A Shift in Power at Paramount

When Taylor Sheridan leaves Paramount for Universal in 2029, many might see it as a devastating loss for the studio. After all, Sheridan’s empire — led by Yellowstone and its many spinoffs — has been one of Paramount’s biggest success stories. His gritty storytelling style, sprawling casts, and Western Americana aesthetic turned Yellowstone into a global hit and cemented his status as one of television’s most bankable creators.

But as one universe fades, another is primed to shine brighter. With Sheridan’s eventual departure, Paramount may finally refocus its energy and budget on the one property that has proven both timeless and endlessly expandable — Star Trek.

Sheridan Built a Universe. Star Trek Built a Legacy.

While Sheridan’s dramas have been cultural juggernauts, they remain tied to a specific era and audience. Star Trek, on the other hand, is an institution. Created by Gene Roddenberry nearly 60 years ago, it not only helped define modern science fiction but also became the creative backbone of Paramount’s streaming ventures.

It was Star Trek: Discovery that launched CBS All Access (now Paramount+), paving the way for a new wave of series — Picard, Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, and the upcoming Starfleet Academy. While Sheridan’s projects boosted subscriber growth in the short term, Star Trek’s longevity ensures that it will always have a loyal, multigenerational fanbase.

As writer Joshua M. Patton notes, “Fans of Star Trek were already on board, especially when the legacy shows left other outlets.” Sheridan’s output brought short-term prestige, but Star Trek guarantees long-term sustainability.

Two Different Roads to Building a Legacy

Both Sheridan and Star Trek’s custodian, Alex Kurtzman, built universes — but their methods couldn’t be more different. Sheridan invested in expansive locations, real ranches, and cinematic landscapes, all built under Paramount’s umbrella. Kurtzman and his team, meanwhile, used their budgets to strengthen the infrastructure of Star Trek’s creative engine.

In Toronto, Paramount’s Star Trek stages have undergone major upgrades, including the construction of a massive augmented-reality wall similar to the one used by The Mandalorian. These investments make the franchise more sustainable and flexible for decades to come. The upcoming Starfleet Academy will even feature “the most massive set ever built” for the franchise — a tangible legacy that outlives individual creators.

A Rebalanced Paramount in the SkyDance Era

Paramount’s recent acquisition by SkyDance has already changed the studio’s direction. While some worry Star Trek might be overshadowed by other SkyDance properties — or a potential Warner Bros. merger — the franchise’s strength lies in its permanence. As Patton points out, even people who can’t tell a Cardassian from a Klingon still recognize the Star Trek name.

Sheridan’s fans may follow him to Peacock, but Star Trek’s following is eternal. The exit of one high-profile creator frees Paramount to redirect those resources toward expanding Trek’s universe — and perhaps recapturing the pioneering energy that defined its earliest days.

The Final Frontier Remains Paramount’s Brightest Star

In the end, Sheridan’s departure may not mark a loss at all, but a realignment. His Yellowstone saga, though successful, is finite. Star Trek is infinite. Its legacy spans generations, mediums, and technologies — and continues to grow stronger with each new iteration.

With Starfleet Academy set to premiere on January 15, 2026, and new films and series already in motion, the next golden age of Star Trek could be closer than anyone expects.