If you’ve ever scrolled past Yellowstone on your streaming platform and thought, “Looks cool, but… where the heck do I even start?” — you’re not alone. Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe has grown faster than a stampede, and now it includes prequels, spin-offs, sequels, and a whole lotta drama. So if you’re ready to saddle up but want to know the best way to ride through the timeline, here’s your ultimate, no-stress guide. Let’s break it down like we’re talking over a beer at the ranch.
First Things First: There’s More Than One Way to Watch
There are two main ways to watch the Yellowstone saga:
- Chronological Order — following the timeline of the story from past to present.
- Release Order — watching the shows in the order they came out, the way most viewers experienced them.
Each has its perks. Chronological gives you the full Dutton family history in order, like reading a book from chapter one. Release order gives you the suspense and character reveals as they were originally designed.
Chronological Order: From Wagon Wheels to Helicopters
If you’re into “I want to see how it all began” vibes, start with this path.
1883
This is the origin story of the Dutton family. It follows James and Margaret Dutton (played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) as they travel from Texas through the Great Plains, facing disease, death, and every danger imaginable. Think Oregon Trail, but grittier and with a killer soundtrack. You’ll see how the Yellowstone ranch came to be — and at what cost.
1923
Fast forward 40 years. We’re now with Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) trying to hold the ranch together amid drought, the Great Depression, and changing times. If you like history, gritty Western action, and watching Helen Mirren aim a rifle — this one’s for you.
1944 (Upcoming)
Not much is out yet, but this will cover the Duttons during WWII-era Montana. Expect another gritty chapter full of big changes — and likely, big losses.
Yellowstone (Seasons 1–5)
Now you’re in the present day with John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the modern-day patriarch trying to protect the family’s legacy from greedy developers, political forces, and even his own kids. Drama? Oh, you have no idea.
6666 (Upcoming)
Pronounced “Four Sixes,” this spin-off takes place after Yellowstone Season 5 and focuses on the iconic ranch in Texas. It’ll follow fan-favorite Jimmy and show how real cowboys keep the Western spirit alive today.
Untitled Sequel Series (Starring Michelle Pfeiffer)
Post-Yellowstone, this one will follow a New York woman (Pfeiffer) who moves to Montana after her husband’s death. New faces, new conflicts, same wild West.
Release Order: The Most Popular Route
If you’re new to the Yellowstone universe and want to ease into it like everyone else did, release order is the way to go. It gives you the twists, character intros, and Easter eggs in the order they were intended.
- Yellowstone (Seasons 1–5)
Meet the Duttons in modern times and get hooked on the drama before you go backward into their epic past. - 1883
Once you’re emotionally invested in the ranch, this prequel hits harder. You’ll understand just how deep the roots run. - 1923
Keep going with the history lesson — and marvel at the generational grit of the Dutton clan. - Future Spin-offs
As 1944, 6666, and the Pfeiffer sequel drop, slot them in.
What’s Each One About?
Let’s do a quick lightning round, because who doesn’t love a mini cheat sheet?
- 1883 – Harrowing pioneer journey. Dust, heartbreak, death, and a lot of survival. This is how it all begins.
- 1923 – Industrial-age drama, political unrest, economic despair, and a badass older couple fighting to keep it all together.
- Yellowstone (S1–S5) – Modern cowboys vs. land developers, political rivals, and family betrayal. It’s like Succession, but on horses.
- Season 1: Introduces the family and all the land drama. Spoiler alert: people die early.
- Season 2: The Beck brothers = pure chaos.
- Season 3: More enemies, more secrets.
- Season 4: Revenge, fallout, and character growth.
- Season 5: The end of an era (and probably a few Duttons).
- 6666 – Cowboys being cowboys in Texas. A rugged spinoff about grit, tradition, and modern ranching.
- 1944 – WWII-era Duttons. Probably heavy on emotional stakes and national identity.
So… Which Order Should You Choose?
Honestly, it depends on your vibe:
- Want the full epic story, like a Western Godfather saga? Go chronological.
- Want to watch it the way fans did and experience the mystery and drama as they unfolded? Go release order.
Either way, you’re in for a wild ride. This isn’t just a Western — it’s an emotional, high-stakes, beautifully filmed saga about land, legacy, and loyalty. So grab your popcorn (or whiskey), put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and start riding into the Yellowstone universe.
And when you start feeling emotionally attached to a horse or a morally gray cowboy? Don’t say we didn’t warn you.