As showrunner, Sheridan wrote all eight of the season's episodes. Many of the plot threads continue those that began in season one. It revolves around a generation of the Dutton family in Montana from 1923 to 1924 as they face the struggles of winter, and attempt to protect their ranch against those wishing to develop and profit from the land. Other storylines revolve around a newlywed couple who have been separated and are attempting to reunite, as well as a fugitive who escaped from an American Indian boarding school and seeks to evade capture in Oklahoma and Texas. Some arcs incorporate fictionalized versions of true people and events.
Similar to the first season, the production team planned on filming most of the season in Butte, Montana, beginning in June 2023. However, after delays caused by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, principal photography moved to Austin, Texas, and the surrounding areas. Some location filming did still take place in Montana. Recording began on July 8, 2024, and concluded in November, with cast and crew members facing struggles of extreme weather in both regions. The season received a budget of $22 million per episode. Ben Richardson directed the eight episodes while Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian composed the score.
The season released on the streaming platform Paramount+ from February 23, through April 6, 2025. Two soundtrack albums were also released, the first on the day the season began, and the second on the day it concluded; home video sets were published in August. It received mostly-positive reviews, particularly for its technical aspects, such as acting, writing, costuming, cinematography, and political subtext; however, some criticized the large cast, melodramatic feel, and a sadistic storyline featuring two sex workers. Season two was also noted for its positive economic impact in Montana and Texas and set viewership records. Several accolades and award nominations were given to the season, most notably for its locations, production design, and costumes, while its lack of Emmy Award nominations was pointed out by media outlets.
The Dutton ranch faces financial hardship, forcing them to sell their remaining herd. Before heading to Bozeman, Jacob scares off a cougar on their porch. He visits a speakeasy, where McDowell informs him that Zane and Alice remain separated and in jail. Still recovering from her miscarriage, Elizabeth heads outside but is confronted by the cougar, which Cara swiftly shoots dead. Having earned passage on a steamship bound for America, Spencer works alongside the young Italian, Luca. Spencer intervenes when another crew member rapes Luca and the ship's captain then executes the rapist. Spencer later talks Luca down after he prepares to commit suicide, and they work together to arrange fights between Spencer and other crewmates, earning them both money. Having returned to England, Alexandra remains heartbroken over being separated from Spencer. After revealing her pregnancy to Jennifer, she helps buy Alexandra a third-class ticket to America. Renaud and Kent continue hunting Teonna, and Kent ruthlessly kills several Comanche villagers as he grows impatient. Still on the run, Teonna asks Runs His Horse for permission to marry Pete, whom she later gets intimate with, until a lone cowboy stumbles across them and reveals they are in Texas.
10
2
"The Rapist Is Winter"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
March2,2025(2025-03-02)
Jacob secures the release of Zane and his family by blackmailing the local judge. He visits Zane but finds that he has been severely beaten in jail and can barely walk. On their journey back to the ranch, they become trapped in a blizzard and take shelter under their wagon. After discovering that a hungry and likely rabid wolf has slaughtered the ranch's chickens, it bites Elizabeth, and she is later forced to take a rabies vaccine against her will. Cara is awoken at night by the wolf breaking into the house and shoots it when it attacks her. Renaud and Kent continue their search for Teonna in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where the local marshal, Mamie Fossett, helps create illustrations of Teonna for wanted posters. The Comanche later retaliate at night, and Kent kills them, but finds that they are children. Spencer arrives in Galveston, Texas, where he meets the leader of a local crime syndicate, Salvatore Maceo. Despite Maceo's warm hospitality toward Spencer for saving Luca, he attacks Maceo's men after they prevent him from leaving. Maceo later allows Spencer to continue his journey, but must first help Luca smuggle illegal whiskey to Fort Worth.
