Country music legend Tim McGraw opened up about the intense production schedule for Taylor Sheridan’s Western drama “1883,” the prequel to the hit series “Yellowstone.” McGraw explained that shooting six days a week, often for 14 hours a day, stretched over five to six months pushed him to his limits.

Balancing concerts and filming

In addition to the long days on set, McGraw was still performing concerts across the country. He described nights in which he would finish filming around 6 p.m., hop on a plane for a show, return home around 1 a.m., hit the gym at 3 a.m., and be back in makeup by 5:30 a.m. for the next day’s shoot.

Physical challenges on location

The series, which follows the Dutton family’s trek from Texas to Montana, was largely shot in Texas before moving north. Cast members endured a rigorous cowboy camp, learning to ride, rope, work cattle and handle firearms before filming began. McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, recalled a dangerous river crossing at 3 a.m. on their 25th wedding anniversary in near‑freezing temperatures.

Why it was worth it

Despite the hardships, McGraw said the experience was rewarding because he got to work closely with Hill and Sheridan. He praised Sheridan as a brilliant writer and highlighted the value of thorough preparation, noting that being ready on set reduced nervousness and made the demanding schedule manageable.

First major TV role

While McGraw has appeared in films before, “1883” marked his first major role in a television series, portraying James Dutton alongside Hill’s Margaret Dutton. The show traces the early roots of the Dutton family’s Montana ranching legacy, setting the stage for the later events of “Yellowstone.”

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.