Not at all. There were legit 3 jokes in the entire 1883 series. So that tells you something cause I can distinctly remember the 3 times I smiled or laughed in 10 episodes lol
The relationship with James and Elsa is the heart of the story and very well-written father/daughter relationship. It what drives the entire mini-series and the most memorable part
The fact that Tim McGraw is actually married to Faith Hill and they play husband and wife makes for a great chemistry as well.
1923 is not as bleak but its pretty much just YS but 100 years ago. The Duttons are already dealing with the whole "the ranch is under attack and our way of life is dying" plots. The most interesting part is the Spencer Dutton character who is a WWI vet and has fucked off to Africa after his service. So you see his adventures and get away from the ranch. He's also a badass and fun character. The rumor and innuendo is that it'll be revealed that he's John's great-grandfather.