The ratings-giant premiere episode of Yellowstone prequel 1923 can currently be viewed for free on YouTube. On the wildly popular neo-Western series Yellowstone on the Paramount Network, Taylor Sheridan first let loose the ranching Dutton family. The time-traveling prequel series 1883 followed in the Sheridan universe, adding to the history of the Dutton family and their enormous Montana ranching empire. With the release of 1923, viewers will be treated to yet another chapter in the Dutton drama. Oscar-winner Helen Mirren will play Cara Dutton, and film great Harrison Ford will play Jacob Dutton.
Yellowstone devotees clearly can’t get enough of the Duttons’ antics, as evidenced by the fact that the most recent prequel, 1923, not only made a major splash but also set a record for the biggest premiere on Paramount+. Thankfully, the premiere of 1923 was also broadcast on Paramount Network for anyone who didn’t want to pay for Paramount+. Unfortunately, Paramount+ will now be the only place to see the remaining episodes of the series. However, the first episode of 1923 is still available to watch for free on YouTube through the Paramount+ channel for those who missed it.
Why 1923 Is Already Bigger Than Yellowstone
Yellowstone was unquestionably a big thing for Paramount Network and Paramount+; it became the channel and streaming service’s trademark program and received enormous ratings on both. The scope of the show, however, was insufficient for its creator Sheridan, who consciously set out to outdo himself with 1923. When it became known that Ford and Mirren had been hired to lead the show’s ensemble, those lofty objectives were in fact immediately made clear. Given his position as a major movie star who had avoided small-screen work for the past three decades, Ford’s engagement was especially significant.
But 1923 does not just feel grander than Yellowstone because of Ford’s presence. The story’s scope is wider, covering not only Montana’s vast open spaces but also Africa’s plains, where Spencer Dutton, played by Brandon Sklenar, can be seen using leopard hunting to cope with his post-World War One PTSD. The cost of filming in Africa is evident in the budget for 1923, which, according to Sheridan, exceeds what HBO spent on the first two seasons of Game of Thrones. Sheridan extols the scope of the production: “You saw 6,000 sheep, 3,000 animals, and as this show goes on, you’re in Africa. All true.
Ratings are, of obviously, the most crucial factor when contrasting 1923 and Yellowstone. Compared to Yellowstone’s 2.8 million viewers, 1923’s opening episodes reportedly attracted 7.1 million viewers. Yellowstone’s popularity has undoubtedly increased since the start of season 1, and its season 5 premiere received an astounding 10.3 million views across platforms. Being an exclusive to Paramount+ hurts 1923’s ratings, but perhaps making the first episode available on YouTube could persuade a few more people to subscribe to the streaming service and give 1923 a chance to further surpass Yellowstone.
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