1883 (TV series)
Updated: 12/10/2025, 5:38:00 PM Wikipedia source
1883 is an American Western drama miniseries created by Taylor Sheridan that premiered on December 19, 2021, on Paramount+. The series is chronologically the first of several prequels to Yellowstone (2018–24) and is the second television series in the Yellowstone franchise. It stars Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, James Landry Hébert, and Noah Le Gros in main roles. Narrated by May, the series details how the Dutton family came to own the land that became the Yellowstone Ranch. Consisting of ten episodes, the series concluded on February 27, 2022. 1883 was followed by 1923, which premiered on December 18, 2022, with May reprising her role as narrator.
Infobox
Also known as
1883: A Yellowstone Origin Story
Genre
Western drama
Created by
Taylor Sheridan
Based on
Yellowstoneby Taylor Sheridan John Linson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Directed by
Taylor Sheridan Ben Richardson Christina Alexandra Voros
Starring
Sam Elliott Tim McGraw Faith Hill Isabel May LaMonica Garrett Marc Rissmann Audie Rick Eric Nelsen James Landry Hébert Noah Le Gros
Narrated by
Isabel May
Composers
Brian Tyler Breton Vivian
Country of origin
United States
Original language
English
No. of seasons
1
No. of episodes
10
Executive producers
Ron Burkle David C. Glasser John Linson Art Linson Taylor Sheridan Bob Yari
Producer
David Hutkin
Cinematography
Ben Richardson
Editors
Nathan Gunn John Coniglio Ryan Malanaphy Brooke Rupe Chad Galster Martin Nicholson Trevor Penna
Camera setup
Single-camera
Running time
44–67 minutes
Production companies
101 Studios Bosque Ranch Productions Linson Entertainment MTV Entertainment Studios
Network
Paramount
Release
December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19) –February 27, 2022 (2022-02-27)
Tables
· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"1883"
Directed by
Taylor Sheridan
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19)
In a flashforward, Elsa Dutton watches in late 1883 as a group of pioneers are slaughtered by a band of Lakota on the Great Plains. She kills one, before being surrounded. Months earlier, former Union Army captain Shea Brennan cremates his wife and daughter after they die of smallpox. His partner Thomas arrives and prevents him from committing suicide when he informs him of a Pinkerton job in Fort Worth, Texas. Shea and Thomas depart for Fort Worth and observe James Dutton kill thieves who attempt to rob his covered wagon. Meanwhile, James' family: his wife, Margaret; 17-year-old daughter, Elsa; 5-year-old son, John; his sister, Claire; and Claire's teenage daughter, Mary Abel, travel to Fort Worth from Tennessee via train. James continues to encounter antagonistic criminals in town, while Shea and Thomas meet with a group of inexperienced European immigrants who pay them for an escort to Oregon. After the Duttons arrive, the family stays at a hotel, and a drunken man enters Elsa's room and attempts to rape her before being killed by James. Realizing a partnership would be advantageous, Shea convinces James to accompany the wagon train to Oregon.
In a flashforward, Elsa Dutton watches in late 1883 as a group of pioneers are slaughtered by a band of Lakota on the Great Plains. She kills one, before being surrounded. Months earlier, former Union Army captain Shea Brennan cremates his wife and daughter after they die of smallpox. His partner Thomas arrives and prevents him from committing suicide when he informs him of a Pinkerton job in Fort Worth, Texas. Shea and Thomas depart for Fort Worth and observe James Dutton kill thieves who attempt to rob his covered wagon. Meanwhile, James' family: his wife, Margaret; 17-year-old daughter, Elsa; 5-year-old son, John; his sister, Claire; and Claire's teenage daughter, Mary Abel, travel to Fort Worth from Tennessee via train. James continues to encounter antagonistic criminals in town, while Shea and Thomas meet with a group of inexperienced European immigrants who pay them for an escort to Oregon. After the Duttons arrive, the family stays at a hotel, and a drunken man enters Elsa's room and attempts to rape her before being killed by James. Realizing a partnership would be advantageous, Shea convinces James to accompany the wagon train to Oregon.
No.
