How Many Yellowstone Shows Are There: A Complete, Verified Guide

Introduction: The Yellowstone Franchise Landscape

There are three main Yellowstone shows on television and streaming: the original drama Yellowstone, its prequel series 1883, and the sequel series Bass Reeves. All three are created by Taylor Sheridan and produced by Paramount Global properties, with Yellowstone set on the Dutton family ranch in Montana, 1883 following the Dutton ancestors during the post-Civil War expansion west, and Bass Reeves following a formerly enslaved U.S. Marshal in the Indian Territory and beyond. Quick summary: if you are asking how many Yellowstone shows are there in the official franchise, the answer is three core scripted series presented below with verified production and network details.

Yellowstone (2018–Present): The Original Series

Yellowstone premiered on June 20, 2018 on Paramount Network and is currently ongoing. It is a modern Western drama centered on the Dutton family, owners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States, as they navigate land conflicts, corporate interests, and family dynamics. The series stars Kevin Costner, Josh Holloway, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, and Jacki Weaver. It is produced by 101 Studios and distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

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1883 (2021–2022): The Prequel

1883 is a limited series that serves as a prequel to Yellowstone, following the Dutton family’s ancestors—James Dutton and his wife Margaret—during the post-Civil War westward expansion. It aired on Paramount Network in 2021 (Season 1) and concluded in 2022 (Season 2). The series is designed to explain the origins of the Yellowstone Dutton family and their connection to the land. It stars Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Isabel May.

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Bass Reeves (2023–Present): The Sequel

Bass Reeves premiered on November 5, 2023 on Paramount+. It is a sequel series inspired by the life of Bass Reeves, one of the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshals. Set mainly in the Indian Territory and later Muskogee, the series explores themes of law, justice, and legacy in the post-Civil War and Reconstruction-era American West. It is created by Taylor Sheridan and produced by Film 44 and CBS Studios, under the umbrella of Paramount Global Content Distribution.

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How the Yellowstone Shows Relate

The three series share a thematic and creative lineage but occupy distinct timelines and geographical settings. Yellowstone establishes the modern Dutton legacy in Montana; 1883 explores the family’s foundational journey west; and Bass Reeves expands the franchise into a new hero and setting while retaining the moral complexity and frontier ethos established by the earlier entries. They are linked by creator Taylor Sheridan and the production ecosystem of Paramount Global, yet each series is crafted to function as a standalone story within the Western genre.

Other Projects and Common Misconceptions

Some fans inquire about additional Yellowstone projects or limited series beyond the three core shows. To date, no other official, in-production Yellowstone branded scripted series exist outside the main three. There have been specials, documentary content, and promotional shorts, but these are not narrative series. When people ask how many Yellowstone shows there are, the franchise answer currently centers on the three primary series above.

Conclusion: The Yellowstone Franchise Today

To directly answer the question: the official Yellowstone franchise includes three main scripted television series—Yellowstone, 1883, and Bass Reeves. All are created by Taylor Sheridan and produced under the Paramount Global umbrella, with two currently available and one ongoing. Understanding this lineup helps viewers navigate the interconnected Western stories while recognizing each show’s unique setting and narrative role.