11
3
"Wrap Thee in Terror"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
March9,2025(2025-03-09)
Alexandra arrives in New York City but is taken to Ellis Island along with the other third-class passengers to be processed. Claiming to be Spencer's wife, she is forced to go through an invasive medical examination and convinces an immigration officer to allow her entry, despite her pregnancy. Locals warn Alexandra of the dangers she may face traveling to Montana alone, and after reaching the Grand Central Terminal, a man begins stalking her. Runs His Horse meets Anders, a Texan cowboy, and agrees to work for him. Fossett is informed of the dead Comanche children and vows to bring Renaud and Kent to justice. Having survived the blizzard, Jacob and his group return to the ranch, where they are informed by their doctor that Zane is suffering from a subdural hematoma and that his condition is worsening. Elizabeth plans to leave the ranch for good once she has finished her rabies treatment and asks Jack to join her, but he declines. Spencer and Luca run into a roadblock of lawmen inspecting vehicles for contraband. While Spencer chooses to abandon the illegal whiskey they're transporting, Luca continues on his own and is quickly gunned down by the lawmen.
12
4
"Journey the Rivers of Iron"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
March16,2025(2025-03-16)
Whitfield holds a successful meeting for investors, proposing to turn Yellowstone into a tourist resort. He tasks Creighton with taking the Dutton ranch by force and hiding evidence in a legal loophole so he can take ownership of the land. Alexandra is assaulted and robbed, but manages to make her train in time. Zane is given emergency brain surgery, relieving the pressure on his head and allowing him to walk again, and Jacob promises him they will get their revenge. Due to the immense pain she feels while taking her rabies vaccines, Elizabeth is discovered to once again be pregnant. Spencer is picked up by the sheriff of Fort Worth, who demands that Spencer continue delivering the whiskey so he can find the destination. After arriving in Fort Worth, the lawmen raid the bootlegger's warehouse while Spencer flees on foot and escapes onto a train. A group of vagrants later attacks him, but Spencer fends them off before jumping off the train. Runs His Horse, Teonna, and Pete help Anders and his cowboys herd cattle, but they discover the wanted posters and the bounty on Teonna's head.
13
5
"Only Gunshots to Guide Us"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
March23,2025(2025-03-23)
Renaud and Kent arrive in Amarillo, Texas, where Anders informs them that Teonna has fled across a long stretch of wide-open plains. Pete separates from Teonna and Runs His Horse to search for water, but finds Renaud and Kent who chase him down until Pete falls from his horse, and they shoot at each other. Fossett finds Spencer and brings him to Amarillo when he reveals he is from Montana. She calls McDowell in Bozeman who confirms Spencer's identity, but he implores that Spencer not return home due to the escalating conflict between the Duttons and Creighton. Still seeking to avenge his brother's death, Spencer ignores McDowell's warning and boards a train bound for Livingston, Montana. Alexandra is forced to work as a waitress on board her train so she can eat. After she is sexually assaulted by one of the passengers, Alexandra viciously beats him and is locked in a temporary cell. When the train stops in Chicago, Alexandra is arrested by the Chicago police, but two passengers who witnessed the assault, Hillary and Paul, defend her and she is let go. After discovering that Alexandra's connecting train had been canceled, Hillary and Paul invite her to join them.
14
6
"The Mountain Teeth of Monsters"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
March30,2025(2025-03-30)
McDowell informs Jacob that Spencer is on his way home, but Jacob fears that Whitfield will have Spencer killed to stop him from inheriting the Dutton ranch. Creighton sends men to intercept Spencer at the Livingston train station while Jacob arrives first with McDowell. Having reluctantly stayed with Zane to defend the ranch, Jack takes off alone to join Jacob but is discovered by two of Creighton's men and killed. Having killed Pete in the shootout, Kent loots his body while Renaud berates him about the morality of all the death they have caused. After Kent shows no remorse for his actions, Renaud shoots him dead. Teonna and Runs His Horse later discover Pete and Kent's corpses, and decide to return home. Renaud finds them while they sleep, and shoots Runs His Horse, but Teonna fights back and kills him. Alexandra tells Hillary and Paul about the extent of her journey, and they agree to drive her to Montana in their automobile. After traveling hundreds of miles through freezing conditions, Alexandra awakens to discover they had run out of fuel during the night while far from civilization and that Hillary and Paul had died from hypothermia.
