Taylor Sheridan’s Empire Expands: Beyond "Yellowstone"
The television landscape is currently dominated by the creative vision of Taylor Sheridan, whose storytelling prowess has spawned a sprawling universe of interconnected dramas, captivating audiences with tales of family, power, and the untamed spirit of the American West. While the flagship series, "Yellowstone," faces an uncertain future, Sheridan’s other projects continue to thrive, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
One of the most recent additions to Sheridan’s portfolio is "Landman," a Paramount+ drama that delves into the high-stakes world of West Texas oilfields. Starring Billy Bob Thornton as the shrewd and pragmatic oil industry fixer Tommy Norris, alongside Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter, "Landman" has quickly become a hit, earning a second season renewal. Paramount+ boasts that "Landman" achieved the platform’s most-watched global series premiere, demonstrating Sheridan’s consistent ability to draw in viewers. The show’s authenticity has resonated with audiences, as evidenced by the viral cameo of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who appeared in a hospital scene with Hamm’s character, Monty Miller. Thornton’s performance as Norris garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a drama series, although he ultimately lost to Hiroyuki Sanada for "Shōgun."
While "Yellowstone," the series that launched Sheridan’s television empire, officially concluded in December with Season 5, Part 2, the narrative may find new life. The absence of Kevin Costner’s iconic patriarch, John Dutton, leaves a significant void, but the potential for a continuation or spin-off remains. The success of prequels "1883" and "1923" has already proven the enduring appeal of the Dutton family saga. "1883" established the origins of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, while "1923" carries the family saga through the Prohibition era. Season 2 of "1923," currently in production, sees Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as his wife Cara defending their ranch from the machinations of Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), a ruthless land baron with ambitions to develop a ski resort. The family’s future rests on the shoulders of prodigal nephew Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and his pregnant bride Alex (Julia Schlaepfer), who are racing home to help safeguard their ancestral land before the season finale.
Adding to the Sheridan-verse is "The Madison," a forthcoming "Yellowstone" spin-off starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn, a New York widow who trades the bustling Madison Avenue for the serene Madison River Valley of central Montana. While the precise connection between Clyburn and the Dutton family remains shrouded in mystery, the show promises to capture the same grit and determination that defines the Dutton legacy. "The Madison" is expected to premiere in the fall.
Beyond the "Yellowstone" universe, Sheridan’s other projects continue to flourish. "Mayor of Kingstown," starring Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky, a fixer in a town dominated by prisons, has been renewed for a fourth season. The series explores the gritty realities of the criminal justice system and the compromises people make to survive in a morally ambiguous world. After facing off against the Russian mob in Season 3, McLusky will return to navigate the treacherous landscape of Kingstown, Michigan. Hugh Dillon, who plays Detective Ian Ferguson, also serves as an executive producer and co-creator of the series. Production for Season 4 is currently underway, with Renner teasing that it will be "something special."
Sylvester Stallone’s "Tulsa King," where he plays Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a Mafia capo who establishes a criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has also captured audiences. While Paramount has not officially confirmed a third season, Stallone is confident it will happen. The Season 2 finale saw Manfredi dragged into a mysterious government office and forced to work for them, suggesting a new dynamic for the character in the future. Stallone has even hinted at the casting of a prominent actor to play Manfredi’s government handler.
"Lioness," starring Zoe Saldaña as Joe, the head of a CIA program that utilizes female operatives to infiltrate terrorist organizations, concluded its second season with a dramatic firefight in Iran. Although there has been no official announcement, a third season seems highly probable, given Saldaña’s contractual obligation for at least three seasons.
Despite the success of these various ventures, the future of the "Yellowstone" franchise itself remains a topic of speculation. Previously announced spin-offs like "1944" have been put on hold, while "2024" is poised to become the next iteration of "Yellowstone." The reported new series may center on Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser), picking up where the Season 5 finale left off, with the couple starting anew on a ranch near Dillon, Montana. While fans eagerly await an official update, the Sheridan-verse continues to expand, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and prolific creators in television today.
