Plot Synopsis

This prequel to YELLOWSTONE follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America's promised land: Montana. James arrives in Texas, where he and his family prepare to make their way through The Great Plains in search of a new home and the promise of opportunity. Thomas and Shea recruit James and some local cowboys to corral a herd of cattle. As they begin their journey, the caravan is confronted with some of the many dangers they will face along the way. On Sunday December 19, 2021, Paramount+ released the first two episodes of 1883. The same night, 1883 made its linear television debut on Paramount as a series sneak peek, as the cable channel aired the series opener from 9-10:30pm ET/PT. A new episode drops on Paramount+ each Sunday thereafter (except January 2, the day of the YELLOWSTONE Season 4 finale):

"1883" (Sunday, December 19, 2021): The Dutton family embarks on a journey west through the last bastion of untamed America. James arrives in Texas, where he and his family prepare to make their way through The Great Plains in search of a new home and the promise of opportunity.

"Behind Us, A Cliff" (Sunday, December 19, 2021): Thomas and Shea recruit James and some local cowboys to corral a herd of cattle. As they begin their journey, the caravan is confronted with some of the many dangers they will face along the way.

"River" (Sunday, December 26, 2021): James butts heads with Shea and Thomas about an important decision. Tensions rise in camp when an accusation is made. Elsa begins a flirtation with a cowboy.

"The Crossing" (Sunday, January 9, 2022): The group faces the harrowing task of crossing the river with their wagons and supplies. Thomas and Noemi grow closer.

"The Fangs of Freedom" (Sunday, January 16, 2022): Shea and Thomas cope with the aftermath of the river crossing, but there is little time to grieve and no shortage of challenges ahead. Elsa and Ennis share a romantic moment.

"Lightning Yellow Hair" (Sunday, February 6, 2022): Elsa makes an unlikely friend. The group faces a harrowing challenge from mother nature. The camp searches for one of their own.

"Boring the Devil" (Sunday, January 30, 2022): Shea helps Elsa cope with her loss. The group crosses another river and prepares to enter Indian territory. Thomas buys Noemi a gift.

"The Weep of Surrender" (Sunday, February 13, 2022): As winter looms, Shea faces doubts and argues with James about the best way forward. Elsa makes a bold, beautiful decision that changes her forever.

"Racing Clouds" (Sunday, February 20, 2022): A misunderstanding leads to a battle with serious consequences.

1883 made its linear television debut with back-to-back episodes on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 8-10:30pm Et/PT on Paramount, with a simulcast on TV Land, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, and Pop. Episodes aired weekly on Paramount and CMT on Sundays at 8pm through August 13.
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On Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 8pm ET/PT, Paramount and CMT aired the linear television debut of "This Is Not Your Heaven," the Season 1 finale of 1883. James and Margaret face a heavy decision; Shea and Thomas take bold action to help one of their own.

1883 will return for a second season.