When and how to watch the Yellowstone spinoff

Now in its fourth season, the modern-day Western soap opera Yellowstone has become a big hit for the Paramount Network cable TV channel. You can catch previous seasons on Peacock. However, the folks at ViacomCBS know a good thing when they see it and commissioned a Yellowstone spinoff from the show’s co-creator, Taylor Sheridan. He decided to make a Yellowstone prequel, called 1883.

Read more: Best Paramount Plus shows

So what is 1883, and where and how can you watch this Yellowstone prequel? We have all the information you need about the Yellowstone spinoff to get you ready.

Where can I watch 1883?

1883 will be available to stream via the Paramount Plus streaming service. You can sign up for the service, with a 30-day free trial for a limited time, at the link below:

When can I watch the series?

The first episode of the Yellowstone spinoff drops on Paramount Plus on Sunday, December 19, with future episodes dropping every week.

What is 1883 about?

The Yellowstone spinoff is set in, naturally, 1883. It will tell the story of the ancestors of the Dutton family that are the central characters in Yellowstone. The series will follow these ancestors as they make the trek from Texas to Montana, eventually establishing the massive Dutton ranch. Expect lots of horse riding, shooting, and people looking cool in cowboy hats as these characters navigate the Wild West in the show.

Who are the 1883 cast members?

One of Yellowstone’s biggest draws is that Kevin Costner made the leap from movies to TV to star in the series. For the Yellowstone prequel, 1883 has some high-powered actors as well. Married couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, best known as two of the biggest names in country music, will play James and Margaret Dutton, the grandfather and grandmother, respectively, of Costner’s character John Dutton. This will be the first time McGraw and Hill will play roles as husband and wife in an acting project.

Also part of the cast is an actor who has played more than one cowboy in the past, Sam Elliott. He plays Shea Brennan, a tough cowboy who will lead the Dutton’s wagon train from Texas to Montana. Other cast members include Isabel May as James and Margaret Dutton’s daughter Elsa Dutton, and LaMonica Garrett as Thomas, who helps Brennan guide the wagon train. In addition, Billy Bob Thornton appears as a special guest star, Marshal Jim Courtright.

Is Tom Hanks in 1883?

Yep, the rumors are true. In the second episode of the series, Hanks will make a rare TV show acting appearance. He shows up in a flashback sequence set during the US Civil War as US Army General George Meade. James Dutton, who was a Confederate soldier, will encounter Meade during a battle in that sequel. 1883 creator Sheridan told Deadline this would be one of several major acting stars that will make cameos during the show’s first season.

That’s all you need to know about the Yellowstone prequel 1883 before it debuts. Will you be watching this Yellowstone spinoff?