‘The Son’: The Best ‘1883’ Replacement Series For Taylor Sheridan Fans

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Who isn’t longing for 1883? The Yellowstone prequel had it all – breathtaking scenery (filmed largely in Darby and Paradise Valley), a sweeping story, and a powerful message about overcoming prejudice. The series followed the Dutton family’s struggles and successes as they moved from Tennessee to Montana after the Civil War, building what would become the famous Yellowstone Ranch.

Even though the spin-off show was popular with viewers and critics (earning an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), it was cancelled after just one season. While Paramount initially announced plans for more episodes in February 2022, they later changed their mind. Eventually, 1923 continued the story, but if you enjoyed the first series in the Yellowstone universe and want more from that time period, The Son is a good choice.

‘The Son’ Dances Between the Mid-1800s and the Early 1900s


AMC

AMC’s series The Son, based on Philipp Meyer’s 2013 novel, immediately grabs your attention with a sweeping opening shot. The story begins in 1849 Texas, introducing Eli McCullough as a young teenager. His life is quickly disrupted when his family is attacked by the Comanche. Eli is captured and held as a slave, and the Comanche mockingly call him “Tiehteti Taiboo,” which means “Pathetic White Boy.”

Jacob Lofland, known for his role in Landman, plays young Eli. He portrays the gentle and hopeful son of a Texas landman. The story follows Eli, and we see him both as a young man held captive and as an adult, powerfully played by Pierce Brosnan. Brosnan’s performance beautifully blends the toughness of the Old West with a quiet vulnerability.

I’ve been following Brosnan’s portrayal of Eli, and it’s fascinating to see how he’s developed. By 1915, he’s really become a powerful man, driven by the dream of striking oil and making a real fortune. It’s heartbreaking to watch him though, because while his younger self was just trying to survive, the older Eli is battling a different fight – trying to find his place in a changing Texas. It’s not the wild, untamed land he grew up knowing anymore; it’s becoming all about business and money, and he’s having a hard time adjusting.

Philipp Meyer, who wrote the original novel, also adapted it for television, making this his first time writing for the screen. So, it’s understandable if the show has a few beginner’s hiccups. He directs with a calm and deliberate style, allowing subtle emotions to come through. While the beginning episodes are a little slow-paced, the series really finds its stride and becomes captivating once it gets going.

I was a big fan of the book this show is based on, and honestly, it made a bigger splash with critics than the series itself. It even got nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and won another prestigious literary award! It’s funny, they originally had Sam Neill lined up to play the older version of Eli, but his schedule didn’t work out. That’s when they brought in Pierce Brosnan, which I think worked out great.

Like ‘1883,’ ‘The Son’ Analyzes the Complicated Foundations of Family Empires


AMC

Philipp Meyer’s 2013 book covers the entire history presented in the show Yellowstone, spanning from the 1800s to the 2010s and ultimately centering on the story of Eli’s granddaughter, who becomes a powerful oil executive. However, the Yellowstone series itself primarily focuses on the earlier generations, resembling the prequel 1883 in its timeframe.

Both shows move beyond the typical, idealized portrayal of the American West often seen in older Westerns. They depict a harsh reality where bad things constantly happen, and characters are driven to desperate, often terrible, acts simply to stay alive. While these characters don’t enjoy violence, the shows suggest it’s a necessary evil for building power. Sometimes, their courage seems to stem from selfish desires rather than pure heroism. Family conflicts are also common, and both shows highlight disputes over land and resources – for example, oil drilling creates conflict over the McCullough ranch in The Son’s 1915 storyline, which echoes the land struggles in 1883.

The Comanche people significantly impact the main characters’ lives. Eli McCullough’s kidnapping and upbringing within the tribe reshape his perspective, forging a resilient and self-assured identity that defines him as a Texan. Similarly, Elsa Dutton undergoes a profound personal and romantic journey after connecting with a Comanche warrior named Sam, which alters her understanding of both the land and who she is.

For fans of 1883, The Son is a great choice. It explores similar storylines and ideas, and features strong performances from Pierce Brosnan and Jacob Lofland. Both the younger and older Eli characters present a tough exterior, with hints of vulnerability beneath the surface. They are honest and genuine, but also prone to outbursts, revealing the inner turmoil they struggle to understand. Like other popular AMC shows, it’s also beautifully filmed, with stunning visuals.

Demographics Contributed to ‘The Son’s Brief Run


AMC

Similar to 1883, The Son is concise… perhaps a little too concise. While you’ll enjoy it, you’ll likely wish it had lasted longer, especially considering the depth of the original book. It feels like two seasons weren’t enough to fully explore the story. Pierce Brosnan reportedly signed a limited contract, wanting to remain available for film roles, suggesting AMC took a different approach than Paramount with Taylor Sheridan – they didn’t try to control his schedule like they did with Kevin Costner.

According to reports, a key reason the show isn’t continuing is its audience. While the show had a lot of viewers, they were mostly older, which isn’t ideal for a series that relies on advertising revenue. This explanation seems more likely than issues with Pierce Brosnan’s contract. The original novels allowed for the story to continue with future generations of the McCullough family, meaning the character of Eli would eventually have been phased out.

As a big fan of Westerns, I have to say The Son is truly one of the best shows out there, especially if you’re not already hooked on Yellowstone. It’s a beautifully made series – the production quality is fantastic, but what really stands out are the incredible performances from the actors. You can actually watch the first episode for free on Roku, which is a great way to see if it’s your kind of thing. If you like what you see, you can stream the rest on AMC+, Prime Video, or Crunchyroll here in the US. Or, if you prefer, you can buy episodes directly from Amazon.

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2025-12-19 00:36