In a flashforward, Elsa Dutton watches in late 1883 as a group of pioneers are slaughtered by a band of Lakota on the Great Plains. She kills one, before being surrounded. Months earlier, former Union Army captain Shea Brennan cremates his wife and daughter after they die of smallpox. His partner Thomas arrives and prevents him from committing suicide when he informs him of a Pinkerton job in Fort Worth, Texas. Shea and Thomas depart for Fort Worth and observe James Dutton kill thieves who attempt to rob his covered wagon. Meanwhile, James' family: his wife, Margaret; 17-year-old daughter, Elsa; 5-year-old son, John; his sister, Claire; and Claire's teenage daughter, Mary Abel, travel to Fort Worth from Tennessee via train. James continues to encounter antagonistic criminals in town, while Shea and Thomas meet with a group of inexperienced European immigrants who pay them for an escort to Oregon. After the Duttons arrive, the family stays at a hotel, and a drunken man enters Elsa's room and attempts to rape her before being killed by James. Realizing a partnership would be advantageous, Shea convinces James to accompany the wagon train to Oregon.
2
2
No.
2
Title
"Behind Us, a Cliff"
Directed by
Ben Richardson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19)
In a flashback to September 17, 1862, Confederate Captain James Dutton is comforted by Union General George Meade following the Southern loss at the Battle of Antietam. In the present, Shea, James, and Thomas prepare for the journey west. Shea hires two cowboys, Wade and Ennis, to help catch and escort feral cattle. As the wagon train departs, tensions rise between the Americans and the immigrants, as interpreter Josef struggles to keep his group in line with Shea's perceived harsh decisions. A group of riders approach the wagon train, resulting in a confrontation caused by Claire throwing rocks at the leader. A shootout ensues, leaving Mary Abel and some immigrants dead. Shea, Thomas, James, and Josef team up with Jim Courtright to track down the killers to a crowded saloon. Distraught at losing her daughter, Claire commits suicide, and the group continues west.
In a flashback to September 17, 1862, Confederate Captain James Dutton is comforted by Union General George Meade following the Southern loss at the Battle of Antietam. In the present, Shea, James, and Thomas prepare for the journey west. Shea hires two cowboys, Wade and Ennis, to help catch and escort feral cattle. As the wagon train departs, tensions rise between the Americans and the immigrants, as interpreter Josef struggles to keep his group in line with Shea's perceived harsh decisions. A group of riders approach the wagon train, resulting in a confrontation caused by Claire throwing rocks at the leader. A shootout ensues, leaving Mary Abel and some immigrants dead. Shea, Thomas, James, and Josef team up with Jim Courtright to track down the killers to a crowded saloon. Distraught at losing her daughter, Claire commits suicide, and the group continues west.
No.
In a flashback to September 17, 1862, Confederate Captain James Dutton is comforted by Union General George Meade following the Southern loss at the Battle of Antietam. In the present, Shea, James, and Thomas prepare for the journey west. Shea hires two cowboys, Wade and Ennis, to help catch and escort feral cattle. As the wagon train departs, tensions rise between the Americans and the immigrants, as interpreter Josef struggles to keep his group in line with Shea's perceived harsh decisions. A group of riders approach the wagon train, resulting in a confrontation caused by Claire throwing rocks at the leader. A shootout ensues, leaving Mary Abel and some immigrants dead. Shea, Thomas, James, and Josef team up with Jim Courtright to track down the killers to a crowded saloon. Distraught at losing her daughter, Claire commits suicide, and the group continues west.
3
3
No.
3
Title
"River"
Directed by
Christina Alexandra Voros
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
December 26, 2021 (2021-12-26)
The inexperienced immigrants find themselves at the nature's mercy; namely dysentery and fatal rattlesnake bites. Approaching the Brazos River, Shea and James disagree on how to best cross; Shea opts for caution while James wants to cross quickly. Shea learns that two of the immigrants have been stealing food and forces them out of the group. Shea rebuffs the advances of a newly widowed Romani woman named Noemi. Elsa begins assisting the cowboys with the cattle and begins a flirtatious relationship with Ennis. A frustrated immigrant challenges and fails to overcome Shea. James takes John hunting and gives Ennis permission to court Elsa.
The inexperienced immigrants find themselves at the nature's mercy; namely dysentery and fatal rattlesnake bites. Approaching the Brazos River, Shea and James disagree on how to best cross; Shea opts for caution while James wants to cross quickly. Shea learns that two of the immigrants have been stealing food and forces them out of the group. Shea rebuffs the advances of a newly widowed Romani woman named Noemi. Elsa begins assisting the cowboys with the cattle and begins a flirtatious relationship with Ennis. A frustrated immigrant challenges and fails to overcome Shea. James takes John hunting and gives Ennis permission to court Elsa.