15
7
"A Dream and a Memory"
Ben Richardson
Taylor Sheridan
April6,2025(2025-04-06)
16
8
Fossett discovers the aftermath of Teonna's confrontation with Renaud and arrests her following a short standoff. Feeling sympathetic after learning of Teonna's past, Fossett doesn't charge her for Renaud or Kent's deaths. Teonna later goes to trial, but her case is dismissed due to a lack of witnesses. With no home or family to return to, she heads to California for a fresh start. Creighton has a personal crisis about working for Whitfield and flees with his family to the Livingston train station. Dozens of Creighton's men begin their assault on the Dutton ranch, intending to kill everyone, while Cara and Zane lead the defense. They manage to hold them off initially, but the men later return in greater numbers with an automatic firearm. Alexandra stays warm by creating a fire and uses it to signal a passing train. Spencer notices Alexandra from the window, jumps from the train, and they have a tearful reunion. After Alexandra is brought on board, she is treated for severe frostbite. As the train reaches Livingston, a shootout occurs between Jacob and Creighton's men. When Spencer protects his family, Creighton saves Jacob by shooting his own men, but is killed by McDowell. In his dying moments, Creighton reconciles with Jacob. In the aftermath of the shootout, Jacob and McDowell are wounded, but Spencer is forced to leave Alexandra and rushes to the ranch, where he almost singlehandedly kills the remainder of Creighton's men. Jacob stays with Alexandra, and they are taken to the hospital, where Alexandra gives birth prematurely. Although born three months early, the baby survives, but Alexandra refuses to allow the doctors to amputate her limbs that are afflicted with gangrene. Spencer and Cara soon arrive, and Alexandra dies hours later in her sleep. Seeking vengeance, Jacob and Spencer confront Whitfield in his mansion. Hoping to make an example of him, Spencer executes Whitfield and sets his home ablaze. Jack's body is soon recovered, and both he and Alexandra are buried on the ranch. With no reason to stay, Elizabeth leaves for good. Spencer takes charge of the ranch while Jacob retires to help Cara raise Spencer and Alexandra's son, named John. In a flashforward to 1969, an elderly Spencer visits Alexandra's grave and dies peacefully.
Following the unexpected death of Cole Brings Plenty[24] during the production hiatus, Sheridan decided it was necessary for the character he portrayed, Pete Plenty Clouds, to be recast. The role was given to Jeremy Gauna, a friend of both Cole Brings Plenty and his uncle, Mo Brings Plenty. Gauna had previously portrayed a Native American warrior in 1883 that was responsible for the death of Elsa in that serries. He also noted that taking on the role was particularly difficult for both himself and other cast and crew members, particularly Nieves who cried upon seeing him in costume for the first time; however, he ultimately believed it was his purpose.[25] Nieves elaborated in an interview, stating that she initially struggled with grief and resentment while filming occurred, but eventually overcame it.[26] The first episode featured an in memoriam tribute to Brings Plenty.[27]
Writing
Sheridan wrote the entirety of the second season by himself.[28] Although not yet having particular details planned, he had an idea of how the season would end since first pitching it.[29] Despite it not being billed or promoted as such, Sheridan considered the entire series to be one season, but split across two parts.[1] Contrary to season one, in which scripts were being written as the show was being recorded, all season two episodes were written prior to the start of filming.[30][31] The season continues to explore some of the plot threads that were left open at the conclusion of the previous season. These include those at the Dutton ranch preparing for a harsh winter, attempting to prevent Whitfield from acquiring the property, dealing with cattle thieves, and the anticipation of Spencer's return home to Montana.[32][33] Spencer and his wife Alex are displaced from each other during the season. While Alex has a goal of reuniting with him in Montana, she faces the struggles of immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island as a single pregnant woman, during which she is physically and sexually assaulted.[34][35]
