Well, it’s not the best time to fall in love… or is it? If you’re a sucker for romantic tales that play out with all the intensity of a stormy ocean crossing, then 1923 Season 1’s finale was tailor-made for you. Picture the scene: two souls, caught between passion and destiny, trying to navigate life’s treacherous waters. Sound familiar? It should—because for anyone who remembers the iconic Titanic, there’s more than a whiff of that same fate-laden romance in the air.

If you’ve watched the dramatic conclusion of 1923 Season 1, you might have felt that unmistakable déjà vu. It’s like Taylor Sheridan took a page straight from James Cameron’s notebook. If you’re getting Titanic vibes, you’re definitely not alone. What fans can’t ignore is the undeniable parallel to the iconic love story set on a massive, doomed ship that’s become a cultural touchstone: the Titanic.

1923’s Finale: A Titanic twist for Spencer and Alex’s love story?

Before the fast-paced jets and supersonic speeds, there was a time when crossing vast oceans meant the slow rhythm of a boat ride. The sound of the waves, the deep blue horizon, and the promise of adventure or danger—it was a whole other world. And 1923, the Yellowstone prequel, taps into that nostalgic feeling beautifully, especially through the journey of Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and his love interest, Alexandra (played by Julia Schlaepfer).

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the finale, Nothing Left to Lose, serves up a scenario that will have any movie lover’s heart racing, for it mirrors the legendary love story of Jack and Rose.

The twist? While Titanic was a sinking ship and a heart-wrenching tragedy, 1923 chooses to present its own kind of high-stakes showdown, this time on the open waters of the Atlantic. As Spencer and Alex find themselves on a ship with Alex’s ex-fiancé, the aristocratic Arthur (Rafe Soule), things quickly take a nasty turn.

Arthur doesn’t take kindly to Spencer and Alex’s presence, and after some snide remarks, he challenges Spencer to a duel. Let’s just say Spencer’s got more than enough fight in him, leaving Arthur to take an unexpected dip in the sea. What follows? Spencer’s exile from the ship—and an uncertain future for this couple.

Fans react: Is 1923’s Spencer and Alex love story the new Titanic?

Now, we can practically hear you asking, “But does this not ring bells from Titanic?” And you’re absolutely right. Fans on X and Reddit alike have been having a collective sense of déjà vu.

You can almost see it, right? Look, we all know that Titanic still holds a chokehold on our emotions, and Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 seems to be taking a page out of that ship-sinking playbook. The film, directed by James Cameron, quickly became a cinematic landmark, hailed for its breathtaking visuals, powerful performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and the ageless Gloria Stuart, and its unforgettable soundtrack.

The re-releases of Titanic have pushed the movie’s worldwide theatrical total to an impressive $2.264 billion, making it the second film in history to cross the $2 billion mark, following the epic success of Avatar.

This was no small feat in an era where box office numbers were still catching up to today’s billion-dollar blockbusters. Audiences flooded theaters, returning multiple times, and the film’s timeless love story struck a chord with viewers of all ages.