2025

Sunday, July 20, 2025

From American Idol to Icon: Five of The Most Successful Contestants

Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)

Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.

So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.

Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.

1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)

Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off.

With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count.

She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.

Estimated net worth: $140 million+

Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?

Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?

2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)

Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.

Estimated net worth: $50–60 million

She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.

Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance.

Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?

3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)

Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback!

Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there.

She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.

Estimated net worth: $30–40 million

Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.

This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson!

She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!

Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.

4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)

Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history.

He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert."

He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.

Estimated net worth: $35 million+

He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.

Adam Lambert is my favorite.

This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!

5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)

Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.

Estimated net worth: $10 million+

He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.

I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.

So—Who's Your Favorite?

That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.

Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.

I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won or not.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Saturday, July 19, 2025

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room - Restaurant Review

In days gone by, many Southern towns had boarding houses, places where you could find a simple quiet room and enjoy, usually, two meals a day in a communal dining room.

The Wilkes House, built in 1870, began operation as a boardinghouse in 1943, run by Sema Wilkes.

History

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is a lunch only restaurant in Savannah, Georgia located in what was originally the dining hall of the boardinghouse begun by Sema Wilkes in the historic Wilkes House. She owned and managed the restaurant for 59 years, and today her family continues the tradition.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Restaurant in Savannah, GA

Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is only open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays. It offers popular Southern US home cooking. There is no menu; instead, there are specific offerings each day. These usually include their famous southern fried chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as black-eyed peas or okra gumbo, plus bowls of fluffy mashed potatoes and the absolutely delicious Wilkes’ macaroni and cheese* dish, along with corn muffins and biscuits. Other days you might find meatloaf or stew as the main dishes.

Dining table at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room restaurant

Seating is family-style at large tables for ten shared by whoever you were in line with when the doors open. The popularity of this restaurant is such that long lines begin to form long before the 11:00 a.m. opening. In its homestyle tradition, guests are escorted in shifts of ten into the dining room where tables are already set with steaming bowls and platters of yummy Southern food. Guests sit together and pass the food around like family.

Location

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is located at 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, which is close to Chatham Square, one of the 22 famous squares of Savannah. Jones Street is a cobblestone street in the Historic District that's lined with trees and near the Design District's shops.

*Favorite Food

My favorites served at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room the day I took my mom was the delicious fried chicken and the outstanding macaroni & cheese. I am not much of a cheese fan, and my idea of mac & cheese is with butter and milk (without cheese). So ordering macaroni and cheese in a restaurant is not something I would normally do. The exception is the dish served at Mrs. Wilkes. It has cheese (cheddar), but the cheese takes second place (taste-wise) to the milk & butter ingredients, along with the 4 eggs.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but the best by far (in my opinion) is the version served at Mrs. Wilkes.

After a trip south a few years ago, Laurie of Northern Minnesota, posted on her Cookin’ Up North recipe blog her adapted version of the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room she got from the cookbook she bought at the restaurant.

………………..

Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House Cookbook

Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbook: Recipes and Recollections from Her Savannah Table

In addition to running Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for many years (from 1943 until her death at the age of 95) Sema Wilkes wrote several cookbooks filled with the traditional Southern recipes she served at her restaurant.

Along with the recipes, the cookbooks delightfully include remembrances of Mrs. Wilkes, her family and friends, and include some fascinating tales of her most unusual regular customers over the years. The cookbooks are extremely entertaining and read rather like a memoir. This Boarding House Cookbook is one you will enjoy.

Summary

In a brochure about Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, this line is found:

"Stop by and enjoy the special pleasure of a meal shared with neighbors and strangers."

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room

107 West Jones Street
Savannah, Georgia
912-232-5997
http://www.mrswilkes.com/

No Reservations
Dine In Service Only
They Do Not Offer Takeout
Hours: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No Holidays! - Lunch Only!

View a Sample Menu of daily specials here.

Related Reviews:

For More Restaurant Reviews, Check out ReviewThisReviews - Restaurant Reviews: US

National Macaroni Day

*Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room Restaurant Review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Images courtesy of:

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Friday, July 18, 2025

Book Covers for Textbooks or Books Reviewed

I remember the first time our daughter brought home textbooks with an assignment to have them covered before school the next day. For parents who are prepared, that is not a big deal. However, since she was our oldest child and our first experience with having a child in school, I had no clue such a thing would be required.

