Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone, is leaving Paramount after clashes with new leadership, signing a reported $1 billion deal with NBCUniversal. The move stems from disputes over budgets, politics, and project decisions, including drama involving Nicole Kidman. His existing shows will remain with Paramount, which owns the rights.
Background on the Departure
Taylor Sheridan, the prolific creator behind hits like Yellowstone, 1923, 1883, Special Ops: Lioness, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Landman, has ended his partnership with Paramount. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and The Hollywood Reporter detail tensions following Paramount's merger with Skydance Media in August 2025, which installed David Ellison as CEO. Sheridan, 55, clashed with Ellison, a Trump ally, over a proposed series for America's 250th anniversary in 2026, which Sheridan viewed as too politically charged. Despite Yellowstone's conservative branding, Sheridan has described himself as apolitical, aiming to represent all political sides.
Key Disputes
Budget concerns arose for Special Ops: Lioness, starring Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña. Paramount allegedly cast Kidman in another series, Discretion, without consulting Sheridan, creating scheduling conflicts he saw as disrespectful. Additionally, Paramount rejected Sheridan's film script, Capture the Flag. Post-merger, Ellison, Paramount president Jeff Shell, and executives visited Sheridan's Texas ranch to reassure him, but no contract extension was offered. Sources described Sheridan as controlling, with Ellison wanting more oversight. New streaming chief Cindy Holland questioned budgets, including for Lioness season 2.
Deal Details and Future
Sheridan's five-year NBCUniversal contract, valued at $1 billion, allows films starting in 2026 and TV shows in 2029, after his Paramount deal ends in 2028. Paramount retains ownership of all his created content, so Yellowstone spin-offs like the rumored 6666, Dutton Ranch, The Madison, 1944, and Y: Marshals, along with other series, will stay there. Sheridan has already stepped back from some projects, such as Mayor of Kingstown since season 2. Paramount, Sheridan, and Kidman have not commented.
This shift highlights Hollywood's executive changes and creator-studio dynamics, potentially impacting Sheridan's output while his Paramount universe continues.