Whitfield is the season's primary antagonist[36] and wants to build a ski resort on the ranch. He frequently associates with Creighton who is tasked with putting together a private militia to take it by force.[37] As a subplot, Dalton's character was also written to have a "sadistic punishment fetish". The arc explores his morality and the group power dynamics between him and two sex workers, Christy and Lindy, that he has been holding hostage, the latter of which between becomes his sexual partner.[32] Additionally, Whitfield is used to provide origin story for the "train station", a frequent location in Yellowstone where major crimes go unpunished because the area is not populated meaning that a jury could not be called. The location is inspired by the Zone of Death, a portion of Yellowstone National Park in Idaho where enforcement jurisdictions aren't clear.[38] Throughout the season, Creighton undergoes a redemption arc and ultimately sacrifices himself to help the Dutton's and their ranch.[39] Another secondary storyline revolves around Geraghty's character recovering from injuries he sustained after being arrested for marrying interracially in violation of anti-miscegenation laws.[40]
The story surrounding Nieves' character resumes with her character Teonna Rainwater as a fugitive following her escape from a Native American boarding school.[41] Within both seasons, it was derived from the true story of such schools.[42] During this time she is being pursued by Father Renaud, the headmaster of the school from which she escaped, and U.S. Marshal Kent, who function as antagonists for the arc.[41][42] Renaud's continued interest with finding Rainwater was described by Roché as an obsession, which he believed to be a result of negative admiration. Themes of egoism, extremism, and religion, as well as the topics of cultural assimilation of Native Americans and Native American interracial relations were also explored throughout this storyline.[42] Another portion continues to explore the development of a romantic relationship between her and Pete.[10] Nieves noted that Cole Brings Plenty was excited for that particular aspect despite them viewing each other more as siblings rather than romantic partners.[26] Rainwater's arc is the only one to exist outside of the series' overall premise and not interact with the Dutton family.[43]
Anadarko, Oklahoma (left, pictured in 1901) and Ellis Island (right, pictured in 1905) were featured as locations during the season.
A fictionalized version of Sal Maceo is featured in the season after Spencer returns to the United States. Maceo was a bootlegger during the Roaring Twenties who founded the Maceo Syndicate, a criminal organization, and ran an illegal gambling operation known as the Balinese Room, aspects of which were worked into the show.[44] A new character introduced to the plotline was that of Mamie Fossett, a U.S. Marshal based in Anadarko, Oklahoma, who was also partially based on true events. There was a real-life marshal of the same name, who worked in Indian Territory during a time period in which female law enforcement officials were uncommon. Carpenter attempted to do research into the life story of Fossett, but faced difficulty after finding not much had been written about her.[45] Although Carpenter's character narrative has her primarily interact with Rainwater's, Fossett briefly meets with Spencer when he was questioned by her as a suspect.[46]
Within the season's penultimate episode, Sheridan killed off seven different characters,[47] and an additional two key characters in the finale.[48] Although Kent was ultimately killed by Renaud, Roché merely believed the action to be consequentialism rather than having second thoughts.[42] Mann said that he felt the result of his character's death was because Jack was too naïve.[30] For Randolph's final moments, no blocking was written into the script and she believed that scene properly represented Strafford's character growth across the program.[49] The characters of Schlaepfer and Sklener briefly meet in the finale prior to Alex's death.[35] The series' final scene however, does feature them reconnecting once more, this time in an afterlife.[48] Three new children were also introduced to the franchise in the final episode. This, along with Strafford's departure to Boston, led to speculation between Randolph and Sklener about which of their children would lead the descendancy into Yellowstone, or how they, and their own characters, could be connected to future franchise series 1944 and The Madison.[49][48][50][51] Despite the title of the series, the second season ends in 1924.[52]
Production design
The production team created a period-themed set of Grand Central Station (pictured in 1923).
