TVLine has ranked all eight of Taylor Sheridan's scripted television series, placing Yellowstone at the top as the flagship that launched his empire. The list spans Westerns, spy thrillers, and mob dramas, highlighting strengths like strong casts and visuals alongside critiques of pacing and heavy-handed themes. From gritty frontier tales to modern corporate intrigue, the rankings offer guidance for fans exploring Sheridan's diverse output.
Overview of the Rankings
Taylor Sheridan, known for building a vast TV landscape, has created eight scripted series that blend drama, action, and moral complexity. Published on November 22, 2025, TVLine's ranking evaluates them based on storytelling, performances, and thematic depth, starting with the lowest-rated and building to the top.
Bottom Tier: Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Lioness
At number 8, 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves' is praised for David Oyelowo's dignified portrayal of the real-life Deputy U.S. Marshal, alongside strong support from Dennis Quaid and Barry Pepper. The limited series shines in visuals and action but is critiqued for truncating historical elements and lighter treatment of racial themes.
Ranking 7, 'Lioness' features Zoe Saldaña as a CIA officer in a female-led infiltration program, with Laysla De Oliveira as recruit Cruz Manuelos. Nicole Kidman adds star power to this spy thriller, which explores psychological tolls of espionage. It delivers intense action and moral ambiguity but falters with clichés and uneven pacing.
Mid-Rankings: Landman, 1923, and Mayor of Kingstown
'Landman,' at 6, stars Billy Bob Thornton as oil executive Tommy Norris navigating cartel threats and business woes in West Texas, with Ali Larter as his ex-wife. Premiering in November 2024, it offers sharp dialogue and charisma but struggles with tonal shifts and multiple plotlines.
Number 5, '1923,' follows Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Dutton family members in post-WWI Montana, tackling economic strife and Indigenous issues via Aminah Nieves' Teonna Rainwater. Stunning cinematography and chemistry elevate it, though subplots meander and dialogue feels preachy.
' Mayor of Kingstown' ranks 4, anchored by Jeremy Renner's Mike McLusky mediating in a corrupt prison town, supported by Dianne Wiest and Kyle Chandler. It delves into systemic decay like a grimmer 'The Wire,' but its nihilistic tone and static characters limit growth.
Top Three: Tulsa King, 1883, and Yellowstone
'Tulsa King' at 3 brings humor to mob life with Sylvester Stallone as exiled gangster Dwight Manfredi, aided by Jay Will and Martin Starr, plus appearances by Jelly Roll. It mixes comedy, violence, and redemption in a fresh, fast-paced way.
'1883,' number 2, depicts Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Dutton ancestors on a brutal pioneer trek, with Isabel May as Elsa. Realistic violence and family focus make it gripping, stripping romance from frontier life.
Topping the list, 'Yellowstone' follows Kevin Costner's John Dutton and family in ranch conflicts, evolving from campy drama to deeper explorations. Despite later inconsistencies and excessive violence, it remains entertaining and foundational for spin-offs.