The Yellowstone franchise continues to expand even as 1923 wraps its epic story. Fans of the Dutton dynasty now have a confirmed sequel/prequel project titled 1944 in development — and there’s plenty to know about what comes next in the saga of the Dutton Ranch and its legacy. Here’s everything confirmed so far about the 1923 sequel and how the Yellowstone story will evolve. The Direct+1

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📺 What 1923 Was

1923 is a major prequel series in the Yellowstone universe created by Taylor Sheridan, exploring the Dutton family during the turbulent early 20th century — including Prohibition, drought, and the Great Depression — decades before the events of Yellowstone. Wikipedia

It starred Hollywood icons like Harrison Ford (Jacob Dutton) and Helen Mirren (Cara Dutton), and introduced a younger generation of Duttons, including Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar). Wikipedia

1923 was originally ordered with just one season but expanded into two seasons after creator Taylor Sheridan felt the story needed more time to be fully told. Wikipedia

Season 2 of 1923 premiered on February 23, 2025 on Paramount+ with weekly episodes, concluding its story on April 6, 2025. TheGWW.com

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🧭 Sequel Confirmed: 1944

With 1923 ending, plans are moving forward on a new Yellowstone prequel series titled 1944. This project has been publicly referenced by multiple sources as the next historical chapter in the franchise, extending the Dutton family story into a new era. The Direct

📍 Setting & Timeframe

• 1944 is expected to take place during World War II, exploring how the war impacts the Dutton family and the ranch in a vastly different historical landscape than 1923. The Direct

• The series is anticipated to be set on or around Chief Joseph Ranch, a key location in the Yellowstone universe, tying the series visually and thematically to the earlier shows. The Direct

📅 Release Window

• While no official premiere date has been announced yet, insiders and coverage indicate 1944 is targeting a 2026 release following the conclusion of 1923. The Direct

🔗 Narrative Connections

• 1944 is poised to bridge the world between 1923 and the ancestors of the modern Duttons seen in Yellowstone.

• Given the timeline, characters who were children in 1923 could realistically return in 1944 as adults, providing continuity and deepening the multi‑generational saga. The Direct

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🔥 How It Fits Into the York Yellowstone Universe

The Yellowstone franchise now includes:
➡️ 1883 – The original prequel, chronicling the Dutton family’s earliest days in Montana. Wikipedia
➡️ 1923 – A deeper look at the family during early 20th century crises. Wikipedia
➡️ Yellowstone – The flagship modern saga around John Dutton III. Wikipedia
➡️ 1944 – Confirmed next chapter exploring mid‑century challenges. The Direct
➡️ Other projects in development include 6666 (set on the historic Four Sixes Ranch) and Y: Marshals, following Kayce Dutton in a new setting. Wikipedia+1

This sprawling lineage allows the franchise to connect characters, events, and histories across more than a century — effectively creating one of modern TV’s most ambitious family sagas. Wikipedia

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🎥 What We Know About the Story Tone & Scope

🪶 Historical Stakes

Just as 1883 and 1923 used their time periods as narrative forces — from Western migration to economic collapse — 1944 is expected to explore the impact of global conflict, how war changes communities, and how survival and legacy shape the Duttons. The Direct

🔄 Possible Character Arcs

While nothing is officially confirmed about casting yet, 1944 has huge potential to:

• Follow Spencer Dutton (or his descendants) as adults. The Direct

• Introduce new family members navigating WWII and homefront challenges.

• Deepen links between 1923 and later Yellowstone prequels.

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🧠 What the Creators Have Said

Although Taylor Sheridan and Paramount have kept story details under wraps, 1923 stars have praised the series’ emotional depth and its role in expanding the Yellowstone legacy, suggesting that audiences will see equally rich storytelling in future installments. People.com

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Legacy and Franchise Growth

The creation of 1944 reflects how Yellowstone’s world continues to resonate globally — from ranch‑front family struggles to epic tales of historical survival. As each chapter unfolds, the franchise reinforces its reputation for character‑driven drama rooted in history, legacy, and the rugged American landscape. EW.com

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⚠️ Important Notes

📌 1923 Season 2, while concluding the story that began in 2022, was structured as the end of that specific era of the Dutton timeline. Wikipedia
📌 1944 is confirmed in development and expected to be the next major Yellowstone prequel. The Direct
📌 Release details, cast announcements, and specific plot information will likely emerge closer to 2026.

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Summary:
The 1923 era of the Yellowstone prequels has officially concluded with its second season, but the saga continues with an exciting sequel prequel titled 1944 — set in the WWII era and slated for release in 2026. This new series will expand the Dutton family’s multi‑generational legacy even further and build on the rich historical storytelling fans have come to love.