Although Kevin Costner’s exit means an abrupt end for Yellowstone, the franchise has succeeded at laying the foundations for countless other shows that audiences need to see happen. From prequels and sequels to spinoffs and new eras of the Dutton family, Yellowstone has plenty of opportunities to keep the drama going in new times and places with a mix of old and unfamiliar faces. Overall, the original Yellowstone may be over, but the door is wide open for the series to continue in different and exciting ways.
Yellowstone is a drama that follows the ups and downs of the Dutton Family Ranch in Montana. With a vast ensemble of unique characters and a distinctly Western setting, the series awes audiences with family drama, social issues, and complex relationships. The Yellowstone spinoff series include 1883 and 1923, both of which follow the Dutton family’s ancestors during pivotal moments in their history. Now, a Matthew McConaughey Yellowstone spinoff is in the cards, along with a series called 6666 centering Yellowstone’s Jimmy Hurdstram in Texas. There have also been talks of spinoffs set in 1944 and the 1960s. In the end, the possibilities for Yellowstone spinoffs are essentially endless.
Yellowstone 1773
Thus far, Yellowstone has offered several glimpses into how the Dutton Ranch originated, however, no spinoff has gone so far as to explore the Duttons when the United States was first beginning. Maintaining the iconic “3” of the past two spinoffs, a Yellowstone series entitled 1773 could follow the Duttons before they moved West, and more than that, before the West even existed. Although this series would lack the Western ambiance of Yellowstone, it would maintain the show’s themes of justice and conflict. Seeing the true origins of the Dutton family tree in America would be interesting, especially with the Boston Tea Party as a background setting.
A Yellowstone Lloyd Spinoff
Yellowstone boasts many interesting characters, yet none are so mysterious as Lloyd. The simple fact that Lloyd is the oldest ranch hand at the Dutton Ranch makes him unique enough to have an expanded story told about him, however, his character itself is also intriguing. Lloyd may be a cowboy, but he is also kind-hearted, and acts as a foil to the younger, more aggressive characters on the show. Considering his age and tenure with the Duttons, it would make sense to create a prequel spinoff series wherein Lloyd’s youth and origins are explored. How did the wise ranch hand become the man he is on Yellowstone?
Yellowstone 1863
A time period that is certainly on the radars of Yellowstone fans is the American Civil War. A potential spinoff series during the Civil War is almost a given for Yellowstone considering the opportunities it has to explore themes such as race relations, family, and fighting for what is right. Even more than that, 1923 confirmed that Jacob Dutton fought in the Civil War, which means the connection is already present. 1863 could not only explore the complexities of the Civil War, but also provide background to Jacob and Cara Dutton’s romance, and delve into the Duttons’ history of war and their belief systems.
A Yellowstone Barrel Racer Spinoff
The American West has a rich culture that stretches far beyond your basic cowboy plot line, and Yellowstone has the chance to take a closer look at these cultural moments. For example, Yellowstone’s Mia and Laramie are both barrel racers that join the Dutton Ranch as ranch hands. Although Mia later decides the ranch life isn’t for her, this is the ideal moment for a spinoff to follow Mia and see what barrel racing and the rodeo is all about. This is a unique story that isn’t always told, and furthermore, it would give Yellowstone the chance to have a more female-centric series which would be a beneficial switch up.
Yellowstone 1996
With a family as interesting and dysfunctional as the Duttons, it’s common to have the desire to see their backstories in full, and a 1996 spinoff series would be able to do just that. Narrated through the eyes of Lee Dutton, who died in the very first episode of Yellowstone, this spinoff could delve into the childhoods of the Dutton children: Beth, Kayce, Lee, and Jamie. Overall, the series would be able to explore events that were only mentioned in Yellowstone, and would show how the Duttons, especially Beth, came to be where they are in Yellowstone. Exploring their relationships and traumas would make for an especially interesting story.
Tribes Of Broken Rock Spinoff
It almost goes without saying that if Yellowstone is going to continue making spinoffs, a Tribes of Broken Rock series is a necessity. Throughout Yellowstone, the Tribes of Broken Rock have appeared as both enemies and friends, but for the most part, are supporting characters to the Duttons. Following in the footsteps of 1883, a new Yellowstone spinoff could focus solely on Native American stories that include both their struggles and their regular lives. Following a Native American protagonist and cast would be something Yellowstone has never done before and is definitely a worthwhile investment.
The Return Of James And Margaret Dutton
Although 1883 season 2 won’t be focusing on what happens to James and Margaret Dutton, many fans want to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill back on-screen in the Yellowstone universe. Therefore, perhaps a James and Margaret Dutton spinoff is in order. One possibility could be a series following them in 1893, ten years after their original spinoff. This would be a good choice because that era includes the Gilded Age and a time of tension and greed in the American West. The series could bring back the beloved Dutton couple and give them plenty of social and political conflict to sort through as the turn of the century approaches.
A Yellowstone Kayce And Monica Spinoff
While all the Dutton children have a worthwhile story to tell, Yellowstone’s Kayce and Monica offer a unique perspective that balances between the Duttons and the Tribes of Broken Rock. In this spinoff, Kayce and Monica would likely appear in the modern day, however, the series would delve deeper into their relationship and their connections with others. The fact that they are both characters that can be kind-hearted yet violent also makes them perfect examples of enforcers and justice-keepers within Yellowstone’s world. Furthermore, the fact that their son Tate seems interested in the ranch and is the current future of it, makes for a wholly interesting and complicated situation.
Rip’s Yellowstone Backstory
Yellowstone already began to offer flashbacks into Rip’s tragic backstory, and now, the franchise can take it one step further with a full spinoff series. Rip is one of the most beloved characters in Yellowstone, and there’s no doubt that a spinoff of his own would be desired among viewers. Plus, Rip definitely has an interesting story to tell over the span of many years. From his abusive childhood and his induction into the Dutton family to his romance with Beth and his ascension as an integral ranch hand, a Rip spinoff would have plenty to explore and the audience to support it.
John Dutton III’s Origin Story
Despite Kevin Costner’s exit, John Dutton III can still live on in the Yellowstone universe. In particular, a John Dutton prequel would serve as a solution to Costner’s absence, wherein audiences could see Dutton in his younger years as he first takes on the ranch and starts his family. This would allow Dutton’s greatness to live on, and more than that, would expand on him as a character. The series could show his mistakes, his humanity, and his relationship with Evelyn and their children. A John Dutton prequel may not be the most original Yellowstone spinoff idea, but it would certainly fill the hole Costner has left in the franchise.