No.
The inexperienced immigrants find themselves at the nature's mercy; namely dysentery and fatal rattlesnake bites. Approaching the Brazos River, Shea and James disagree on how to best cross; Shea opts for caution while James wants to cross quickly. Shea learns that two of the immigrants have been stealing food and forces them out of the group. Shea rebuffs the advances of a newly widowed Romani woman named Noemi. Elsa begins assisting the cowboys with the cattle and begins a flirtatious relationship with Ennis. A frustrated immigrant challenges and fails to overcome Shea. James takes John hunting and gives Ennis permission to court Elsa.
4
4
No.
4
Title
"The Crossing"
Directed by
Christina Alexandra Voros
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
January 9, 2022 (2022-01-09)
Elsa embraces the cowgirl lifestyle and becomes smitten with Ennis. Thomas offers Noemi help and protection, but refuses her offer of marriage. James and his family opt to cross the river during the night and attempt to help the immigrants cross the following day. However, the crossing proves fatal for several of the immigrants who lack swimming experience. Once across, the group continues west.
Elsa embraces the cowgirl lifestyle and becomes smitten with Ennis. Thomas offers Noemi help and protection, but refuses her offer of marriage. James and his family opt to cross the river during the night and attempt to help the immigrants cross the following day. However, the crossing proves fatal for several of the immigrants who lack swimming experience. Once across, the group continues west.
No.
Elsa embraces the cowgirl lifestyle and becomes smitten with Ennis. Thomas offers Noemi help and protection, but refuses her offer of marriage. James and his family opt to cross the river during the night and attempt to help the immigrants cross the following day. However, the crossing proves fatal for several of the immigrants who lack swimming experience. Once across, the group continues west.
5
5
No.
5
Title
"The Fangs of Freedom"
Directed by
Christina Alexandra Voros
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
January 16, 2022 (2022-01-16)
With supplies short after a food wagon is lost in the river crossing, Josef reveals that a thief among them is hoarding the settlers' remaining stores. Shea, Thomas, and James confront the thieves, take back the supplies, and banish them from the group. Wade informs Shea and Thomas that bandits are active in the region. Elsa and Ennis grow closer and the pair have sex, which Margaret witnesses from afar. Elsa receives harsh words from her mother about her decisions. James confronts Ennis, who proclaims his love for Elsa, which James acknowledges. Meanwhile, a group of bandits ambush and kill the banished settlers, and the remaining settler group prepare for a fight. In the ensuing battle, Elsa is saved by Ennis, who in turn is shot and dies. Elsa kills Ennis' shooter.
With supplies short after a food wagon is lost in the river crossing, Josef reveals that a thief among them is hoarding the settlers' remaining stores. Shea, Thomas, and James confront the thieves, take back the supplies, and banish them from the group. Wade informs Shea and Thomas that bandits are active in the region. Elsa and Ennis grow closer and the pair have sex, which Margaret witnesses from afar. Elsa receives harsh words from her mother about her decisions. James confronts Ennis, who proclaims his love for Elsa, which James acknowledges. Meanwhile, a group of bandits ambush and kill the banished settlers, and the remaining settler group prepare for a fight. In the ensuing battle, Elsa is saved by Ennis, who in turn is shot and dies. Elsa kills Ennis' shooter.
No.
With supplies short after a food wagon is lost in the river crossing, Josef reveals that a thief among them is hoarding the settlers' remaining stores. Shea, Thomas, and James confront the thieves, take back the supplies, and banish them from the group. Wade informs Shea and Thomas that bandits are active in the region. Elsa and Ennis grow closer and the pair have sex, which Margaret witnesses from afar. Elsa receives harsh words from her mother about her decisions. James confronts Ennis, who proclaims his love for Elsa, which James acknowledges. Meanwhile, a group of bandits ambush and kill the banished settlers, and the remaining settler group prepare for a fight. In the ensuing battle, Elsa is saved by Ennis, who in turn is shot and dies. Elsa kills Ennis' shooter.
6
6
No.
6
Title
"Boring the Devil"
Directed by
Ben Richardson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
January 30, 2022 (2022-01-30)
Shea shares his empathy with the mourning Elsa. The group stops at Doan's Crossing, on the border of Indian Territory. There, Shea employs Colton, a cowboy to replace Ennis, and Cookie, a camp cook. Thomas buys a mirror for Noemi, who professes that she loves him and his gift means he loves her back. Elsa confronts a pair of catcalling men and draws her gun on them, causing a standoff which James defuses. Margaret gets drunk with Carolyn, a local shopkeeper, and argues with James about how the journey is changing Elsa.