I didn't, and still do not, keep paper grocery bags around. I had always heard they would draw bugs and I had no desire to invite them into our home. I had to think fast! I grabbed some wrapping paper and went to work. The books had to be recovered within days because wrapping paper is not durable enough to be pulled in and out of a backpack without tearing. By then though, I had gone to the grocery store and had the desired heavy paper bags.

The heavy paper bags didn't last long, but at least they survived the first few months. That was long enough for me to find and buy some fabric covers made specifically for covering textbooks and the daily use required.

After that first year, I was always prepared with a variety of book covers for our children.

Pretty Book Covers for Any Student

6 Pack Stretchable Book Covers, Jumbo Book Sleeves for Hardcover Books Textbooks up to 9 x 11 InchesCheck PriceBased on our experience, schools and teachers request students cover their books. Some books are provided by the schools and will need to be turned in at the end of the year. Therefore, the school wants their books to remain in excellent, or at least good, condition for the student that will get the book the following year.

As our children got older, they had textbooks that we were required to purchase. I found them much easier to resell if they were in good condition.

I like the book covers featured on the right because they would be easy to select a different pattern for each subject book. That is much better than having them all covered alike. For instance, I would choose the planet cover for a science book, the Legos for a math book, the map for geography or history, and save the panda for my favorite class. The other two covers are super cool and would be awesome for English or Spanish classroom textbooks.

The covers are stretchable, tear resistant, and washable!

7 Pack Stretchable Book Covers, Jumbo Book Sleeves for TextbooksCheck Price 7 Pcs Stretchable Book Cover with Bookmarks Reusable JumboCheck Price

How to Cover a Book with a Paper Bag

If you find yourself in a bind, like I did, here is a video that shows you how to cover your textbook with a grocery bag.

More Back to School Reviews

Insulated Lunch Boxes for School Children Reviewed by Sylvestermouse

3 Items to Help Get the Kids Moving Faster in the Morning written by BarbRad

Back Packs or Rolling Totes! written by Olivia Morris

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Address Labels Printed, Review

I ordered address labels from Zazzle, some years ago. It's not something I use a lot of anymore, but I do appreciate them when I need them.

The return address labels come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 30 individual address labels per sheet for the return address label size. The larger address labels also come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 18 individual address labels per sheet. There is also an option of shipping labels, which comes with eight labels per sheet. The size choice is up to the customer.

Sizes:
Address labels: 2.375" L x 1.25" H
Return address labels: 2.25" L x 0.75" H
Shipping labels: 3.75" L x 2" H
The full sheet is 8.5" L x 11" H.

I do like the address labels that I purchased from Zazzle, I recommend them, and I will purchase them again. The sheets that I received were sent in a cardboard type envelope that kept the labels flat.

Being an artist and having a store on Zazzle, I have a variety of designs to choose from.

My most popular design is the beach scene with gentle waves.

Sand Beach Ocean Waves Scene Address Labels
by CherylsArt

I also provide a variety of occasion address labels including birthday, graduation, and wedding; and holiday address labels too. You can browse all available address labels in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/CherylsArt/address+labels.

Also, desired are my plain and simple address labels, sans design. The text is all the design there is, which comes in handy for more business type mailings, and or when you just want plain and simple.

Plain and Simple Black on White Address Labels
by CherylsArt

Cheryl Paton

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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte: Delightful Hot or Cold

I’ve never been a big fan of matcha. The distinctive grassy flavor reminds me a little too much of freshly mown lawn clippings. So, when I tried Clevr Blends’ Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte after it was highly recommended by a friend, it was more out of curiosity than optimistic expectation. But this blend surprised me—in the best way.

Smooth, subtly nutty, and lightly sweet, it’s easily the most enjoyable matcha I’ve tried. In fact, I liked it so much I’ve started keeping a pouch on hand for both cozy mornings and refreshing cold pick-me-ups.

Here’s my honest review, including how I like to prepare it as both hot and iced matcha lattes.

The Most Delicious Honey Pistachio Matcha Latte with Superfoods

A Delicious, Indulgent-Tasting Treat

The taste of this matcha latte is surprisingly delicious. The matcha is smooth and mellow, not grassy or bitter. The honey and pistachio notes shine through, adding warmth and a slightly nutty sweetness. The added honey and milk make it even more comforting and balanced. It feels like an indulgent treat. The added superfoods and antioxidants are a bonus!