Soundstages were used in place of outdoor sets for scenes that would have been difficult to film due to weather. One in particular was constructed to appear as the High Plains near Amarillo, Texas.[42]. Another featured a period-appropriate set for Grand Central Station, during which set designers specifically took note to include replicas of lighting fixtures that existed in the terminal at the time. For exterior scenes in Montana the production designers created a winter-themed Western. No snowfall occurred while production was taking place, with the exception of the last day, so the team used paper snow and display snow as a special effect. In some cases, a combination of the two had to be used, or salt was added to ensure the horses had proper traction. The snow that did fall melted quickly forcing them to make sure there were no continuity errors.[53]
Janie Bryant returned for the second season to work as 1923's costume designer. Color palettes were discussed with Sheridan before work began and most of the outfits were constructed off-site in Bryant's tailor shop eight weeks before they were needed. She aimed to dress the characters in tones that corresponded to their emotional state. As a result, Mirren and Ford were dressed in darker shades while Schlaepfer and Randolph wore lighter hues. Outfits for Sklenar and Mann featured a combination of the two so that they could be connected to both their ranching background as well as their characters wives. When designing clothing for Nieves, and other indigenous characters, she worked with Native American consultants for historical accuracy. Additionally, all cast members had undergarments that would have actually been worn during the time period so that their appearances and movements would be authentic. In-costume promotional photos of the cast were shot on a vintage Graflex camera in a large format.[54]
Believing that costuming was essential to every characters story, Bryant even opted to give Rice and Rogers jewelry and other accessories to wear, despite it being written into the script that they would be fully nude.[55] Production schedules required the costume team to create identical versions of outfits, all with different amounts of filth, so that the passage of time could be properly represented.[56] In addition to those that were made, some vintage clothing pieces from the 1920's were also purchased. Co-costume designer Gaby Acosta was present on set to ensure that the attire continued to have its intended appearance in varying weather conditions, including the extreme cold weather in Montana.[57]Elk teeth were added to Spears' vest at his request because they were used to indicate proficiency in hunting among the Crow people.[58]
In November 2022 production crews began seeking a contract extension for continued use of the Butte Civic Center throughout 2023, where primary production in Montana had been based during the first season, as well as an on-site annex building used for storage. The civic center's board issued a recommendation to county commissioners that they issue an extension, but required that the center be vacated by crews between January 15 and June 1 for previously scheduled school sporting and graduation events. Silver Bow County commissioners then approved the request later that month, allowing use of the annex for the entire calendar year, and use of the main building from June 2 through December 31. The consolidated city-county received $75,000 a month from the production company for use of the buildings.[59][60][61]
Principal photography was initially set to begin in Butte on June 5, 2023,[62] however, by June 1, the civic center's manager had not heard from the production company.[63] A week later they were then informed that production had been delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Production crews were unsure when filming would start, but requested a ten-day extension on their contract for use of the building through January 10, 2024.[64] As the strike continued into July, and expanded with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the production company asked that they instead be released from the contract by the end of August.[65][66] The lease cancellation was approved on July 19, with the production company paying a $200,000 penalty; the civic center used these funds to replace mobile bleachers that were damaged during season one production. Crews also stated that they hoped to return to Butte once the strikes concluded, but were unsure of the feasibility due to changes in tax incentives.[67]
Once the strikes ended, production teams were seen at Hennessy Mansion in Butte in December 2023. Crew members indicated that despite not utilizing the civic center, filming would soon begin in the city; officials however, stated that no film permits had been issued,[68] and later reports also stated that principal photography would instead relocate to Austin, Texas, where tax credits had been recently expanded.[69] Ultimately, filming took place in both states, with primary production based in Austin at ATX Film Studios,[70] and location filming occurring in Montana.[71] Recording kicked off in Austin on July 8, 2024, and was anticipated to continue there until September. Other Texas film locations included Galveston and Lockhart, as well as Bartlett in August, the latter of which was made up to appear as Fort Worth, and Amarillo, Texas, as well as Anadarko, Oklahoma.[72][73][74][75]
Roché and Spears filmed the scenes where their characters were killed on a sound stage, with recording for both deaths occurring on the same day. Rather than using computer-generated imagery, the makeup department affixed a remote-controlled light to Roché's face so that it could light up when Rainwater burns Renaud. Similarly, Roché also wore protective body pads when his character was stabbed repeatedly, this allowed the violence to appear more realistic. He said he had mixed emotions filming this scene, because although violent, he believed it was well-composed.[42] Carpenter's scenes were also primarily filmed in Texas. She reached out to Ralph Zito, a former mentor from Juilliard School, to help her find the proper vocal range for Fossett. Carpenter's ultimate goal was to use her lower register. She stated that the extreme heat there assisted her in this aspect, but made filming both interior and exterior scenes uncomfortable. Frequent lightening in Texas also caused weather-related delays in thirty-minute increments every time a strike was witnessed.[15] On September 16, production moved to San Antonio,[76] part of which was dressed to appear as New York City.[53] It remained there until September 27, at which time all filming in Texas had concluded.[77]
Ben Richardson directed all eight of the season's episodes.
