Differences Between Yellowstone and 1883 – Which One is Better?

Even though both shows are about the Duttons, there are actually a lot of differences between Yellowstone and 1883. We are actually shocked how the drama series Yellowstone and 1883 on the Paramount Network manage to conjure old western themes despite being situated in the present era.

Yellowstone follows the fictitious Dutton family as they strive to save the Yellowstone ranch with opponents on all sides, and 1883 is about how the Duttons managed to get hold of that very same ranch. We know how the synopsizes of both shows sound very similar, but there are actually a lot of differences between Yellowstone and 1883, such as the characters and the location.

We are sure that you will feel right at home in this classic western with many intrigues. Kevin Costner’s amazing portrayal of John Dutton which reflects the traditional cowboy stereotype will be the icing on the cake. Overall, both shows are brilliant recreations of the western. Without further ado, let’s explore the differences between Yellowstone and 1883!

Also Read: How To Watch Yellowstone 1883?

The Characters: Elsa Dutton vs. Beth Dutton

Beth Dutton

The first one of the differences between Yellowstone and 1883 is the characters, especially Elsa and Beth. Isabel May plays Elsa Dutton and she is a character from 1883. She is the eldest daughter of James Dutton and Margaret Dutton, who are the grandparents of the Dutton family we know from Yellowstone.

Elsa, unlike the other ladies in her family, is a free-spirited woman who thoroughly embraces the West’s freedom as she was known to roam and venture out, causing her Aunt Claire to worry too much.

Elsa’s love life was never a happy one. She first developed feelings for Ennis, one of the cowhands, and soon after, they both declared their love for one other with the approval of her father James Dutton. Unfortunately, when a band of six robbers ambushed the travelers, the assailants were shot down one by one, and when Ennis came to help, he was also shot, causing him to die on the spot.

Elsa Dutton

On the other hand, Beth Dutton is a banker and the daughter of cattle ranch owners John Dutton and Evelyn Dutton. Beth is a mix of weaknesses and strengths and she frequently straddles the line between the heroine and villain or somehow balances the two. She is actually full of rage, hurt, love, hatred, and passion and it seems like she cannot contain that all.

Beth’s love life was actually simple, she had an instant crush on Rip, the orphan child who arrived on their ranch in the 1990s and they had good and horrible experiences together throughout the years, but they managed to stay together somehow.

Even though both characters might seem similar, they are actually not, adding to the differences between Yellowstone and 1883. Beth is a person whom you cannot truly see what her intentions are, but Elsa was a very open character. The relationships of Elsa and Ennis and Beth and Rip are also another one of the differences between Yellowstone and 1883, and it seems like Beth is a more lucky lover.

The Location: From Texas to Montana

Dutton Ranch in Montana

Another one of the differences between Yellowstone and 1883 is the location the Duttons live. The 1883 series chronicles the first generation of Duttons who relocated from Texas to Montana with their children, so 1883’s location was Texas, and in Yellowstone, we watched John Dutton and his family trying to save the ranch in Montana.

1883 was primarily shot in Texas and Montana even though the tale starts with the family residing in Texas. Moreover, the prequel series 1883’s production is situated in Weatherford, primarily at the Bosque Ranch Headquarters. Bosque Ranch acts as the show’s shooting headquarters, but the series was also shot in other parts of Texas.

1883 filming location

A substantial chunk of the 1st season of 1883 was also shot in Montana’s Park County, which is located near Yellowstone National Park, and the breathtaking environment of John Dutton’s property is the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch which is in Montana.

The Period: 1883 vs. 2022

One of the major differences between Yellowstone and 1883 is the time period they are in. As the series title indicates, the show takes place in the year 1883, and in Yellowstone, we watch the Duttons of the 2000s. 1883 takes place more than a century before the main events of Yellowstone and it provides an essential look back at the whole Dutton family.

1883 costumes

We follow the Duttons from the Great Plains into Montana in 1883, which is an amazing show, and they stake their claim to the newest ranch in Big Sky Country. Because the show is set so far in the past, adding to the differences between Yellowstone and 1883, the spinoff 1883 was able to fully explore the traditional Western backdrop.

Also Read: When Will 1932 Come Out? Is 1883 Over?