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!

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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.

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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.

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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!"

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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.

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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.

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1923 – Season 2

• 📅 Season 2 of 1923 was released in February 2025.

• 💳 It’s available through a paid Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.

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What's Next

• 🚫 There will be no Season 3 of 1923.

• 🔜 Instead, the Yellowstone Universe is continuing with a new series titled 1944.

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🔍 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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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A Different Kind of Gone - Book Review

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

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.

If you were Norma, how would you decide?

*Book Review of “A Different Kind of Gone”, written by Wednesday Elf

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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Insulated Lunch Boxes for School Children Reviewed

The right lunch box is very important to any child.  They reflect personalities, preferences, or interests at a glance.  

When my children were in elementary school, carrying the right lunch box was just as important as having a "cool" backpack for the first day of school.  Because so many schools require uniforms now, lunch boxes and backpacks are often the only things that allow students to show their individuality.  In our family, one of our favorite adventures before school started each year, was selecting a new lunch box.  

Favorite featured "characters" change with each year so it is important to let kids select what they want when you can.  Like Halloween costumes, whatever video game, cartoon or movie character is a hit, that is often the most sought after character design for a lunch box.  

There were years when my children wanted dinosaurs, animal or space related "everything" regardless of what else was popular.  While my children were most concerned about the pattern on the fabric, I was concerned about the closure, pockets, straps, weight, size and whether or not it was sturdy enough to last the school year.  

 Kulle Lunch Box for Boys,Insulated Lunch BagsCheck Price

I preferred a lunch box that had a separate interior pocket for an ice pack.  I always liked to include a dessert like a fruit cup or a pudding cup along with a sandwich in their lunches.  Because those choices must be kept cold, I added a reusable ice pack to their lunch boxes.  I wanted the ice pack in a pocket so it would not get thrown out with their food packaging trash.  Even juice boxes need to be kept cool, as well as any sandwich that has lunch meat or refrigerated condiments, so those ice packs were imperative. 

I also wanted their lunchboxes to have a zippered external pocket for napkins or a separate morning snack, which was allowed in kindergarten and first grade.  I didn't want them to have to search inside of their lunch box for the snack.

Back then, we were limited to what was available in our local stores.  Today's generation of school-age children have a plethora of online stores to search for just the right lunch box or lunch bag. 

Parent and Student Approved Lunch Boxes or Bags 

Depending on the age of the child, the size will be a big part of what a parent will need to check before purchasing a lunch box for their student.  For instance, a kindergarten student could not easily carry an adult size lunch tote filled with food.  A small child will most likely need a lunch box that measures approximately 8.5" x 9.5" x 3.25" while an older child can carry a larger lunch box.

 Lunch Bag for Girls Leather Insulated Lunch Box with Water Bottle Holder and Shoulder Strap (White Bunny)Check Price

Other Lunchbox Considerations and Preferred Features 

• Insulated
• Shoulder Strap & Handle Options
• Size & &Weight 
• Interior Pocket for Ice Packs or Separation
• Water Resistant
• Exterior Pocket for Bottles or Thermos 
• Exterior Pocket for Napkins 
• Easy to Wipe Clean Interior 
• Easy Zipper 

 Animal Fox Insulated Kids Lunch BagCheck Price Insulated Lunch Box for Boys Girls, Game Lunch BagCheck Price Fast Forward Bluey Lunch Box for Kids | PU Leather Insulated Lunch Bag Lunch BoxCheck Price

As kids get older, they will most likely prefer specific artwork, or a solid color lunch tote.  However, they will still need the same lunch box construction features itemized above.

 Lunch Box for Boys Girls - Reusable Insulated Lunch BagsCheck Price

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Insulated Lunch Boxes for School Children Reviewed  written by:

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Fear in First Gear a Book Review

 

I love cozy mysteries, and Karen Whalen has some really fun ones to read that are sure to keep you up reading to find out the mysteries. Fear in First Gear is #7 in her Tow Trucker Driver mystery series.  In this book you again meet with the delightful cast of characters in a small Colorado town.  First there is Delaney, the shoeaholic tow truck driver who is the main character. Coming back and reading another book about her is like meeting up with an old friend.  Then you have the fun cast of characters in Delaney's life.  Her romantic interest is Ephraim the town sheriff.  Her best friend is Kristin, who owns a coffee shop.  Other supporting characters include Zach, Kristins romantic interest, who is with the local police.  There is also Kristins cousin Axle, who rooms with Delaney and Tanner a fellow tow truck driver who is always willing to help to Delaney in the tow truck business.

