1883 creator Taylor Sheridan believes the series “feels close-ended” and did not naturally need a second season.
The conclusion of 1883, a Yellowstone prequel from 2021, after a single season left many bewildered in the constantly shifting TV drama scene, despite its critical acclaim and robust viewership. This decision, explained by show creator Taylor Sheridan, offers a fascinating insight into the strategic storytelling and creative choices in the television industry.
The decision to end 1883 after one season, as Sheridan explained in Town and Country, was rooted in the concept of the series as a “Ten-Hour Movie.” According to Sheridan, the narrative they intended to tell was complete within this span, negating the need for further continuation. This approach reflects a growing trend in television where creators opt for limited series to tell concise, complete stories, rather than drawing out narratives over multiple seasons. Sheridan revealed:
“We wanted to make a 10-hour movie that ended, and that’s what we did. For me, as a storyteller it feels close ended. I’m going to peek through the window of a different era and see what I see then.”
1883 ventured into the untold history of the Dutton family, the central figures in Yellowstone, led by John Dutton III (portrayed by Kevin Costner). Set 135 years before the events of Yellowstone, the series traced the roots of the Dutton family as they journeyed from Tennessee to Montana, eventually establishing the Yellowstone Ranch. This historical drama delved into the American Civil War’s impact on the characters, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
The series was anchored by four main characters: James Dillard Dutton (Tim McGraw), the patriarch; Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), his wife; their daughter Elsa Dutton (Isabel May), who also serves as the narrator; and Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott), a Pinkerton agent guiding the wagon train. Despite its short span of 10 episodes, 1883 was acclaimed for its concise and impactful storytelling, successfully weaving the Dutton family’s saga with emotional depth and a poignant conclusion.
Expanding the Yellowstone Universe: From 1883 to Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Sheridan’s focus has since shifted to other projects within the Yellowstone universe. Among these is the already released 1923 and Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Initially conceptualized as a sequel to 1883 and titled 1883: Bass Reeves, the project evolved into Lawmen: Bass Reeves, distancing itself from the Dutton family narrative. This series, centering on the legendary figure Bass Reeves (portrayed by David Oyelowo), has already made a mark with favorable reviews and impressive ratings.
The decision to conclude 1883 and the evolution of Lawmen: Bass Reeves demonstrate a strategic approach to storytelling in the television industry. Rather than extending a successful series beyond its natural narrative arc, Sheridan and his team chose to preserve the integrity of the 1883 story, while simultaneously expanding the Yellowstone universe through other series. This strategy not only maintains the quality of each series but also keeps audiences engaged with fresh, interconnected stories within the same fictional universe.
In an era where television series often face the challenge of maintaining quality over multiple seasons, 1883 stands out as an example of strategic storytelling and creative integrity. Its conclusion, while perhaps disappointing to fans eager for more, underscores the importance of narrative completeness and the potential of limited series in modern television. As the Yellowstone universe continues to expand, it offers a blueprint for how television franchises can evolve while maintaining quality and engaging audiences with new and compelling narratives.
If you’re a fan of the Yellowstone universe but curious about all the news that’s been swirling around it recently, check out our video essay on some of the controversies and problems facing the shows and their creator Taylor Sheridan: