1883 might just be Taylor Sheridan’s greatest work, but why did he bring the Western to an end after only one season when Paramount wanted more? The list of Taylor Sheridan’s movies and TV shows continues to expand year after year, with the Yellowstone saga remaining his biggest success story.
Even with the original series having come to an end, the Yellowstone TV empire continues to expand with spinoffs like Marshals. The first offshoot of the property came with 1883, a dark Western miniseries detailing how the Dutton clan came to find the land that would become home to the Yellowstone ranch.
Taylor Sheridan Always Viewed 1883 As A Limited Series
1883 was a violent but moving prequel, and featured great performances from stars like Sam Elliott and Isabel May. 1883’s series finale was particularly heartbreaking for those who made it all the way through, since most of the main characters had perished by the time the credits rolled.
1883 was greeted with critical acclaim for its acting, writing and direction. A case could be made that it’s Sheridan’s best work period, but before the finale, there was a belief it would be back for season 2. This wasn’t the case as the final episode, “This Is Not Your Heaven,” killed off May and Elliott’s main characters.
Sheridan later revealed that he always designed 1883 as a limited series, or a ten-part movie. By the time it comes to a close, the story feels complete. This also makes the prequel ideal for those who’ve never watched Yellowstone, since it requires no prior knowledge.
An 1883 Continuation Would Have Been Near Impossible
Sheridan revealed in a Deadline interview that Paramount brass were less than pleased with 1883’s finale, since they had already ordered a second series. According to the showrunner, after the finale was screened, they wanted a meeting that explained how Elliott’s Shea survived his quiet definitive death in the final episode.
A second season of 1883 would be tough to mount for the simple reason that most of the key characters are dead. Sure, another season could have followed James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) as they struggled to make a living on their new land, while introducing new characters.
Maybe Sheridan could have pulled a story out of this, but honestly, that sounds like filler. 1883’s finale wraps up their journey superbly, and another season following the surviving characters would have revealed nothing new.
1883’s Second Season Morphed Into 1923
Paramount’s confusion over1883’s ending led to a second season being greenlit before the finale aired. Instead of forcing a direct sequel, Sheridan decided to make 1923 instead and visit the next generation of Duttons as they dealt with threats to their land in the aftermath of World War 1. 1923 also explored the end of the Old West and Prohibition.
Isabel May reprised the role of Elsa Dutton in 1923, who narrates the show.
It also featured stars like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, with the spinoff running for two seasons before it ended in 2025. Sheridan will continue this time-hopping format with 1944 next, which will follow Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) as he takes over the ranch.
Source: Variety
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