The Yellowstone universe has weathered shootouts, betrayals, and family feuds — but now it faces a new kind of drama. Series creator Taylor Sheridan is officially leaving Paramount Network for NBCUniversal, sparking speculation that the future of the franchise could be in jeopardy.

With several announced Yellowstone spinoffs still stuck in development limbo, Sheridan’s upcoming move raises serious questions: what will happen to 1944, 6666, and the next generation of Dutton stories?

---

Taylor Sheridan’s NBCUniversal Deal Explained

Sheridan, along with longtime producing partner David Glasser and 101 Studios, has signed a five-year film and TV deal with NBCUniversal. The agreement begins in 2029, after Sheridan’s current Paramount contract expires in 2028.

That means Sheridan isn’t leaving the Yellowstone ranch just yet. He still has three years to fulfill his Paramount commitments — including producing three active projects:

• The Dutton Ranch (working title for the Beth and Rip spinoff)

• Y: Marshals, starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton (set for Spring 2026 on CBS)

• The Madison, a new entry expanding the modern Dutton universe

These are still in motion under Sheridan’s Paramount deal. But two other long-promised projects — the 1944 prequel and the 6666 Texas ranch spinoff — have been quiet for years.

---

What’s Happening with 1944 and 6666?

Both projects were officially announced — 6666 in 2021 and 1944 in 2023 — but updates have been scarce. Even Yellowstone director Christina Voros admitted last year that Sheridan’s process is unpredictable.

“I honestly don’t know how Taylor chooses which stories to tell when,” Voros told TV Insider. “He’s closed a lot of doors with the final season, but he’s also left some open. Whether they stay open, we’ll see.”

That unpredictability means the fate of 6666 — centered on the Texas ranch where Jimmy (Jefferson White) moved — and 1944, a prequel following the Duttons during WWII, remains uncertain.

---

Not the End of the Yellowstone Era — Yet

While Sheridan’s move might sound like a major shake-up, it’s not the death knell for Yellowstone. In fact, his NBCUniversal deal could strengthen the franchise in the long run.

Because Sheridan won’t be serving as showrunner on the new spinoffs (The Dutton Ranch, Y: Marshals, The Madison), other creative teams are stepping in — freeing him to focus on development for 1944 and 6666.

And with 101 Studios still tied to all Paramount productions through 2028, Sheridan remains involved as executive producer on the ongoing Yellowstone projects.

---

A Strategic Move, Not a Goodbye

Sheridan’s decision to sign with NBCUniversal looks more like a long-term expansion than a departure. It gives him time to complete his Paramount universe while preparing for new creative frontiers — potentially including fresh stories outside the Dutton legacy.

In short: Yellowstone isn’t in trouble yet. The ranch will keep running through 2028, and Sheridan’s storytelling reins are still firmly in his hands. But beyond that, the future of 1944 and 6666 — and the next generation of Duttons — depends on whether Sheridan chooses to ride back into the sunset with Paramount or blaze a new trail entirely.