1923 Season 2 just broke a big Yellowstone prequel rule

We’re well into 1923 Season 2 now, and one small detail in Episode 3 just revealed that we’re covering more ground than we thought.

1923 takes place during an unusual time in history. Technology was advancing, and conveniences like cars and refrigerators were starting to come into the fold. The Duttons still opt for horses of course, but as the country teeters towards the Great Depression, there’s trouble in the air.

It’s not the first Yellowstone prequel (1883 came before this) and it won’t be the last (1944 is currently in development), but it’s just done the unexpected and featured a small time jump.

It’s been confirmed in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but it may just change how future spinoffs are made.

1923 just left its own year in the Yellowstone universe

If you’re an observant viewer, you’ll likely have realized that there’s no way this group of Duttons can still be in the year 1923.

There have been a few clues scattered throughout Season 2 so far. The biggest is the setting, with the snowy, stormy conditions revealing we’ve moved into the depths of winter.

Paramount

The next is when Jacob Dutton reveals that they’ve already paid the first years’ tax payment to Donald Whitfield. Granted, this wouldn’t have been easy, and it’s likely taken them several months to get the money together.

They still have another year to go, so we have to assume a large portion of the year has been lost during this effort.

The next and biggest confirmation is in Season 2 Episode 3. The brutal episode, in which Alex goes through examinations in Ellis Island before entering New York, contains a small detail you might have missed: her ID tag. The date is issued on the tag, and clearly states that we’re well into 1924.

Paramount

Now, there’s only been two Yellowstone prequels so far, but the other one – 1883 – rigidly took place within the year, save for one flashback to James Dutton’s war days. Otherwise, the entire journey appears to take place over the course of a few weeks.

This opens the door for future spinoffs, like 1944, to explore far greater periods of time. And frankly, a multi-generational Yellowstone might be the next best move, focusing on a greater era rather than each one having its own individual show.

1923 Season 2 is airing on Paramount+ weekly. For more, check out our full Season 2 schedule, and keep up to date with our recaps of Episode 1 and Episode 2.