Filming crews transferred to Montana in October.[78] Mann's death scene was recorded there, he stated that he felt self-conscious while filming this scene because he was concerned with properly honoring his character. It was reported that he received applause from cast and crew members afterwards. Despite this being his final on-screen appearance, Mann later recorded additional pick-up shots with Ford.[30] For Zane's brain surgery, a replica of Geraghty's head that could be drilled into was made. A body double was also used for these scenes. Prior to filming them, Geraghty researched the symptoms of head injuries so that he could properly portray the effects.[40] Recording in Montana occurred in Butte, Hamilton, and Milltown.[79] Some filming continued in Butte through November before wrapping.[80] The entire second season was directed by Richardson.[28] Sheridan was never on set while the season was recorded due to other commitments; instead, Richardson was tasked with overseeing the script-to-screen duties.[81]
Post-production
Visual effects work was split across multiple outside companies, and was contributed to from various locations including Bogotá, Columbia, and Montreal, and Toronto, Canada. Photorealistic creature work was done by Rodeo FX who created a wolf and mountain lion, Folks VFX who added elk, and Outpost VFX who was responsible for cattle. Additionally, the companies handled other tasks such as removal and replacement of out-of-period items, visual effect snow, and set extensions to the Bitterroot Mountains featured in the background.[82][83][84] Further set extensions were done by beloFX[85] For Pete's horse accident, WeFX made digital doubles of both Guana and the horse he rode on. Before work began on this project, the team viewed videos of horse racing accidents so that they could simulate a realistic appearance. In the process they used computer software achieve the intended look, including Houdini, Nuke, ShotGrid and ZBrush as well as the Autodesk products Arnold and Maya.[86][87][88] Important Looking Pirates completed the computer generated imagery work that included digital replicas of cruise and merchant ships, a ferry, Ellis Island, and a newborn baby.[89][90] John Coniglio spent six days editing a shootout scene for the final episode.[91]
Soundtracks
Brian Tyler and Breton Vivian composed the season's score. Sony Classical Records digitally released two soundtrack albums, the first on February 23, 2025, and the second on and April 6. A compilation album was made available on the same day as the latter, containing all tracks from both volumes.[92][93]
While the first season had a generally positive economic impact in Butte, local citizens, actors, and business owners, criticized the Montana state legislature for not continuing film tax credits to remain as the primary production location.[102][103] It was estimated that production would invest over $51 million into the Austin's economy upon its move there.[104] The Austin City Council approved an incentive on the predicted $15 million that would be paid in wages to residents of Greater Austin, if employees were hired locally. Additionally, it was believed that hotels and businesses would benefit as well.[105][106] In the Greater Houston area, the program was one of two major productions, the other being season two of the Netflix series Mo, that was attributed to a 138% economic increase from 2023 to 2024, with a reported $27 million spent there.[107] Despite primary relocation, filming that did occur in Montana was still thought to have boosted the economy by "millions of dollars" through further local hires.[78][79]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 20 critics' reviews are positive.The website's consensus reads: "1923 season 2 continues the path of Taylor Sheridan's universe with more grit, drama, masterful writing."[109]Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the season a score of 79 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[108] While some reviewers criticized pieces of the season, it was well-received overall.[118]
Alex Maidy with JoBlo Movie Network opined that the second season of 1923 blended the best parts of 1883 and Yellowstone. He went on to write that it felt more authentic than Yellowstone because the extreme budget allowed for a higher production quality, and that 1923 could be Sheridan's best series.[111] Reviewing season two for Paste, Lacy Baugher Milas authored a similar opinion, believing that it made 1923 better than its parent series because it was "grittier, more violent," and better-handled convoluted problems. She did however feel that the season started too slowly and that the ensemble cast was too large for the plot.[112]TV Guide critic Liam Matthews said that Alex's death in the finale weakened the series' overall story because the reasoning was not rational.[119]IndieWire's Christian Blauvet wrote about the political subtext and said Sheridan's "old school" conservativism distances him from current conservatives. He suggested that Sheridan was "more interested in long-term struggles between tradition and progress" than "aligning neatly with any party's particular platforms".[110]
