Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind hit series such as "Yellowstone," "1883," and "1923," is set to leave Paramount and sign a new billion-dollar deal with NBCUniversal. This move marks a significant shift for the acclaimed writer and producer, whose shows have garnered a substantial audience on the Paramount Network.
Sheridan, known for his distinctive Western storytelling, has built a television empire that often eschews traditional Hollywood norms. He has been credited with revitalizing the careers of established actors, offering them substantial paydays for roles in his sprawling narratives. Stars like Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, Demi Moore, and Michelle Pfeiffer have all appeared in his projects.
A Difficult but Loyal Collaborator
Despite his success, sources describe Sheridan as a demanding creative. Actress Jill Wagner, who collaborated with Sheridan on "Special Ops: Lioness," noted that while he is not always pleasant, he is fair and reliable. "He's fair and if he tells you he's going to do something, he does it. And that's rare in the industry," Wagner stated. She also highlighted Sheridan's loyalty, stating he often brings people along with him as he achieves success.
However, not all collaborations have been smooth. Sheridan had a public falling out with "Yellowstone" star Kevin Costner, which led to the conclusion of the series. While Costner's character was written out, a source close to the actor suggested there were no hard feelings, attributing the departure to an expired contract and Costner's commitment to his own "Horizon" film saga. Ed Harris, who starred in "Yellowstone" and its spin-off "1923," reportedly expressed frustration early on, asking to be removed from the "Dutton Ranch" set due to a lack of sufficient material.
Creative Process and Business Acumen
Sheridan famously writes many of his scripts independently, including all of "Yellowstone" and current projects like "Landman" and its spin-offs. This solitary approach contrasts with the writer's room model used for other shows he has created, such as "Tulsa King."
His journey to becoming a television mogul began after a career as an actor. In 2011, he sold his first screenplay, which became the film "Sicario." "Yellowstone" debuted in 2018 and quickly became a ratings phenomenon, a success that surprised many in the industry who had dismissed the Western genre.
Sheridan has expressed disdain for major studios and network executives, believing they misunderstand audiences. He is known for his pragmatic approach, focusing on telling stories he feels resonate with ordinary people rather than pursuing critical acclaim or awards like Emmys. "You're not going to win no Emmys with me, but I'm not trying to win Emmys. That's not my goal. My goal is to sit somebody on their couch and move them, make them think, make them laugh, scare the s san out of them," Sheridan said.
Beyond television, Sheridan is also involved in a feature film adaptation of the "Call of Duty" video game franchise, collaborating with director Peter Berg. He is also a significant figure in the ranching world, having been part of an investment group that purchased the 6666 Ranch in Texas for $320 million in 2022. Sheridan himself lives on a ranch in Texas with his wife and son.
With his move to NBCUniversal, Sheridan is poised to continue expanding his media footprint, bringing his unique brand of storytelling to a new network.