Shea shares his empathy with the mourning Elsa. The group stops at Doan's Crossing, on the border of Indian Territory. There, Shea employs Colton, a cowboy to replace Ennis, and Cookie, a camp cook. Thomas buys a mirror for Noemi, who professes that she loves him and his gift means he loves her back. Elsa confronts a pair of catcalling men and draws her gun on them, causing a standoff which James defuses. Margaret gets drunk with Carolyn, a local shopkeeper, and argues with James about how the journey is changing Elsa.
No.
Shea shares his empathy with the mourning Elsa. The group stops at Doan's Crossing, on the border of Indian Territory. There, Shea employs Colton, a cowboy to replace Ennis, and Cookie, a camp cook. Thomas buys a mirror for Noemi, who professes that she loves him and his gift means he loves her back. Elsa confronts a pair of catcalling men and draws her gun on them, causing a standoff which James defuses. Margaret gets drunk with Carolyn, a local shopkeeper, and argues with James about how the journey is changing Elsa.
7
7
No.
7
Title
"Lightning Yellow Hair"
Directed by
Christina Alexandra Voros
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
February 6, 2022 (2022-02-06)
In Comancheria, the settlers pay a tax to the Comanche to cross their land. One of the Comanche introduces himself to Elsa as Sam, a name he took from the man who killed his wife. The two race their horses; Elsa wins and Sam nicknames her "Lightning With The Yellow Hair". A storm approaches and tornadoes threaten the group; Sam and Elsa take shelter together and embrace. The tornado devastates the group's wagons and scatters their livestock. The cattle are spotted with a group of rustlers, so Shea, Thomas, James, and Elsa confront them. Separated from her father, Elsa is attacked by the rustlers until Sam and his partner save her. The rustlers are killed with assistance from Shea's old friend, cattleman Charles Goodnight.
In Comancheria, the settlers pay a tax to the Comanche to cross their land. One of the Comanche introduces himself to Elsa as Sam, a name he took from the man who killed his wife. The two race their horses; Elsa wins and Sam nicknames her "Lightning With The Yellow Hair". A storm approaches and tornadoes threaten the group; Sam and Elsa take shelter together and embrace. The tornado devastates the group's wagons and scatters their livestock. The cattle are spotted with a group of rustlers, so Shea, Thomas, James, and Elsa confront them. Separated from her father, Elsa is attacked by the rustlers until Sam and his partner save her. The rustlers are killed with assistance from Shea's old friend, cattleman Charles Goodnight.
No.
In Comancheria, the settlers pay a tax to the Comanche to cross their land. One of the Comanche introduces himself to Elsa as Sam, a name he took from the man who killed his wife. The two race their horses; Elsa wins and Sam nicknames her "Lightning With The Yellow Hair". A storm approaches and tornadoes threaten the group; Sam and Elsa take shelter together and embrace. The tornado devastates the group's wagons and scatters their livestock. The cattle are spotted with a group of rustlers, so Shea, Thomas, James, and Elsa confront them. Separated from her father, Elsa is attacked by the rustlers until Sam and his partner save her. The rustlers are killed with assistance from Shea's old friend, cattleman Charles Goodnight.
8
8
No.
8
Title
"The Weep of Surrender"
Directed by
Ben Richardson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
February 13, 2022 (2022-02-13)
With most of the settlers' wagons destroyed and their supplies dangerously low, Shea recommends they cut short their journey and find land to settle near Denver, Colorado. James insists to Shea that he will continue on to Oregon, and openly challenges Shea's leadership, inviting the remaining settlers to follow him north onto the Oregon Trail. Meanwhile, Elsa bonds with Sam; she kills a bison and is introduced to Comanche culture. They declare their love for each other and decide to marry. Though Margaret expresses her growing concern for her daughter, Elsa remains defiant. She announces she will escort her family to Oregon, then ride back to Comanche territory to be with Sam. The betrothed pair part as the wagon train continues west.
