“1923” Season 2 Breaks Records on Paramount+

Los Angeles, CA — On February 23, 2025, Paramount+ launched the second season of “1923,” a prequel to the hit series “Yellowstone,” drawing significant attention from fans and critics alike.

The series, which stars Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton, explores the Dutton family’s struggles in the early 20th century, set against the backdrop of prohibition, drought, and economic hardship in Montana. The premiere episode marked a record-breaking debut for Paramount+, pulling in 5.4 million global viewers, a 146% increase over the first season’s debut in December 2022.

“1923” Season 2 picks up where the first left off, following the Duttons as they face mounting threats to their ranch.

Main antagonists Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) and Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) continue their scheme to seize the Dutton land, while Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and his captivating British wife Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) journey separately toward Montana.

The season promises a blend of historical drama and Western action, with episode 5, titled “Only Gunshots to Guide Us,” set to release on March 23, hinting at escalating conflict.

Paramount Global reports that Season 2 viewership is outpacing Season 1 by 56%, with the premiere alone reaching 17 million viewers worldwide within its first month.

New episodes drop every Sunday at midnight ET, exclusively on Paramount+, reinforcing the platform’s strategy of staggered releases to maintain engagement. The eight-episode season, consistent with its predecessor and fellow spinoff “1883,” is slated to conclude in mid-April, wrapping up the story arc originally billed as a limited series.

“1923” blends star power with intricate storytelling.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, known for expanding the “Yellowstone” universe, “1923” blends star power with intricate storytelling. Alongside Ford and Mirren, the ensemble cast includes Darren Mann, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, and Jennifer Carpenter, who joined in Season 2.

Sheridan’s signature style—rooted in historical accuracy and character-driven narratives—continues to resonate, as evidenced by the show’s dominance on Paramount+ charts since its return.

The series delves into themes of land ownership and survival, reflecting the Dutton family’s legacy a century before “Yellowstone.”

It also explores parallel narratives, such as Teonna Rainwater’s (Aminah Nieves) fight against cultural erasure, which may intersect with the Dutton storyline in later episodes.

Critics have praised the slow-build tension, though some note the lack of Season 1’s frequent shootouts, suggesting Sheridan is saving major action for the finale.

Paramount+ has capitalized on the “Yellowstone” franchise’s popularity, with “1923” joining “1883” and other Sheridan projects like “Tulsa King” and “Landman” on the platform. In the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the series streams exclusively on Paramount+, while “Yellowstone” itself remains on Peacock in the U.S.

The network premiere of Season 2 aired on Paramount Network on March 16, broadening its reach beyond streaming.

Fan reactions on social media highlight excitement for Ford and Mirren’s performances, though some express impatience with the pacing.

Posts on X reflect a mix of anticipation for Spencer’s return to the ranch and speculation about potential crossovers, such as Teonna meeting the Duttons.

As of March 22, 2025, “1923” has aired four episodes, with the latest, “Journey the Rivers of Iron,” released on March 16.

The remaining four episodes will unfold weekly, building toward what cast members have called a definitive conclusion. While Paramount+ has not confirmed a Season 3, the show’s success suggests the “Yellowstone” universe will continue to expand, with projects like “The Madison” and “1944” in development.

For now, “1923” stands as a cornerstone of Paramount+’s original programming, blending prestige talent with a loyal fanbase. Whether it delivers the explosive payoff fans expect remains to be seen, but its early numbers affirm its place in the streaming landscape.

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Tags: Paramount+, 1923, Yellowstone, Season 2, Harrison Ford,
Helen Mirren, Taylor Sheridan, Western, streaming, television