1944 Episode 1 Trailer (2026) : Fans of Yellowstone and its expanding universe have reason to celebrate—and maybe even shed a tear or two. The trailer for the first episode of “1944,” the newest prequel to the Dutton family saga, has been released just ahead of its premiere in early 2026, and it’s being called the most intense and emotionally rich chapter yet.
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the changing American West, “1944” promises a raw, character-driven story that reflects on the Dutton legacy during one of the most turbulent decades in American history.
Here’s everything we learned from the trailer—and why fans are already hooked.
A Story Set in War and the Wilderness
“Every family has a war to fight,” says the trailer’s opening voiceover—said by an elderly Dutton, basking in the fading light of the Montana sun. In less than two minutes, this 1944 trailer paints a picture of a family and a nation at war, both externally and internally.
Set in the final years of World War II, the series follows John Dutton Sr. (played by breakout star Garrett Hedlund), who returns to Montana after serving overseas. But peace is hard to find. The ranch is in crisis, Native land treaties are being renegotiated, and veterans like John struggle to find their place in a world that has changed while they were away.
We also get our first glimpse of John’s younger sister, Martha Dutton (played by Kaitlyn Dever), who has kept the ranch afloat while fighting her own battles in a male-dominated world. His strong presence and sharp tongue could make him a fan favorite from day one.
War follows them home
Unlike its predecessors (1883 and 1923), 1944 seems less about expansion and more about preserving land, family, and self. The trailer depicts scenes of PTSD, lost comrades, and generational trauma that won’t be erased by the peace treaty.
In a scene that has already gone viral, John Sr. is seen holding his father’s old rifle in a barn. “I survived the war. But I’m not sure I survived coming home,” he mutters. This line, spoken with heartbreaking honesty, kicks off a series that’s less about gunfire and more about emotional warfare.
Changes in the American West
Visually, the trailer is stunning—a wonderful blend of Montana’s rugged beauty and 1940s adventure. Director Taylor Sheridan’s distinctive sweeping cinematography returns, but with a darker, more intimate feel. You see dusty pickup trucks with horses, and hear swing music mixed with cowboy songs.
Tensions are also brewing between Dutton and local Native leaders, who are worried about the re-occupation of land under the guise of post-war development. This adds a layer of historical insight to the series, which fans and critics alike are eager to see explored in a respectful and nuanced way.
Real Stakes, Real Emotions
What thrills fans most isn’t just the history—it’s its heart. Unlike many wartime dramas that romanticize heroism, 1944 seems to focus on loyalty, masculinity, and the emotional cost of silence.
“I don’t want him to be the same. I just want him to come back,” Martha says in a heartbreaking scene, reading a letter by lantern light. That moment alone has viewers reaching for the tissues—and ready for more.
Why This Prequel Matters
For longtime fans of the Yellowstone universe, “1944” offers another opportunity to meaningfully connect with the Dutton family—not only as landowners, but also as people grappling with loss, love, and legacy.
It also comes at a time when America is once again asking itself difficult questions about identity, duty, and division. Sheridan seems to understand this deeply, and uses the past not as a history lesson, but as a mirror.
What to Expect
1944 will premiere on Paramount+ in February 2026, with the first episode titled “Homefront.” It’s expected to move at a slower pace than “Yellowstone,” similar to 1883, but with more edgy plots and deeper emotional undertones.
If the trailer is anything to go by, “1944” will not only expand the Dutton legend but also redefine it.
Final Thoughts:
In a world full of spinoffs and reboots, 1944 feels different. It’s not just about where the Duttons came from. It’s about what they had to do to survive—and what parts of themselves they had to leave behind to carry on the family name.