‘Exceptional’ interval drama hailed as ‘the very best ever made’ FINALLY hits Netflix – however viewers warn ‘it will hit you want a freight prepare’

A period drama that’s set tongues wagging has finally made its debut on Netflix – with viewers warning it will ‘hit you like a freight train’. 

1883, the gripping Western drama and prequel to the smash-hit show Yellowstone, first aired in 2021 on Paramount+ – but is now available to stream for the first time on Netflix in the UK.

The brainchild of Taylor Sheridan, who was behind the creation of Yellowstone, the series tells the backstory of the Dutton family as they make the perilous journey across the American frontier in search of a better life.

Real-life couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw star as James and Margaret Dutton, who leave behind the harsh poverty of Texas for a shot at a new beginning.

They’re joined by Hollywood actor Sam Elliott as grizzly former soldier Shea Brennan – a man you definitely don’t want to mess with.

Just like Yellowstone, the series earned rave reviews from fans and critics alike and despite only running for one season with 10 intense episodes, made a lasting impression. 

1883, the gripping Western drama and prequel to the smash-hit show Yellowstone, first aired in 2021 on Paramount+ – but is now available to stream for the first time on Netflix in the UK

The series tells the backstory of the Dutton family as they make the perilous journey across the American frontier in search of a better life

1883 currently boasts an impressive 89% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, even beating Yellowstone’s score of 83%.

Fans online have been full of praise, with one calling it ‘by far, the best show ever made’, adding that it’s a ‘truly inspiring, beautiful and sad story’.

Taking to reviews site Rotten Tomatoes, one penned: ‘This is about as good as TV could ever get. Beautifully filmed, brutal but never gratuitously so.’

Another chimed in: ‘This one’s a brutal ride through the wild west. The struggle, the sheer brutality of the time, it all hits you like a freight train.’

A third added: ‘‘It is an intricate tale of loss and determination. I was entranced from start to finish.’

It’s not just the main cast that’s star-studded in the series – with Hollywood A-listers Tom Hanks and Billy Bob Thornton both make surprise appearances as General George Meade and Marshal Jim Courtright.

Even Hanks’ real-life wife Rita makes a cameo in one scene, playing a charming shopkeeper named Carolyn.

The success of 1883 later paved the way for another spin-off, 1923, which aired on Paramount+ and ran for two seasons. 

Yellowstone, which first premiered in 2018 and has gone on to span five seasons, follows the trials and tribulations of the Dutton family at the largest ranch in Montana, United States

Yellowstone consists of five seasons, with the most recent being released last year and ending with an epic two-hour finale.

Meanwhile, flagship series Yellowstone wrapped up its fifth season last year, another spin-off, 1944, is already in the works. 

Paramount has also already given the green light for a new spin-off ‘Beth and Rip,’ played by Cole Houser, which will follow the couple’s life on a new ranch they bought. 

Yellowstone, which first premiered in 2018 and has gone on to span five seasons, follows the trials and tribulations of the Dutton family at the largest ranch in Montana, United States.

It features a star-studded cast including Kevin Costner as John Dutton and Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton.

Yellowstone has been a massive hit for Paramount Network, even spawning two spin-offs, 1883 and 1923.

It comes after the series came to Netflix UK after amassing rave reviews, but season five, it’s latest, has yet to be added.  

‘The full series isn’t on Netflix UK so I either have to wait for it to come on or get paramount + to watch the final series,’ one frustrated user said. 

The season five finale of Yellowstone had historic ratings – with 11.4 million same-day viewers tuning in to see it.

1883 is available to stream on Netflix.