The Playlist's Rodrigo Perez applauded the performances of the cast and Sheridan's writing for the season, remarking that while he frequently writes similar narratives, they always feel distinct from each other.[113] Alan French furthered this while penning a review for Sunshine State Cineplex, in which he wrote that the Indigenous characters had more intricate story arcs and specifically commending how Ford, Mirren, and Sklenar portrayed their characters.[115]ScreenRant writer Felipe Rangel praised the season's cinematography and winter setting, saying that the show excelled because of it.[114] Blauvelt also admired Bryant's costuming work, stating they "cultivate a sense of total immersion where you lose yourself in another world".[56] In a more mixed review for The Upcoming, Andrew Murray considered season two to be too melodramatic and concluded that it was closer to a soap opera than a period drama.[117]The Daily Telegraph's Anita Singh to some degree agreed with this sentiment, but believed that it was still an elegant narrative.[116]
Brandon Sklenar received praise for his performance as Spencer Dutton.
Some reviewers and many of those watching the season criticized the story arc surrounding Whitfield, Christy, and Lindy. Kieran Fisher with /Film said that unlike other violent storylines, such as those at the boarding school which have a stronger purpose, these were "nothing more than pointless torture sequences" and believed it would have better fit in Sheridan's 2011 horror film, Vile. Meanwhile, Taste of Country's Billy Dukes simply described them as "gross, unnecessary, sadistic, grotesque, pointless, pornographic".[23][120][121] Rogers justified the scenes by stating it was realistic and felt that it was important for women in alike circumstances to see it.[122]
Viewing figures
Within three days of its release, the first episode episode was seen globally by 5.4 million viewers, surpassing the 2.2 million who watched the series premiere in 2023 by 146%. This also set new a record for the highest-viewed Paramount+ original series, beating Landman, the previous record holder with 5.2 million.[123][124] The series entered the Nielsen streaming rankings in fifth place for the week of March 3, with 796 million minutes having been seen.[125] Over two-thirds of these viewers fell into the over 50 age demographic.[126] Viewing figures on the season premiere by March 19, had risen to 17 million, exceeding its season one counterpart by 41% in the same time period, and over 200% overall.[127] Seven-day viewership on the first four episodes had outperformed the first season by 56%.[128] At this point, the series was still in Nielsen's streaming chart, remaining at number five, but increasing to 809 million minutes.[129]
The penultimate episode then totaled 1.06 billion minutes viewed, causing 1923 to be the third highest-watched streaming series and second among original streaming series for the week following its release.[130] Across all of March, Nielsen ranked the show as the fifth most-popular streaming program, further increasing its viewing minutes to 3.9 billion.[131] 14 million people watched the series finale, rising to 1.68 billion minutes, within its first seven days, a 41% period-over-period increase from the 10 million who saw the previous season finale.[132] This became 1923's largest audience,[133] with ratings on the entire season up 46%.[134] Social media impressions for season two also increased eightfold to 163 million from 21 million.[135] For the first half of 2025, 1923 placed sixth on the six-month Nielsen chart, ultimately equaling 8.5 billion minutes.[136] Overall, increases in viewing figures caused the series to rank as one of the top three Paramount+ program's to ever release.[137]
For their work on the season, David Zachary Heine, James Crowley, and Hayden Yancer won a Location Managers Guild Award at the 2025 ceremony in the Outstanding Locations in a Period Television Series category. The Montana Film Office also picked up a nomination that same year for Outstanding Film Commission, but the accolade was lost to theNew Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission for the 2024 biographical film, A Complete Unknown.[138][139]
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