Why Yellowstone Creator Taylor Sheridan Is Leaving Paramount for NBCUniversal
In a Hollywood twist worthy of one of his own scripts, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan is parting ways with Paramount — the studio that turned his small-town Western saga into a global television empire. Sheridan has signed a major new film and TV deal with NBCUniversal, signaling the end of an era for Paramount’s flagship creator and one of the most influential figures in modern television.
A Power Shift Behind the Scenes
According to Puck, Sheridan’s move has been brewing for months. While Paramount had been hopeful about keeping him on board, recent corporate changes reportedly soured the relationship. When Paramount Global merged with Skydance, many of the executives who once championed Sheridan — including network veteran Chris McCarthy — were replaced, leaving the creator frustrated and uncertain about the company’s direction.
Though Sheridan still has a TV contract with Paramount through 2028, insiders say the transition toward NBCUniversal will begin next year with film projects, followed by new television ventures after his current deal expires.
Creative Freedom Over Money
While the financial details of Sheridan’s NBCUniversal contract remain undisclosed, reports suggest that money wasn’t the deciding factor. Instead, Sheridan was drawn to the studio’s creative ecosystem — home to cinematic heavyweights like Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele, Dick Wolf, and Lorne Michaels.
NBCUniversal, through its Peacock streaming platform and Universal Pictures, is reportedly offering Sheridan the creative autonomy and long-term support he craves.
A source told Puck: “It’s not about cash — it’s about control. Sheridan wants space to build worlds his way, without network interference.”
What Happens to Yellowstone and Its Spinoffs?
Fans worried about the fate of Yellowstone and its sprawling universe — including 1883, 1923, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Lioness, Landman, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown — can breathe a sigh of relief.
Paramount retains full ownership of all existing Sheridan properties and their spin-offs. That includes the upcoming Tulsa King sequel, NOLA King, and the highly anticipated Rip and Beth Dutton series, currently working under the title Dutton Ranch.
However, once Sheridan’s Paramount deal ends, any new series or films he creates will belong to NBCUniversal.
Sheridan’s Next Frontier
Even as he prepares to leave Paramount, Sheridan’s fingerprints will remain all over the Yellowstone brand — at least for now. He is expected to stay involved with Dutton Ranch for its first couple of seasons before fully transitioning to NBCUniversal in 2028.
While recent years have seen Sheridan delegate writing duties on shows like Tulsa King and Mayor of Kingstown, his storytelling instincts and cinematic style continue to define his empire. NBCUniversal is reportedly eager to harness that same creative fire to develop a new slate of high-stakes dramas and feature films.
What It Means for Fans
For Yellowstone devotees, Sheridan’s departure from Paramount marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in TV history — but not the end of his storytelling legacy. His move to NBCUniversal could usher in a new era of gritty, character-driven dramas — this time set far beyond the Montana plains.
As Dutton Ranch prepares to launch in 2026 and Sheridan begins his next creative phase, one thing is certain: wherever he goes, the stories will be big, the stakes will be high, and the drama will never fade.