With most of the settlers' wagons destroyed and their supplies dangerously low, Shea recommends they cut short their journey and find land to settle near Denver, Colorado. James insists to Shea that he will continue on to Oregon, and openly challenges Shea's leadership, inviting the remaining settlers to follow him north onto the Oregon Trail. Meanwhile, Elsa bonds with Sam; she kills a bison and is introduced to Comanche culture. They declare their love for each other and decide to marry. Though Margaret expresses her growing concern for her daughter, Elsa remains defiant. She announces she will escort her family to Oregon, then ride back to Comanche territory to be with Sam. The betrothed pair part as the wagon train continues west.
No.
With most of the settlers' wagons destroyed and their supplies dangerously low, Shea recommends they cut short their journey and find land to settle near Denver, Colorado. James insists to Shea that he will continue on to Oregon, and openly challenges Shea's leadership, inviting the remaining settlers to follow him north onto the Oregon Trail. Meanwhile, Elsa bonds with Sam; she kills a bison and is introduced to Comanche culture. They declare their love for each other and decide to marry. Though Margaret expresses her growing concern for her daughter, Elsa remains defiant. She announces she will escort her family to Oregon, then ride back to Comanche territory to be with Sam. The betrothed pair part as the wagon train continues west.
9
9
No.
9
Title
"Racing Clouds"
Directed by
Ben Richardson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
February 20, 2022 (2022-02-20)
In Lakota territory, the dwindling group is beset by further tragedy when Josef is bitten by a rattlesnake and his wife is thrown from her horse, the accident leaving her comatose and eventually proving fatal. Shea, Thomas, and James come across several murdered Lakota women and children. Realizing they will be blamed for the massacre and hunted by Lakota warriors, they attempt to track and capture the culprits, while the remainder of the group must stay to explain the situation to any returning Lakota. However, at Cookie's insistence, many of the settlers choose instead to flee to a nearby U.S. Army fort, leaving Elsa and Margaret behind. Shea, Thomas, and James find and kill the culprits, self-appointed deputies of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The settlers are attacked and many, including Cookie, are killed by the Lakota. Elsa shoots a Lakota warrior, who in turn fires an arrow into her torso. After Elsa defuses the fight by speaking a few words taught to her by Sam, the Lakota leave. Colton is forced to kill a crazed and partially scalped Alina. Elsa receives rudimentary treatment for her wound, and James quietly tells Margaret that Elsa is going to die.
In Lakota territory, the dwindling group is beset by further tragedy when Josef is bitten by a rattlesnake and his wife is thrown from her horse, the accident leaving her comatose and eventually proving fatal. Shea, Thomas, and James come across several murdered Lakota women and children. Realizing they will be blamed for the massacre and hunted by Lakota warriors, they attempt to track and capture the culprits, while the remainder of the group must stay to explain the situation to any returning Lakota. However, at Cookie's insistence, many of the settlers choose instead to flee to a nearby U.S. Army fort, leaving Elsa and Margaret behind. Shea, Thomas, and James find and kill the culprits, self-appointed deputies of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The settlers are attacked and many, including Cookie, are killed by the Lakota. Elsa shoots a Lakota warrior, who in turn fires an arrow into her torso. After Elsa defuses the fight by speaking a few words taught to her by Sam, the Lakota leave. Colton is forced to kill a crazed and partially scalped Alina. Elsa receives rudimentary treatment for her wound, and James quietly tells Margaret that Elsa is going to die.
No.
In Lakota territory, the dwindling group is beset by further tragedy when Josef is bitten by a rattlesnake and his wife is thrown from her horse, the accident leaving her comatose and eventually proving fatal. Shea, Thomas, and James come across several murdered Lakota women and children. Realizing they will be blamed for the massacre and hunted by Lakota warriors, they attempt to track and capture the culprits, while the remainder of the group must stay to explain the situation to any returning Lakota. However, at Cookie's insistence, many of the settlers choose instead to flee to a nearby U.S. Army fort, leaving Elsa and Margaret behind. Shea, Thomas, and James find and kill the culprits, self-appointed deputies of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The settlers are attacked and many, including Cookie, are killed by the Lakota. Elsa shoots a Lakota warrior, who in turn fires an arrow into her torso. After Elsa defuses the fight by speaking a few words taught to her by Sam, the Lakota leave. Colton is forced to kill a crazed and partially scalped Alina. Elsa receives rudimentary treatment for her wound, and James quietly tells Margaret that Elsa is going to die.
10
10
No.