The iced version is light, smooth, and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness. The pistachio flavor seems to come forward more when iced, which I love, and the honey note lingers without being too sweet. It’s the kind of drink I could sip all summer long: satisfying but not heavy.

The bright green color was a bit startling at first, but it's much prettier in person than on the screen!

The Superfoods Bonus

The Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte from Clevr Blends isn’t your typical matcha drink. It’s a creamy, plant-based latte mix that blends:

Organic Japanese matcha (ceremonial grade, but without the overpowering grassy bite)
Oat and pistachio milk powders for creaminess
Real honey for natural sweetness
Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi for focus and calm
L-theanine to smooth out energy without jitters (this honey pistachio matcha latte with superfoods has 45 mg of caffeine, about half the amount you would find in a cup of coffee)

It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, with functional ingredients that support focus, mood, and a sense of balance. And while it's definitely not keto, it's fairly low carb.

But you don't have to drink it for the superfoods benefits. You can just drink it because it's flat-out delicious!

Making Hot Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I add 3 tablespoons of the powder to 6–8 ounces of hot water (not boiling). Then I stir in a small squirt of honey (I use monk fruit-sweetened sugar-free honey), add a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk, and froth it all together until smooth and frothy.

Ingredients for Iced Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

Making Iced Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I use an electric frother to dissolve 3 tablespoons of the powder in 4 ounces of warm water with a squirt of honey (or monk fruit honey) and a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk until the mixture is very frothy. Then I pour it over a tall (16-ounce) glass filled with ice cubes.

By the way, the best frother I have ever tried is the one in these photos, the Nahida Coffee Milk Frother Wand, which is powerful, has three speeds, dedicated buttons for each speed, and holds a charge longer than any other frother my husband and I have tried.

Why I Keep Reaching for It

As someone who’s never cared for matcha, Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte really changed my mind. It gives me a gentle, steady lift without the crash I sometimes get from coffee. And I love that it includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and lion’s mane for added stress support and focus. It feels like a small act of self-care, easy to make, enjoyable to sip, and supportive from the inside out.

Pros & Considerations

Pros:

Smooth, mellow matcha flavor (even for matcha skeptics!)
Honey and pistachio notes are well-balanced and comforting
Easy to prepare hot or iced
Adaptogens and L-theanine support focus and calm
Dairy-free and refined sugar-free

Considerations:

A bit pricey per serving (but worth it for the quality)
Some may want to add extra sweetener or milk to customize the flavor, as I do

Final Thoughts

If you’ve avoided matcha because of its grassy flavor, this SuperLatte might just change your mind. The Honey Pistachio Matcha from Clevr Blends is smooth, lightly sweet, and surprisingly crave-worthy. With its clean ingredients and nourishing benefits, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.

Not a matcha lover? Neither was I. But this superfoods-infused Clevr Blends matcha latte made me a believer.

Clevr Blends Organic Matcha Green Tea Latte, Instant Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Superfood Powder Blend with Oat Milk, Lions Mane, Reishi Mushroom, Coconut Cream, Ashwagandha, Serve Hot or Iced, 12 oz

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

A Review of Stainless Steel Litter Boxes

I cannot recommend these litter boxes highly enough!

I know I usually wait till the end of the post to give my recommendation, be it positive or negative, but I feel so strongly in favor of these litter boxes, that I wanted to put it at the very top! They are the best litter boxes I have ever used in over 30 years of being a cat Mom......but let me start at the beginning of how and why I bought three of them and discovered how awesome they are.

I live in a really small house. 3 bedrooms, 1 and a half baths, kitchen and a tiny family room. There was only one place to put the litter boxes and that was in the closet in the front foyer. An awful place, truly, but their simply was no other place with enough room to put three litter boxes. (yes, I have multiple kitties) I kept the doors cracked so they could easily get in and out and opened them fully to clean them. With new litter boxes, it was fine. We cleaned them daily and swept around them and there was no smell. This was at first.

After about a year I began noticing the smell, light at first, but worse with the passing weeks. I knew I had to do something.

Thus began parade of different types of litter boxes.....

