The highly anticipated second season of the Yellowstone spinoff series 1923 premiered in 2025, marking an impactful conclusion to this segment of the acclaimed franchise. Created by Taylor Sheridan, 1923 serves as a prequel set in the titular year, following the narratives established in the earlier series, 1883. The storyline centers on the Dutton family, portrayed by renowned actors Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, navigating the turbulent times just preceding the Great Depression.
As with its predecessors, 1923 garnered critical acclaim, shattering records on Paramount+ with 7.4 million viewers tuning in for its premiere. The series ventures into even darker narrative territory, culminating in a first season marked by tragedy and the looming threat of the Dutton family losing their ranch. This intense setup prepared viewers for a thrilling second season that successfully delivered on the promise of excitement and resolution.
Critical Reception of 1923 Season 2
A Critically-Acclaimed Finale
The critical response to 1923‘s second season has been overwhelmingly positive, achieving an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics lauded the season for its cinematic quality, which significantly enhances the television landscape, as highlighted by Indie Wire. The two-part finale received particular acclaim, with ScreenRant noting that its gritty, realistic portrayal made for a deeply rewarding viewing experience.
- 1923 Season 2, Episode 1 Review: “I’m Afraid The Yellowstone Prequel Will Take Too Long To Bring Brandon Sklenar’s Spencer Home”
- 1923 Season 2, Episode 2 Review: “I Need A Bit More Urgency When It Comes To The Story As The Duttons’ Fates Hang In The Balance”
- “Alex & Spencer’s 1923 Story Really Is Incredible; We’ve Just Been Distracted By Yellowstone’s War Promise”
The series finale aired on April 6, 2025, concluding an intense second season filled with twists and emotional depth.
Overview of the Cast
Returning Stars: Harrison Ford & Helen Mirren
The beloved Dutton family returned for the second season, led again by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton. Brandon Sklenar continued his captivating journey as Spencer, while Julia Schlaepfer’s character Alex faced her own harrowing trials. Additionally, Jerome Flynn reprised the role of the villainous Banner Creighton, joined by Timothy Dalton’s character, Whitfield.
This season expanded its cast with new faces such as Jennifer Carpenter, known for her role in *Dexter*, as Mamie Fossett, and Janet Montgomery, who portrayed Hilary, a character determined to uncover and confront injustice. Andy Dispensa also joined as Luca, a young man working on a merchant ship.
Cast List for 1923 Season 2
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Harrison Ford | Jacob Dutton |
| Helen Mirren | Cara Dutton |
| Brandon Sklenar | Spencer Dutton |
| Julia Schlaepfer | Alexandra |
| Timothy Dalton | Whitfield |
| Jerome Flynn | Banner Creighton |
| Michelle Randolph | Liz Strafford |
| Darren Mann | Jack Dutton |
| Aminah Nieves | Teonna Rainwater |
| Jennifer Carpenter | Mamie Fossett |
| Janet Montgomery | Hilary |
| Andy Dispensa | Luca |
Season 2 Trailers
Watch The Season 2 Trailers Below
In December 2024, Paramount+ unveiled a pair of teasers heralding 1923‘s February 2025 release. These brief clips set the tone for the upcoming season, emphasizing the threats established in the preceding finale. The first teaser features Spencer expressing his urgent need to return home and protect his family. Conversely, the second teaser, narrated by Jacob, reveals that the Dutton family’s traditional way of life is under siege.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJb8EDcMJGYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1OMQLAB5KQ
Following these brief teasers, Paramount+ released a more extensive trailer in December 2024. This in-depth preview elaborated on the escalating violence surrounding the Dutton ranch, showcasing Whitfield’s morally dubious endeavors while hinting at Banner Creighton’s inner turmoil regarding his new employer. The trailer culminates with Spencer Dutton appearing to return to the U.S. to aid his family in combating the impending threat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iorAahB8go
A final, action-packed trailer was unveiled in January 2025, revealing Donald Whitfield’s ulterior motives for seizing the Dutton land and framing Banner Creighton as the assassin tasked with halting Spencer’s efforts to reunite with his family. The unresolved kidnapping of Alex added further tension to the narrative, promising an explosive conclusion to this gripping season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE_MzBIMz50
Ending & Spoilers for Season 2
A Generation-Spanning Conclusion
While it was expected that the Duttons would ultimately prevail in their struggle to save the ranch—a pivotal element for the overarching Yellowstone narrative—the finale of 1923 was filled with unexpected developments. With only two seasons to explore its storyline, the finale delivered a fast-paced resolution brimming with action and excitement. However, it was the fates of the secondary characters, filled with surprising twists, that transformed the viewing experience into something truly captivating.
Overall, the second season not only wrapped up numerous storylines but also provided insightful connections to previous events in the series timeline, leading to an engaging and satisfying conclusion for fans.