10
Title
"This Is Not Your Heaven"
Directed by
Ben Richardson
Written by
Taylor Sheridan
Original release date
February 27, 2022 (2022-02-27)
The wagon train arrives at Fort Caspar in the Wyoming Territory to find it in possession of Joseph Maull Carey, the leader of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. There is no surgeon to help Elsa, though a doctor confirms her wound is life-threatening and advises taking her to Fort Laramie. Wade and Colton bid farewell and part ways with the wagon train. Meanwhile, Josef's leg turns gangrenous and it is amputated. Later, Elsa is treated by a local Crow tribe. Elsa realizes she is going to die, and asks to choose her burial spot. The Crow leader recommends a valley called 'Paradise' in the Montana Territory for the Duttons to settle, but promises that his people will reclaim the land in seven generations. James and Elsa ride to Paradise before Elsa succumbs to her wound. Beneath a tree, Elsa dies in her father's arms. A year later, Shea arrives at the Pacific Ocean; his promise to his late-wife fulfilled, he shoots himself on the beach. Josef, alone and on crutches, begins building his home; Thomas and Noemi arrive in Oregon where they find a location near a river to build their home.
The wagon train arrives at Fort Caspar in the Wyoming Territory to find it in possession of Joseph Maull Carey, the leader of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. There is no surgeon to help Elsa, though a doctor confirms her wound is life-threatening and advises taking her to Fort Laramie. Wade and Colton bid farewell and part ways with the wagon train. Meanwhile, Josef's leg turns gangrenous and it is amputated. Later, Elsa is treated by a local Crow tribe. Elsa realizes she is going to die, and asks to choose her burial spot. The Crow leader recommends a valley called 'Paradise' in the Montana Territory for the Duttons to settle, but promises that his people will reclaim the land in seven generations. James and Elsa ride to Paradise before Elsa succumbs to her wound. Beneath a tree, Elsa dies in her father's arms. A year later, Shea arrives at the Pacific Ocean; his promise to his late-wife fulfilled, he shoots himself on the beach. Josef, alone and on crutches, begins building his home; Thomas and Noemi arrive in Oregon where they find a location near a river to build their home.
No.
The wagon train arrives at Fort Caspar in the Wyoming Territory to find it in possession of Joseph Maull Carey, the leader of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. There is no surgeon to help Elsa, though a doctor confirms her wound is life-threatening and advises taking her to Fort Laramie. Wade and Colton bid farewell and part ways with the wagon train. Meanwhile, Josef's leg turns gangrenous and it is amputated. Later, Elsa is treated by a local Crow tribe. Elsa realizes she is going to die, and asks to choose her burial spot. The Crow leader recommends a valley called 'Paradise' in the Montana Territory for the Duttons to settle, but promises that his people will reclaim the land in seven generations. James and Elsa ride to Paradise before Elsa succumbs to her wound. Beneath a tree, Elsa dies in her father's arms. A year later, Shea arrives at the Pacific Ocean; his promise to his late-wife fulfilled, he shoots himself on the beach. Josef, alone and on crutches, begins building his home; Thomas and Noemi arrive in Oregon where they find a location near a river to build their home.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
| 1 | "1883" | Taylor Sheridan | Taylor Sheridan | December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19) | |
| In a flashforward, Elsa Dutton watches in late 1883 as a group of pioneers are slaughtered by a band of Lakota on the Great Plains. She kills one, before being surrounded. Months earlier, former Union Army captain Shea Brennan cremates his wife and daughter after they die of smallpox. His partner Thomas arrives and prevents him from committing suicide when he informs him of a Pinkerton job in Fort Worth, Texas. Shea and Thomas depart for Fort Worth and observe James Dutton kill thieves who attempt to rob his covered wagon. Meanwhile, James' family: his wife, Margaret; 17-year-old daughter, Elsa; 5-year-old son, John; his sister, Claire; and Claire's teenage daughter, Mary Abel, travel to Fort Worth from Tennessee via train. James continues to encounter antagonistic criminals in town, while Shea and Thomas meet with a group of inexperienced European immigrants who pay them for an escort to Oregon. After the Duttons arrive, the family stays at a hotel, and a drunken man enters Elsa's room and attempts to rape her before being killed by James. Realizing a partnership would be advantageous, Shea convinces James to accompany the wagon train to Oregon. | |||||
| 2 | "Behind Us, a Cliff" | Ben Richardson | Taylor Sheridan | December 19, 2021 (2021-12-19) | |