I tried so many styles of litter boxes. First I tried the ones like little houses with doors, thinking that a cover would help keep the smell down. Worked for a while, but the cats didn't like them and the covers didn't keep the smell down. Tossed them and decided to try the stacked three tray boxes that you were supposed to be able to grab the top one, shake it and all the clumps would stay in the top one for you to dump cleanly, and them you put that tray on the bottom. The system looked great in the ads but in reality, the clumps stuck to the tray and I ended up having to wash them every day to keep them clean. They were thrown out in just a few weeks, $100 wasted.

Next we tried the manual rolling kind that supposedly flipped the interior of the covered box and put the clumps in a bagged compartment for "easy disposal." HA! It was a nightmare to roll and all of the clumps never ended up in the compartment, so it was pretty smelly most of the time. Another expensive cat box failure.

By this time I was frustrated beyond measure. I took my old plastic litter boxes and washed them and put them back in the closet. Within a week, they were back to smelling. I just didn't know what to do. Getting rid of the cats was out of the question, they are my babies. The only thing I had left to try was one of those electric self cleaning litter boxes like Litter Robot. They always get great reviews and people seem to love them......but I looked them up on Amazon and they are like $749. I just cannot afford three of them at that price, and what if my cats wouldn't use them?

I was out of ideas. Then one day I was shopping on Amazon for a new litter scoop, as my old plastic one had recently cracked. I decided I wanted to get a stainless steel one so it would last, and there they were, right under the stainless scoops: STAINLESS STEEL CAT LITTER BOXES! I looked a bit closer, chose one and went into the product page. In the narrative it said that most of the time litter odor was exacerbated by older plastic litter boxes. The feline urine soaks into the plastic over time and no matter how many times you wash it, the smell is there for good. That made sense to me. My boxes were always good at first, but after a while.....daily cleaning did not get rid of the smell. Stainless steel boxes could be the answer!

Not only was it impossible for the urine to penetrate the steel, but the clumps shouldn't stick to the stainless, so cleaning would be quick and easy. I was kind of stunned. Could this be the answer? I talked to my husband and he seemed to think it was definitely a possibility and we needed to try it. So we chose this:

Stainless Steel Litter Box

We liked it because it came in a single or two pack (two pack was less expensive each) and we would need three. We also liked the fact that it came in so many different sizes. We could order the perfect size to fit in the closet, making sure that our big cat would be happy with his new bathroom.

Medium - 17.7 x 13.8 x 6

Large - 19.7 x 12.8 x 6

X Large - 23.6 x 15.8 x 6

XX Large - 23.6 x 15.8 x 8

These litter boxes also come with sides, if you prefer them, but I didn't want the plastic in case it absorbed the odors.

Stainless Steel Litter Box with Sides

Stainless Steel Litter Scoop

If you are going to go with Stainless Steel Litter Boxes, you may as well get a stainless scoop as well, I did! I love this one and it comes in 10 different colors!

When the litter boxes arrived, we threw out all the litter and started with fresh. I have not had a smelly litter box in my house since. As long as they are cleaned regularly, these boxes do not retain any smells. We have had them for 7 months and finally no litter box odors AND they are easy to clean! Sweet success! I will end this post the same way it began.......

I cannot recommend these litter boxes highly enough!

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Monday, July 14, 2025

Outward Hound Treat Puzzle Level 2 Review

Always on the watch for helpful puppy products for enrichment! The Outward Hound Treat Puzzle level 2 came highly recommended and indeed has over 78 thousand reviews with a 4.5/5 star average in a very popular online store.

Three Levels In One

The Outward Hound is a three level puzzle depending upon how the components are arranged. I found this pup quickly learned how to find the food. Slightly disappointed the pup needed about 4 feeding times to conquer the puzzle. Three minutes and poof the food was gone! The food was one cup of puppy food which filled about 75 percent of the nooks and crannies of the puzzle. I would expect if the puzzle was 100 percent full the feeding would take longer.

Durability And Chew Marks

I was surprised the components of the puzzle were not puppy proof. Indeed after one use the pup with teeny tiny teeth left its' mark.

The reviews did mention a concern with the chewability of the puzzle as a possible negative.

With a watchful eye I concur. Without purchasing and trying the product chewability is subjective to each dog. Apparently teeny tiny baby puppy teeth can and did leave chew marks on the puzzle. this puppy also lifted off the white bone covers as a toy and tore off a door... leaving me to not feel comfortable with this puzzle unsupervised closely.

