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1883 stars Sam Elliott as trail guide Shea Brennan alongside Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton. Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett and a large supporting ensemble complete Taylor Sheridan’s 10-episode western prequel to Yellowstone.
What is 1883 about?
1883 is a drama-western prequel to Yellowstone. The story follows the Dutton family as they flee poverty and travel west toward Montana. Paramount’s catalog lists one season of 10 episodes, released in 2021. The series premiered on December 19, 2021, and is rated TV-MA.
Principal cast of 1883
| Actor | Character | Place in the story |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Elliott | Shea Brennan | The experienced cowboy guiding the group west; he carries profound grief from his past. |
| Tim McGraw | James Dutton | The Dutton patriarch and a leader of the family’s journey. |
| Faith Hill | Margaret Dutton | The Dutton matriarch. |
| Isabel May | Elsa Dutton | A principal Dutton family character and a central narrative presence. |
| LaMonica Garrett | Thomas | A member of the principal ensemble traveling with the westward-bound group. |
Sam Elliott as Shea Brennan
Shea Brennan is the seasoned cowboy who organizes and guides the journey west. Paramount+’s launch announcement characterizes him as a tough cowboy carrying immense sadness from his past. Elliott said of the production, “It all starts with the writing, and Taylor Sheridan is a brilliant writer.”
Tim McGraw as James Dutton
McGraw plays James Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family. James leads his family through the dangerous migration that establishes the lineage later seen in Yellowstone. McGraw described the role as “a dream job.”
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#1 Best Overall
- Includes all 53 episodes and over 19 hours of special features, with interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and more.
Faith Hill as Margaret Dutton
Hill plays Margaret Dutton, the family matriarch and James’s partner in the journey. Hill called the role “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Isabel May as Elsa Dutton
May plays Elsa Dutton, one of the principal family characters and a major narrative presence in the series. The official cast materials identify May with Elsa but do not provide a separate formal character biography.
LaMonica Garrett as Thomas
Garrett plays Thomas, who is listed among the principal cast in Paramount’s official materials.
Other starring actors
Paramount’s official press list also identifies these performers among the starring cast:
Rank #2
- COMPLETE SERIES COLLECTION: Includes all 4 seasons of Yellowstone plus 1883: A Yellowstone Origin Story, spanning 49 total episodes.
- 16-DISC BLU-RAY SET: Enjoy stunning high-definition picture and audio quality across all 16 Blu-ray discs in this expansive collection.
- LIMITED EDITION GIFT SET: This exclusive Dutton Legacy Collection is a must-have for fans of the Yellowstone universe.
- 4 COLLECTIBLE COASTERS: Comes with four collectible Dutton Ranch-themed coasters, making this set a standout display piece.
- PERFECT FOR FANS: A comprehensive set covering the full Dutton family saga, from the modern ranch drama to the 1880s origin story.
- Audie Rick as John Dutton
- Marc Rissmann as Josef
- Eric Nelsen as Ennis
- James Landry Hébert as Wade
Recurring cast members
The recurring ensemble includes:
- Dawn Olivieri as Claire
- Emma Malouff as Mary Abel
- Alex Fine as Grady
- Gratiela Brancusi as Noemi
- Anna Fiamora as Risa
- Amanda Jaros as Alina
- Nichole Galicia as Guinevere
- Stephanie Nur as Melodi
- Noah Le Gros as Colton
- Martin Sensmeier as Sam
Guest stars in 1883
Billy Bob Thornton as Marshal Jim Courtright
Billy Bob Thornton appears as Marshal Jim Courtright, a lawman among the series’ notable guest appearances.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks makes a guest appearance. Paramount’s announcement identifies him as a guest star but does not specify a character in the cited cast materials.
Graham Greene as Spotted Eagle
Graham Greene plays Spotted Eagle, a Crow elder who points James toward Paradise Valley.
How the cast fits the Dutton journey
| Story function | Key performers | How they connect to the journey |
|---|---|---|
| Dutton family | Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May, Audie Rick | James and Margaret lead the family, with Elsa and John among the Dutton characters on the migration. |
| Guide and traveling group | Sam Elliott, LaMonica Garrett and the supporting ensemble | Shea guides the expedition, while Thomas and the other travelers form the wider company moving west. |
| Law and outside communities | Billy Bob Thornton, Graham Greene and other guest or supporting performers | Lawmen and community figures intersect with the Duttons’ route and decisions. |
Where can you watch 1883?
Paramount’s official series pages identify Paramount+ as the show’s platform. Streaming rights, pricing and availability can vary by country and change over time, so check the Paramount+ listing for your region before subscribing.
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Season and episode facts
- Seasons: one
- Episodes: 10
- Premiere: December 19, 2021
- Rating: TV-MA
- Format: a prequel drama-western to Yellowstone
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