| In a flashback to September 17, 1862, Confederate Captain James Dutton is comforted by Union General George Meade following the Southern loss at the Battle of Antietam. In the present, Shea, James, and Thomas prepare for the journey west. Shea hires two cowboys, Wade and Ennis, to help catch and escort feral cattle. As the wagon train departs, tensions rise between the Americans and the immigrants, as interpreter Josef struggles to keep his group in line with Shea's perceived harsh decisions. A group of riders approach the wagon train, resulting in a confrontation caused by Claire throwing rocks at the leader. A shootout ensues, leaving Mary Abel and some immigrants dead. Shea, Thomas, James, and Josef team up with Jim Courtright to track down the killers to a crowded saloon. Distraught at losing her daughter, Claire commits suicide, and the group continues west. | |||||
| 3 | "River" | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | December 26, 2021 (2021-12-26) | |
| The inexperienced immigrants find themselves at the nature's mercy; namely dysentery and fatal rattlesnake bites. Approaching the Brazos River, Shea and James disagree on how to best cross; Shea opts for caution while James wants to cross quickly. Shea learns that two of the immigrants have been stealing food and forces them out of the group. Shea rebuffs the advances of a newly widowed Romani woman named Noemi. Elsa begins assisting the cowboys with the cattle and begins a flirtatious relationship with Ennis. A frustrated immigrant challenges and fails to overcome Shea. James takes John hunting and gives Ennis permission to court Elsa. | |||||
| 4 | "The Crossing" | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | January 9, 2022 (2022-01-09) | |
| Elsa embraces the cowgirl lifestyle and becomes smitten with Ennis. Thomas offers Noemi help and protection, but refuses her offer of marriage. James and his family opt to cross the river during the night and attempt to help the immigrants cross the following day. However, the crossing proves fatal for several of the immigrants who lack swimming experience. Once across, the group continues west. | |||||
| 5 | "The Fangs of Freedom" | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | January 16, 2022 (2022-01-16) | |
| With supplies short after a food wagon is lost in the river crossing, Josef reveals that a thief among them is hoarding the settlers' remaining stores. Shea, Thomas, and James confront the thieves, take back the supplies, and banish them from the group. Wade informs Shea and Thomas that bandits are active in the region. Elsa and Ennis grow closer and the pair have sex, which Margaret witnesses from afar. Elsa receives harsh words from her mother about her decisions. James confronts Ennis, who proclaims his love for Elsa, which James acknowledges. Meanwhile, a group of bandits ambush and kill the banished settlers, and the remaining settler group prepare for a fight. In the ensuing battle, Elsa is saved by Ennis, who in turn is shot and dies. Elsa kills Ennis' shooter. | |||||
| 6 | "Boring the Devil" | Ben Richardson | Taylor Sheridan | January 30, 2022 (2022-01-30) | |
| Shea shares his empathy with the mourning Elsa. The group stops at Doan's Crossing, on the border of Indian Territory. There, Shea employs Colton, a cowboy to replace Ennis, and Cookie, a camp cook. Thomas buys a mirror for Noemi, who professes that she loves him and his gift means he loves her back. Elsa confronts a pair of catcalling men and draws her gun on them, causing a standoff which James defuses. Margaret gets drunk with Carolyn, a local shopkeeper, and argues with James about how the journey is changing Elsa. | |||||
| 7 | "Lightning Yellow Hair" | Christina Alexandra Voros | Taylor Sheridan | February 6, 2022 (2022-02-06) | |
| In Comancheria, the settlers pay a tax to the Comanche to cross their land. One of the Comanche introduces himself to Elsa as Sam, a name he took from the man who killed his wife. The two race their horses; Elsa wins and Sam nicknames her "Lightning With The Yellow Hair". A storm approaches and tornadoes threaten the group; Sam and Elsa take shelter together and embrace. The tornado devastates the group's wagons and scatters their livestock. The cattle are spotted with a group of rustlers, so Shea, Thomas, James, and Elsa confront them. Separated from her father, Elsa is attacked by the rustlers until Sam and his partner save her. The rustlers are killed with assistance from Shea's old friend, cattleman Charles Goodnight. | |||||
| 8 | "The Weep of Surrender" | Ben Richardson | Taylor Sheridan | February 13, 2022 (2022-02-13) | |
| With most of the settlers' wagons destroyed and their supplies dangerously low, Shea recommends they cut short their journey and find land to settle near Denver, Colorado. James insists to Shea that he will continue on to Oregon, and openly challenges Shea's leadership, inviting the remaining settlers to follow him north onto the Oregon Trail. Meanwhile, Elsa bonds with Sam; she kills a bison and is introduced to Comanche culture. They declare their love for each other and decide to marry. Though Margaret expresses her growing concern for her daughter, Elsa remains defiant. She announces she will escort her family to Oregon, then ride back to Comanche territory to be with Sam. The betrothed pair part as the wagon train continues west. | |||||