Recommendation

I was hoping for a puzzle puppy feeder to keep the pup busy. I liked so many of the features of this puzzle, but ultimately decided it was not a great fit for this pup due to the chewable components and need for very close supervision.

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Sunday, July 13, 2025

Yellowstone Prequel Watch: Why 1923 Had Me Completely Hooked

Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers from the Yellowstone universe, especially 1883 and 1923. If you haven't watched and want to go in blind, I suggest stopping here, because I can't help but talk about what I just saw!

A Quick Look Back: The Yellowstone Timeline

If you're like me, and you started with Kevin Costner in modern-day Yellowstone (the original series), then you might have been surprised to learn there's a full backstory behind the Dutton family, spanning generations. It starts with 1883, then moves to 1923, and finally lands in the present-day ranching saga we all know from the original show.

1883 tells the brutal, emotional journey of how the Dutton family made it west.
1923 picks up 40 years later, focusing on the next generation trying to hold onto what was built.
Yellowstone brings us to modern day, with John Dutton III (Costner) doing everything he can to protect the family's legacy.

The Lineage: Connecting 1883 to 1923

Let's sort this out, because the family tree can be a little tangled! Although I've seen both 1883 and 1923, I had to do some research to tie a few characters together.

In 1883, James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw) and his wife Margaret (Faith Hill) lose their daughter Elsa during the journey west. Elsa is also the narrator for both 1883 and 1923.

The Duttons settle in Montana after the events of 1883, but by the time we get to 1923, things have shifted. James and Margaret Dutton (from 1883) have passed away, and their two sons—John Jr. and Spencer—are being raised by James's brother, Jacob Dutton (played by Harrison Ford), and his wife, Cara (played by Helen Mirren).

Jacob has stepped in as the family patriarch, and together, he and Cara are doing everything they can to protect the land, the legacy, and the next generation of Duttons.

The Acting: What Makes 1923 So Gripping

The acting in this series is outstanding. Every character feels real, weathered by life, love, grief, and duty.

Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren absolutely carry the show with grit and grace. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the quiet strength they bring to the Dutton legacy just pulls you in.

But it's not just them. The entire cast delivers. Every scene feels lived-in, and honestly, the show would not hit the same way without such powerful performances across the board.

The Storyline: Drama on the Ranch... and in Africa?

You read that right—Africa! One of the biggest surprises for me in 1923 was the side storyline involving Spencer Dutton, who is Jacob's nephew (and James Dutton's son). He's off in Africa dealing with wild animals, personal demons, and eventually, the long journey home to help save the family.

Meanwhile, back in Montana, everything is unraveling. The Duttons are facing massive challenges—economic hardship, land disputes, and brutal violence.

And then there's Teonna, a Native American girl in a Catholic boarding school who's facing her own horrifying challenges. Her storyline is raw, powerful, and deeply emotional. This part of the story is gripping and quite upsetting.

There's never a dull moment. Every episode left me thinking, "I need to know what happens next!"

The Ending: Are You Kidding Me?!

Let me just say—I was NOT ready for the way Season One ended.

No resolution, no bow tied neatly at the top. Just a big, emotional cliffhanger that left me staring at the screen, whispering "That's it?!" I immediately looked it up, and thank goodness, 1923 has been renewed for a second season.

Streaming Update: What I Learned

🕵️‍♀️ After reading Sam's comment below, I went down the streaming rabbit hole to figure out where and when the Yellowstone series—including 1923—is available.

1923 – Season 1

✅ I was able to watch Season 1 of 1923 on Netflix in Canada with my regular subscription. Unfortunately Season 1 of 1923 is only available via a Paramount Subscription, which you can get through Amazon Prime.
❌ Unfortunately, 1923 is not available on Netflix in the USA at the time of writing this. Again, you need a Paramount subscription.

1923 – Season 2

📅 Season 2 of 1923 was released in February 2025.
💳 It’s available through a paid Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.

What's Next

🚫 There will be no Season 3 of 1923.
🔜 Instead, the Yellowstone Universe is continuing with a new series titled 1944.

🔍 Want to Know Where to Watch?

📌 To see where you can stream Yellowstone in Canada, the USA, and internationally, scroll down to the section near the bottom for a full breakdown.

What About Kevin Costner's Character's (John Dutton III) Direct Lineage in Current Day Yellowstone?

