[This article contains significant spoilers from 1883, 1923, and the Yellowstone season 5B finale.]
As the acclaimed Yellowstone franchise continues to expand, a fresh generation of Duttons takes the stage. Beginning in 2018 with Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton III and his immediate family, creator Taylor Sheridan has effectively delved into the past of this storied family. He embarked on this journey back in time with 1883, followed by 1923, both of which have unveiled rich narratives leading up to the present-day conflicts in Yellowstone.
The Dutton lineage has flourished with each installment, leading up to what many speculate as the finale of the flagship series with the recent 5B season conclusion in December 2024. Although Sheridan and Paramount have yet to confirm the series’ fate, the evolving family saga has always retained its suspenseful grip on the audience.
In 1883, spectators accompanied James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) on their perilous journey westward through the Great Plains, setting the stage for what would eventually evolve into the iconic Yellowstone ranch. The story shifted gears in 1923, showcasing Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara Dutton (Helen Mirren) as they established the ranch amidst the turmoil following James and Margaret’s untimely deaths.
Understanding the complexity of the Dutton family tree is crucial, particularly as the series draws connections between past generations and the implications for the present. This intertwining narrative reaches a head in Yellowstone‘s grand finale, which was skillfully directed by Sheridan.
Moreover, the conclusion of 1923 paves the way for the next prequel, 1944. A major curiosity surrounding John Dutton III is the identity of his grandparents, particularly after the brief introduction of his father, John II (Dabney Coleman), in Yellowstone. The end of 1923 provided some clarity on this mystery, even as lingering uncertainties remain among fans.
Amidst these narrative threads, beloved characters Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are at the forefront of a new spinoff centered around the dynamic couple Rip and Beth, while Luke Grimes is reportedly in preliminary discussions for a potential Kayce spinoff. Other projects are already underway, including The Madison, which is set in modern-day and is currently in production.
Below, we explore the Dutton lineage through each generation, augmenting our understanding with insights from Sheridan and the ensemble cast. (Both 1883 and 1923 can be streamed on Paramount+.)
Foundational Duttons: James and Margaret, Jacob and Cara
Christopher Saunders/Paramount+
Premiering in 2021, 1883 set the foundational narrative of the Dutton family tree. The story, narrated by Elsa Dutton (Isabel May), took audiences back to 1883, where the audience witnessed the struggles of James and Margaret. The series not only introduced key family members like James’ sister, Claire (Dawn Olivieri), who succumbed to tragedy, but also set the stage for the appearances of Jacob and Cara Dutton in 1923.
Elsa and the Next Generation: Spencer and Alexandra
The opening moments of 1883 foreshadowed wider-reaching implications, encapsulated by the heartbreaking fate of Elsa. Nevertheless, her presence lingers as she narratively connects to the events in 1923 — even making a surprise voiceover comeback in the closure of the season 5B finale. Elsa’s recollections reveal the effects of her parents’ deaths on her surviving brothers, John Sr. and Spencer.
Sheridan strategically selected a post-1883 timeline for 1923, allowing the narrative to focus on the siblings as they establish a new generation amid the persistent struggles inherent to their lineage. While the adult iterations of John Sr. (James Badge Dale) and Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) took center stage in 1923, tragedies continue to shape their paths, including the untimely death of John Sr. early in the series.
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
The season finale of 1923 focuses on Spencer’s return and the family crises that ensue, highlighting the birth of a new generation, including a character named John, who is poised to continue the Dutton legacy.
Unraveling the Mystery of John Dutton’s Lineage: Jack and Elizabeth
As the franchise has iterated on John Dutton’s lineage, viewers are left with an ongoing question regarding his grandfather’s identity. The early flashbacks in Yellowstone introduced John’s father but did not provide insight into his mother’s legacy. In 1923, speculation surrounded Jack (Darren Mann) and his wife Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph), particularly as they geared up to add depth to the family history.
Courtesy of Paramount+
Debates arose among viewers regarding whether Spencer or Jack would be the pivotal ancestor, especially amidst the revelations involving Jack and Elizabeth. Miscarriages and potential futures for their family’s lineage continued to circulate, drawing even sharper interest in their roles within the Dutton narrative.
Various actors have spoken to the elusiveness of the family tree as created by Sheridan, with May noting the perceived seven generations present, which would place Jack as John Dutton’s grandfather — a conclusion met with skepticism from her co-stars.
Furthermore, the unexpected addition of future Duttons emerged during the season finale, as Spencer’s additional lineage was briefly alluded to, leaving fans anticipating how this could intertwine with the next phase of the family saga.
The Current Duttons: John and Evelyn
Paramount Network / Courtesy Everett Collection
At the helm of the Yellowstone series is John Dutton III (Costner), who seeks to protect his family ranch from various external threats. After facing the tragic loss of his young wife Evelyn (Gretchen Mol) and the death of their eldest son, Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), John’s character navigates the tumultuous waters of maintaining a legacy amidst political unrest and familial strife.
The Dynamic Survivors: Lee, Jamie, Beth, and Kayce
Courtesy of Paramount+
The Yellostone series brought forth the siblings Lee, Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and Kayce (Luke Grimes), who navigated their past traumas while grappling with conflicting loyalties. Season 5B intensified their rivalry as Kayce sets out to secure their family legacy while also carving out his own path with wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and their son, Tate (Brecken Merrill). The series finale saw key confrontations take place, culminating in Beth’s stunning resolution against Jamie.
In a poignant culmination of the season 5B finale, Elsa Dutton’s voiceover reflects on the vastness and eternal nature of the land, underscoring the sacrifices the Duttons have made. With Kayce and Beth transitioning to new lives while redefining their family’s trajectory, viewers are left eager for the future of the expansive Dutton universe.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Dutton Clan
Paramount Network
Emerging as the seventh generation of Duttons is Tate, the son of Kayce and Monica. The series closes on a narrative note suggesting a promising future for Tate as he shows interest in his family’s ranching heritage. Meanwhile, Jamie’s role as a father remains shrouded in ambiguity, echoing the complexity of familial ties within the Dutton saga. Furthermore, the introduction of The Madison sequel series hints at new familial connections, including the anticipated character portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, adding further intrigue to the Dutton legacy.
This story was initially published on September 25, 2023, and has been revised following the revelations from the season 5B finale.