| 9 | "Racing Clouds" | Ben Richardson | Taylor Sheridan | February 20, 2022 (2022-02-20) | |
| In Lakota territory, the dwindling group is beset by further tragedy when Josef is bitten by a rattlesnake and his wife is thrown from her horse, the accident leaving her comatose and eventually proving fatal. Shea, Thomas, and James come across several murdered Lakota women and children. Realizing they will be blamed for the massacre and hunted by Lakota warriors, they attempt to track and capture the culprits, while the remainder of the group must stay to explain the situation to any returning Lakota. However, at Cookie's insistence, many of the settlers choose instead to flee to a nearby U.S. Army fort, leaving Elsa and Margaret behind. Shea, Thomas, and James find and kill the culprits, self-appointed deputies of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. The settlers are attacked and many, including Cookie, are killed by the Lakota. Elsa shoots a Lakota warrior, who in turn fires an arrow into her torso. After Elsa defuses the fight by speaking a few words taught to her by Sam, the Lakota leave. Colton is forced to kill a crazed and partially scalped Alina. Elsa receives rudimentary treatment for her wound, and James quietly tells Margaret that Elsa is going to die. | |||||
| 10 | "This Is Not Your Heaven" | Ben Richardson | Taylor Sheridan | February 27, 2022 (2022-02-27) | |
| The wagon train arrives at Fort Caspar in the Wyoming Territory to find it in possession of Joseph Maull Carey, the leader of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. There is no surgeon to help Elsa, though a doctor confirms her wound is life-threatening and advises taking her to Fort Laramie. Wade and Colton bid farewell and part ways with the wagon train. Meanwhile, Josef's leg turns gangrenous and it is amputated. Later, Elsa is treated by a local Crow tribe. Elsa realizes she is going to die, and asks to choose her burial spot. The Crow leader recommends a valley called 'Paradise' in the Montana Territory for the Duttons to settle, but promises that his people will reclaim the land in seven generations. James and Elsa ride to Paradise before Elsa succumbs to her wound. Beneath a tree, Elsa dies in her father's arms. A year later, Shea arrives at the Pacific Ocean; his promise to his late-wife fulfilled, he shoots himself on the beach. Josef, alone and on crutches, begins building his home; Thomas and Noemi arrive in Oregon where they find a location near a river to build their home. | |||||
· Accolades
Writers Guild of America Awards
Writers Guild of America Awards
Award
Writers Guild of America Awards
Date of the ceremony
20 March 2022
Category
Television: Episodic Drama
Recipients
Taylor Sheridan (for "1883")
Result
Nominated
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Award
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Date of the ceremony
3–4 September 2022
Category
Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
Recipients
Ben Richardson (for "1883")
Result
Nominated
Christina Alexandra Voros (for "Lightning Yellow Hair")
Christina Alexandra Voros (for "Lightning Yellow Hair")
Award
Christina Alexandra Voros (for "Lightning Yellow Hair")
Date of the ceremony
Nominated
Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Award
Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Date of the ceremony
Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian (for "1883")
Category
Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Award
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Date of the ceremony
26 February 2023
Category
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie
Recipients
Sam Elliott
Result
Won
Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
Award
Satellite Awards
Date of the ceremony
3 March 2023
Category
Best Television Series – Drama
Recipients
1883
Result
Nominated
| Award | Date of the ceremony | Category | Recipients | Result | Ref. |
| Writers Guild of America Awards | 20 March 2022 | Television: Episodic Drama | Taylor Sheridan (for "1883") | Nominated | |
| Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | 3–4 September 2022 | Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie | Ben Richardson (for "1883") | Nominated | |
| Christina Alexandra Voros (for "Lightning Yellow Hair") | Nominated | ||||
| Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) | Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian (for "1883") | Nominated | |||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 26 February 2023 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie | Sam Elliott | Won | |
| Satellite Awards | 3 March 2023 | Best Television Series – Drama | 1883 | Nominated |
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