.
Connection to Previous Series: ‘1883’, ‘1923’, and ‘Yellowstone’
‘1944’ bridges the chronological gap between ‘1923’ and the modern-day events of Yellowstone. The series reveals how past decisions shaped the present-day Dutton Ranch.
The prequel connects to characters introduced in ‘1923’, showing the next generation of the family taking control of the ranch.
The series maintains the core themes of family loyalty, land preservation, and survival that define the Yellowstone universe.
Each prequel adds layers to the complex history of the Dutton family, creating a rich historical tapestry that spans generations.
Production and Release Details
Production of the latest Yellowstone spinoff faces complex scheduling challenges amid ongoing developments with other shows in the franchise. The new series will explore the Dutton family’s experiences during World War II while maintaining the signature cinematic style of Taylor Sheridan’s universe.
Cast and Characters
No official cast announcements have been made for ‘1944’ as of February 2025. The series will likely feature descendants of Spencer and Alexandra Dutton, connecting the storyline to ‘1923’.
The production team aims to blend new talent with established actors familiar to the Yellowstone universe. Fan speculation points to potential appearances by key Dutton family members through flashback sequences.
Casting calls are expected to begin after the completion of ‘1923’ Season 2 and Yellowstone’s final season.
Filming Locations and Aesthetic Choices
The series plans to utilize multiple filming locations to capture both the Montana ranch setting and World War II period elements. Montana’s sweeping landscapes will serve as the primary backdrop for domestic scenes.
Production designers are researching 1940s architecture, clothing, and vehicles to create authentic period details. The show will incorporate archival footage and practical effects to depict wartime sequences.
The cinematography will maintain the signature wide-angle shots and natural lighting that defines the Yellowstone franchise.
Reception and Expected Impact on the Yellowstone Series
‘1944’ targets a 2026 release on Paramount+, following the conclusion of other Yellowstone projects. The timing aligns with the network’s strategy to maintain viewer engagement after the main series ends.
Early fan reactions to the announcement show strong interest in exploring this crucial period of Dutton family history. Social media engagement indicates particular excitement about the World War II storyline.
The series aims to bridge narrative gaps between ‘1923’ and the modern Yellowstone timeline while introducing new dramatic elements through the wartime setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Yellowstone 1944 spinoff will explore the Dutton family’s story during World War II, with new characters and plotlines centered around the iconic Yellowstone Ranch in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.
Who are the main cast members of the Yellowstone 1944 spinoff?
The cast members for Yellowstone 1944 have not been announced yet. Paramount has kept casting details under wraps as the project remains in early development.
No actors have been officially attached to the project.
When is the Yellowstone 1944 spinoff set to be released?
A specific release date has not been announced for Yellowstone 1944. The series was greenlit by Paramount in 2023 alongside another spinoff titled 2024.
Production timelines remain unknown.
How many episodes will be featured in the first season of Yellowstone 1944?
The episode count for Yellowstone 1944’s first season has not been revealed. Past Yellowstone series typically run 8-10 episodes per season.
What is the plot premise of the Yellowstone 1944 spinoff?
The series takes place during World War II and will showcase the Dutton Ranch during this pivotal historical period. The story explores how the family maintained their ranch while facing the challenges of wartime America.
The Montana setting remains central to the narrative, focusing on the Bitterroot Valley region.
Will any of the original Yellowstone characters appear in the 1944 spinoff?
Given the time period setting, characters from the original Yellowstone series will not appear. The show will introduce new members of the Dutton family lineage.
The series bridges the timeline gap between the 1923 spinoff and the modern-day Yellowstone story.
Where will the Yellowstone 1944 spinoff be available for viewing?
The series will stream on Paramount+, following the distribution model of other Yellowstone spinoffs like 1883 and 1923.
Viewers will need a Paramount+ subscription to watch the show.