One thing I kept wondering while watching 1923 is how exactly this all connects to John Dutton III in Yellowstone. Who's his direct ancestor? Is it Spencer? One of the other brothers?

They haven't made it totally clear yet, and I think they're saving that for Season Two—especially once a few babies arrive (which seems to be where things are heading).

There are tons of theories online, and trust me, I've read more than a few. But for now, we're still piecing it all together.

Final Thoughts

1923 is one of those shows that sticks with you.

It's not just a Western—it's a family saga, a love story, a survival tale, and a sweeping look at a brutal and beautiful time in American history. If you're already a fan of the Yellowstone universe, I'd say 1923 is a must-watch.

Just be warned—you're probably going to fall in love with it like I did. And then you'll be counting the days until Season 2, just like the rest of us.

Let me know in the comments—have you watched 1923? What did you think? Are you Team Spencer? Team Cara? Or just in awe of how good the writing and acting are?

Oh, and so far, my fave character is the son, Spencer!

Here's the trailer:

How to Stream the Yellowstone Series: Canada, USA, and International:

1. Canada / International

As mentioned above, I went down the rabbit hole trying to figure out where the Yellowstone universe is available internationally, and it’s surprisingly complicated.

As of July 9, 2025, season 1 of 1923 is available on Netflix in Canada and many other international countries with a regular Netflix subscription. That’s where I watched it.

In Canada, the original Yellowstone series starring Kevin Costner (seasons 1 through 4) is also available on Netflix, along with part of season 5. The final half of season 5 requires a Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.

For viewers in Australia, the original Yellowstone series is available on Stan.

That said, streaming rights vary widely by region, so it’s always best to check your local services for the most up-to-date information.

2. USA

In the United States, the Yellowstone universe is split across different platforms:

Yellowstone (original series) – Available only on Peacock
1923 and 1883 prequels – Available only on Paramount+ via Amazon Prime Video

1923 is not available on Netflix USA, even though it is in many other countries.

Final Tip

Streaming availability changes frequently and can vary by country. Be sure to check your own country’s streaming platforms directly to see what’s currently offered where you live.

You can watch 1923 via Amazon Prime where available.

**As per my opinion, viewer discretion is advised: The show includes significant violence and some distressing scenes.

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Saturday, July 12, 2025

A Different Kind of Gone - Book Review

A Catherine Ryan Hyde novel about justice, involving lies and impossible choices.

An image of mountains and forest in Utah

Synopsis of ‘A Different Kind of Gone’

A Different Kind of Gone: A Novel

What if ‘missing’ doesn’t mean ‘never found’. What if a search and rescue volunteer searching for the missing teenager in the mountains near the Utah-Arizona border finds her and discovers she is actually in hiding, as she fears her abusive boyfriend will kill her for trying to leave him.

The search and rescue volunteer, Norma Gallagher, finds Jill huddled in a cave, terrified that Jake will kill her if he ever sees her again. Norma has to make a difficult decision. Does she try to help this girl by secretly returning her to her grateful parents and keeping silent about it, or returning with her so law enforcement and the rescue personnel can stop looking.

Eventually, to protect Jill from a dangerous man, Norma secretly takes her home to California. Keeping her safe and hidden from Jake, the press and the public, this act will remain a secret between Jill, her parents, and Norma. But, secrets cannot last forever.

Five years go by, when Jake is arrested for severely beating his wife, a girl he met during the time of the search for Jill. Because Jill Moss has been declared legally dead after five years, in addition to a trial for the attempted murder of his wife, Jake will also be tried for the murder of Jill Moss.

Jill’s family, who has successfully hidden her away all these years, refuses to come forward. This leaves Norma with a life-changing decision.

Summary

Jake’s jail term for the beating will no doubt be short-term. What happens when Jake is released from prison? On one hand, there is the danger to Jill if Jake finds out she is still alive. Then there is also the possible danger down the road to his wife, who we discover is pregnant, for turning him in. But, should a man be put on trial for a murder that never happened?

Norma Gallagher has to weigh the consequences if she keeps quiet, and the risks if she dares to finally tell the truth.

A Different Kind of Gone is an interesting exploration of domestic violence with a compelling look at women married to abusers. The author explores the situation of domestic violence in sensitive and gentle ways, making the story one that is very readable.