Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the hit series "Yellowstone," has officially canceled the planned spin-off "6666." The series, first announced in 2021, was intended to be set on the real 6666 Ranch in Texas, a property Sheridan acquired.
Sheridan revealed the decision in an episode of the podcast "Rodeo Time," stating his reluctance to fictionalize the lives of the people who work and raise their families on the ranch. "I would never fictionalize that ranch," he said, emphasizing that the project "is never gonna happen."
"Yellowstone" featured storylines involving Jefferson White's character, Jimmy Hurdstrom, working at the 6666 Ranch, with actual ranch employees appearing in supporting roles. Sheridan noted that viewers familiar with the ranching world recognized these individuals, lending authenticity to the show. However, he expressed concern that developing new storylines for a full spin-off would require inventing drama and "making up lives," which he felt would "trivialize and fictionalize" a place where real people live and work.
Sheridan stated he is "very protective" of the ranch and feels a "big responsibility" to safeguard its brand. The 6666 Ranch, founded in 1900 by Samuel Burk Burnett, was owned by his great-granddaughter Anne Windfohr Marion until her death in 2020. Sheridan's investment group reportedly purchased the ranch in 2022 for $320 million.
Despite the cancellation of "6666," the "Yellowstone" franchise continues to expand. Another Texas-based spin-off, "Dutton Ranch," starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, has been renewed for a second season. Additionally, "Marshals," a spin-off featuring Luke Grimes, premiered in March. The franchise also includes the period dramas "1923" and "1883," as well as other series created by Sheridan, such as "Landman" and "Lioness."