Book Summary

The book starts off with a blizzard in this small Colorado town.  Delaney is asked to check out Clarkson Pass and make sure no one is stranded before there is a need to shut down the snow gates.  As she is driving up County Road 350 she sees a car off in a ditch and as she gets closer, she sees a woman with her eyes staring out in the car.  Delaney has to travel quite a distance before she finds somewhere to turn her rig around.  The snow is coming down harder and she does not have any cell service.  As she passes where she thought the car was, she can no longer see it, so she makes her way to the nearest place she has cell service and calls in what she believes to be a dead woman in the car.  Now Delaney has found other dead bodies during her tow truck career and the police are leery about what she thinks she has seen.  Meanwhile the blizzard has gotten worse, an avalanche goes through the area and the pass has been shut down.

In the days and weeks ahead, Delaney is determined to find out who the woman is in the car and find her murderer. She is constantly sidetracked by law enforcement who want her to leave the investigating to them.

As the story goes on Delaney finds herself in several situations where social media posters delight in reporting about her.  Here are some of the posts that received lots of attention:

• Tow Truck Driver finding bodies.
• Hi-heeled tow truck driver.
• Tow truck driver tows a bear across town.
• Mishaps during lip syncing with the band.

To read about the above situations and find out how Delaney discovers the answers to the mystery you must read this delightful book.  You can get the book on Amazon at the following link.

Here is the book on Amazon. Fear in First Gear

More Reviews on Karen C Whalen Books

The author has written three different series of books.  The Tow Truck Driver Mysteries, the Dinner Club Mysteries, and the Sea Oaks Beach mysteries.  I have reviewed several of the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.  Here are some of my reviews.

 

• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oaks Beach
• Everthing Bundt the Truth
  
• Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach
  

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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Summer Tips for Pets ~ A Product Review

There seems to be no lack of things that we can do to make our pets more comfortable during the summer months.  Just in case you are a new Pet Parent, here are some wonderful ideas to make Summer Months and the heat bearable for your pets.

SUMMER TIPS FOR FAMILY PETS

• The Number 1 and I think most important tip is to keep water available at all times.  If it is a really hot day, you can add a few (1 to 5) ice cubes to the water to keep it cool.
• Take your pets especially dogs out for their walks early in the morning and later in the evening.  Why?  Well let's just say that the pavement gets really hot when the sun is beating down on it.  If you can't take your pets out early or later, then make sure you are walking on grassy areas!  Grass is naturally cooler on their little feet.  
• If you are going for longer walks, take along a water bottle for you and one for your pet.  They make these lovely and easy to use portable water bowls for you dogs.  If you are interested you can find a whole bunch of different options for travelling water bottles right here!
• Use a cooling Bandana to help keep your dog chilled while out in the heat.  Or you can get a Puppy Cooling jacket. If you are interested in cooling bandanas or cooling jackets for your dog you can check a whole lot of them out on this page link!
• Dog booties are a must if you are walking for long distances on hot pavement.  Dogs paws are really sensitive to heat and they can blister and burn. Whether you have a large breed dog or a small breed, they both need foot protection so you can find what fits your Poochie's needs on this page and there are many different choices that you can make!  
• When you come in from your walks a nice cooling mat/pad will make your pet feel wonderfully chilled.  Again if you have a large or small dog, your needs might be different, but you can find wonderful cooling mats for your dogs whatever their size right here!
• Needless to say if your dog is a long-haired variety, they will be shedding a lot of fur over the summer months and good grooming,  while essential all year long, makes an even better idea in the summer.  Getting all that extra hair off of them will keep them cooler.
• If you are a home owner and have the space, a nice little kiddies pool or a special dog pool, will be an added extra for your poochie friend.  Don't over fill the pool, but just give them enough water to splash around, keep the pool in a semi-sun area.  Dog's can get sunburned too!  But please don't use sunscreen on you pet, rather keep them in a shaded area!

Having a pet in the house is wonderful for our mental, emotional and physical needs and they are a part of the family.  So when you know that it's hot out there, it's our duty as pet parents to keep our pets happy during the extra hot days of summer.

They sure appreciate it and you will too!  Your dogs and cats will be much happier and relaxed when their needs are met.

I think I have covered the most important parts of keeping our pets safe and happy, but if there is something I have forgotten, please leave me a comment and I will certainly look into your suggestions. 

  Many thanks for reading and Happy Summer to all!

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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