NBCUniversal
Taylor Sheridan Leaves Paramount for Mega NBCUniversal Deal
Taylor Sheridan, the writer-director who transformed modern television with Yellowstone and its hit spinoffs, is preparing to leave Paramount after nearly a decade. Sheridan has inked a lucrative film pact with NBCUniversal that begins next year, with a TV production agreement set to follow when his current Paramount contract expires at the end of 2028.The move marks a stunning shift in Hollywood’s high-stakes fight for top creative talent.
Paramount’s MVP Heads for the Exit
Taylor Sheridan’s shows are more than just prestige TV. They are the structural backbone of Paramount+ and the most consistently successful franchise in the studio’s modern era. From Oscar-caliber casts like Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Sam Elliott to blockbuster ratings, Taylor Sheridan’s brand of frontier grit has fueled an empire.
His catalogue includes Yellowstone, 1923, 1883, Tulsa King, Landman, Special Ops: Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown, and the upcoming Y: Marshals for CBS.
Yet creative independence has always driven his career choices. Taylor Sheridan famously refuses to compromise his vision. “If you don’t want me to tell my stories, fine,” “Give them back and I’ll find someone who does.”
Yellowstone – Taylor Sheridan with Kevin Costner
What Happens to the Yellowstoneverse?
Paramount retains full ownership of the franchises Taylor Sheridan built while under contract, including Yellowstone. That means his future originals at NBCUniversal must be entirely new IP. Still, the quantity of existing Paramount-bound projects ensures Taylor Sheridan’s work will remain on its platforms for years.
The flagship series continues without Kevin Costner after a headline-making rift, with a sequel series starring Matthew McConaughey in development. Whether Sheridan continues hands-on involvement through 2028 will heavily influence the franchise’s longevity.
Samuel L. Jackson Joins Taylor Sheridan’s Universe in Explosive Tulsa King Spinoff ‘NOLA King’
NBCU’s Strategic Talent Grab
NBCUniversal entertainment chief Donna Langley has aggressively courted high-profile creators in recent years. Christopher Nolan, Seth Rogen, and Snoop Dogg have all found a creative home under her leadership. Sheridan now joins that list, expanding NBCU’s grip on event-scale storytelling.
His first NBCU project is widely expected to be a film. Meanwhile, Sheridan’s action-thriller F.A.S.T. is currently set up at Warner Bros.
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A Hollywood Tug-of-War Intensifies
Paramount, now led by new CEO David Ellison after Skydance’s acquisition, has emphasized top-talent retention. Yet losing the architect behind its most-watched programming is a major shakeup.
NBCUniversal, on the other hand, just scored one of the biggest creative coups in TV history.
Hollywood’s most in-demand rancher has chosen a new range to ride.
