Tom Hanks Appeared In ‘1883’ Episode Because Tim McGraw Asked

The second episode of the series 1883 on Paramount+ has aired. In this episode, it features a cameo of Tom Hanks. Star Tim McGraw said that he personally asked Hanks to appear on the show, and the actor agreed immediately.

“I knew that there was this part in there, and I gave him a call said, ‘Hey, would you be interested in showing up doing a cameo in this show that we’re doing?'” McGraw recounted. “And he goes, ‘Tell me when to be there,’ and he just showed up.'”

On the show, the Oscar-winner plays General George Meade in a flashback sequence to the Civil War.

1883 was created by Taylor Sheridan and is designed as a prequel to the series Yellowstone, which was created by Sheridan and John Linson. The prequel follows the Dutton family as its members flee Texas, traveling through the Old West in the hopes of reaching Montana. It stars Sam Elliot, Isabel May and others.

McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, play James and Margaret Dutton on the show. In real life, the musicians are good friends with Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson.

“He’s a great guy,” said McGraw of Hanks when discussing the cameo. “We’ve been friends for a long time. Rita, his wife, and Faith are best friends, and Tom and I’ve been friends for 25 years, 24 years.”

1883 premiered on Dec. 19 following a five-year deal between Sheridan, ViacomCBS and MTS Entertainment Group. With its release, 1883 became the most-watched Paramount+ original series in the history of the platform. It also has the highest-rated debut of any show on Paramount+.

In addition to its prequel, Yellowstone has also planned a sequel series called 6666, which will be set in the modern day in Texas.

New episodes of 1883 air every Sunday. The fourth episode of the show is set to air on Jan. 2, 2022.