The “Yellowstone” spinoff “1944” is officially in the works, and it’s arriving just in time to fill in major gaps in the Dutton family tree. As “1923” season 2 concluded, fans learned that both Alexandra Dutton (played by Julia Schlaepfer) and Elizabeth Dutton (Michelle Randolph) are pregnant—raising big questions, since the only confirmed member of the next Dutton generation is John Dutton II (played in “Yellowstone” by the late Dabney Coleman).

The Story and Setting of the ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff ‘1944’
The series, appropriately titled “1944,” is expected to take place in Montana during World War II, likely on the Dutton family ranch. While no official plot has yet been revealed, the time period hints that the storyline could again include historical events. Given the franchise’s track record with historical storytelling—such as “1883” and “1923”—it’s possible that major wartime events like the Normandy invasion or the Battle of the Bulge will be woven into the family drama.

Paramount originally announced the series in November 2023, alongside a spinoff initially titled “2024,” which has since been renamed “The Madison” and is set to star Michelle Pfeiffer. Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios, described the projects as part of the ongoing expansion of the “Yellowstone” universe.

“On the heels of “1883” and “1923’s” success, our new planned spinoffs, “1944” and “2024,” will take audiences on a new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan,” he told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, echoed the excitement: “We can’t wait to bring ‘1944’ and ‘The Madison’ to audiences everywhere.”

Who Will Star—and Which Duttons Might Return?
As of now, no official cast has been announced for “1944.” However, considering the show takes place only 21 years after the events of “1923,” it’s highly likely that characters like Jack Dutton (Darren Mann), Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph), Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar), and Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) could appear—potentially as older versions of themselves. Since “1923” confirmed pregnancies for both Elizabeth and Alexandra, one of these couples will presumably become the parents of John Dutton II.

Although Dabney Coleman played an older John Dutton II in a flashback on “Yellowstone,” the actor passed away in 2024, meaning a new performer will take on the role if he appears in “1944.” John Dutton II is a key figure in the Dutton legacy—he’s the father of John Dutton III (Kevin Costner) and grandfather to Beth, Kayce, Jamie, and Lee.

The timeline also leaves room to introduce the love story of John Dutton III’s parents—another romantic saga that could become a central plotline, just like in previous prequels.

When Will the ‘Yellostone’ Spinoff ‘1944’ Premiere?
Despite the title, “1944” doesn’t yet have a release date. That’s likely because “1923” literally just aired the finale on April 13, 2025. According to Sklenar, season 2 will conclude the series.

“It’s a bookend,” Sklenar said. “It’s still limited, but I think of it as one piece — there’s just a split in the middle. It will conclude.”

Now that “1923” has wrapped, “1944” will be the next bridge in the Dutton family saga. While fans wait, they can also look forward to “The Madison,” a modern-day spinoff, and a new series following Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. There’s also “6666,” set in Texas, which dives into cowboy life at the historic Four Sixes Ranch, which Sheridan happens to own.

For now, “Yellowstone” fans can rest easy—Taylor Sheridan’s Dutton dynasty is far from over.

Tell us! Which “Yellowstone” characters do you want to see in “1944”? Let us know in the comments below.