Yellowstone prequel 1923 is airing on Paramount Network for the first time, and new viewers (or those who need a refresher since season one aired nearly two years ago) will have questions about the Dutton family tree.
Yellowstone aired before 1883 and 1923, making it complicated. The time jumps can be confusing, especially since none of the characters overlap except John Dutton Sr., who appears as a child in 1883 and an adult in 1923.
On 1923, Brandon Sklenar plays Spencer Dutton, a former soldier-turned-big game hunter who falls for Alex (Julia Schlaepfer).
James and Margaret, Spencer's parents, were 1883 stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. James and Margaret have Elsa and John Dutton Sr. Before his death, John Sr. and Emma had one child, Jack.
This is confusing: The storyline doesn't say if Spencer or Jack is John Dutton II's father and therefore John Dutton III's grandfather. Even the actors are unsure of the connection.
James Dale, who plays John Sr. in 1923, told TV Insider, "We discussed this on set but couldn't figure it out. Luke Grimes [Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone] would call me and say, 'I don't know how we're related either.' Trying to figure it out. Taylor may throw some more curveballs."
Why care? One thing remains: the Dutton prophecy. James Dutton received permission to settle his family for seven generations in 1883. If Jack is John III's grandfather, Tate (Brecken Merrill) would be the seventh generation and last Dutton to live on their land. Tate is sixth if Spencer is the ancestor.
Thus, your confusion is justified! After Yellowstone ends and 1923 returns for season 2 on February 23, we'll see how the story unfolds.