OK, so I'll have to explain a little more about the title here.

About two weeks ago, I wrote a review of the series Yellowstone, and if you read it, you know I was quite impressed.
If you didn't read it, you can check it out here:
My Last New Obsession: Not a Kevin Costner Fan but Yellowstone ROCKS!

I can honestly say it’s my new favorite, and I’m excited that the final part of season 5—and the series finale—is coming this November. I can’t wait!

However, after binge-watching the entire series a few months ago (yes, I powered through 4.5 seasons in a little over a week), it left me feeling a bit... empty.
OK, maybe not that dramatic, but you know what I mean—when you really love something, finish it, and then have to wait an entire year (or more!) for the next season.
In this case it was only a few months, but damn they were long months.

To fill the void, I started looking into other works by Taylor Sheridan, and—lo and behold—there was plenty to discover. Not only that, but there were Yellowstone spin-offs. One of these is 1883, and that’s what we’re diving into today. So, let’s go...

Disclaimer: This review contains character exploration. If you consider that a spoiler, read no further. If you're good with it, continue reading—there are no major plot spoilers here.

Source: Image screen shot from IMDB.

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1883 – Raw, Mysterious, and Beautiful

You better get your paper towels and ice cream ready for this one—because trust me, you’ll need them. I don’t think there was a single episode where I kept my cheeks dry. Every episode had something to cry about—whether from happiness or heartbreak.

That said, it’s not done in a chick-flick kind of way. Well, alright, maybe some parts are, but most aren’t.

Sheridan couldn’t have picked better actors for the series. Every single character feels like they were exactly where—and who—they were meant to be.

Sam Elliott is one of the first to make his presence known on screen, and wow, what an entrance.
His backstory is introduced fairly early, though it deepens as the series progresses. I’ve always liked Sam Elliott, and he works his magic here in 1883.

James and Margaret Dutton—John Dutton's grandparents—are played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. At first, I didn’t even recognize McGraw. I knew it was him, but it took a while to accept that it was him.
Funny enough, even though I usually dislike country music, I actually do like these two.
And that says a lot.

Both of them deliver such outstanding performances that you'd never guess acting isn’t their main gig.

But the one who absolutely stole the show for me was Isabel May.
She plays Elsa Dutton and also narrates the series.
May is relatively unknown, though younger audiences might recognize her from a Nickelodeon series.

There’s a fascinating story behind her involvement in this series.

She originally auditioned for a role in Mayor of Kingstown, another Sheridan production.
However, Sheridan was so captivated by her audition that he didn’t cast her in that role.

Wait... what? He loved her audition but didn’t give her the role?
That's right!
Keep reading...

Source: Image screen shot from IMDB.

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The Masterpiece that Wasn't Written by a Literary Master

Taylor Sheridan wrote the 1883 series script specifically for Isabel May. In my opinion, he couldn’t have done it better—she’s absolutely brilliant in the role.

Beyond that, the series feels like something that could have been penned by literary giants like Mark Twain or Charles Dickens. It almost makes me wish there was a novel to dive into.

Yes, it’s that good—and, on top of everything, truly original.
You’ll find the classic Western scenes—reminiscent of the old Westerns many of us grew up to watching.
But the storyline stands out, delivered in a way that feels fresh and captivating, drawing you in with emotional depth and unforgettable characters.

In my opinion, Sheridan has once again proven that he’s not just an exceptional producer but a force to be reckoned with, and his scriptwriting continues to break new ground.