Did the 1923 finale tease another spin-off? Possibilities explored

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Spencer Dutton. Image source: Screenshot from 1923 Season 2 Official Trailer/ Paramount+ on YouTube
Spencer Dutton. (Image via YouTube/ Paramount+)

With the end of 1923 Season 2, the stage is set for more spin-offs. The drama series is a prequel to Yellowstone and a sequel to 1883, telling the story of how the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch came to be. But the season finale of 1923 Season 2 introduced a plot twist that has opened the door for spin-offs: Spencer Dutton has a second son—a child previously unmentioned anywhere in the franchise.

This revelation flips the viewers' notion of the Dutton family tree. Until now, it was thought that Spencer had only one son, John Dutton (presumably the father of Yellowstone's John Dutton III). But it turns out that Spencer also had a second son with a different woman—a son about whom we know very little. Hence, the spin-offs may help us know him better.


Are More Spin-offs on the Way After 1923 Season 2?

One of the spin-offs of the Yellowstone franchise that has been confirmed is 1944. The Madison, yet another spin-off, is also in production.

1944, as the name suggests, will be set in the year 1944, and will most likely trace the effects of the Second World War on the Dutton family. It might provide us with some insight into the identity of the illegitimate son of Spencer. Does Spencer raise him? Does he get adopted by someone else? Does he take the Dutton name? It is expected that all these questions will be answered in 1944.

Since the spin-off is set in a time of turmoil, we might see John Dutton go to war. Moreover, if the creators feel like it, chances are we might also get to see John and his brother have a relationship. There is also a possibility that this second son is not raised by the Duttons, and appears much later. Fans are also speculating that maybe because this is an illegitimate son, he might be denied the name of the Dutton family, as well as any place in the Dutton legacy, including the ranch, only for him to return later seeking revenge.

The production of another spin-off, The Madison, has already begun. This is centered around the McIntosh family, who exist in the same universe as the Duttons but are not related. The McIntoshes are from New York City and are settled in the area near Madison River. One fan theory suggests that Spencer Dutton's unknown son could be adopted by the McIntosh family, potentially linking the two names.

There is no confirmation from creator Taylor Sheridan about the fate of Spencer Dutton's second son. However, it is very unlikely that Sheridan would drop such a bomb on the fans and then not follow through with the twist. All we can do is hope that with time, either 1944 or The Madison answers all questions.

The Madison is most likely not going to have a lot of connection with Yellowstone, which ended in December 2024. However, all the other spin-offs until now have revolved around the Dutton family. So, it would make sense if some incidents refer to or even include the Duttons. Coming after 1923, 1944 is expected to explain much of the Dutton family history. Furthermore, fans hope that The Madison is going to bring in a fresh perspective to the saga and to give the viewers the story of another family in Montana, the details of which are yet to be known.

You can stream 1923 on Paramount+.

Edited by Ranjana Sarkar