Taylor Sheridan's Big Move: What It Means for TV

The Mastermind Behind "Yellowstone" and "Tulsa King" Switches Teams

Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind hits like "Yellowstone" and "Tulsa King," is making a significant career move. He's leaving Paramount for NBCUniversal, but there's a twist. His current deal with Paramount doesn't expire until 2028, so he'll officially start his new role in 2029. This move is a big win for NBCUniversal and its streaming service, Peacock, but it's a tough loss for Paramount.

A Journey of Success

Sheridan's rise in the industry has been nothing short of impressive. In just seven years, he's built a massive portfolio of popular and expensive shows. After the success of "Yellowstone" in 2018, he opened the floodgates to more projects like:

• "Mayor of Kingstown"
• "Lioness"
• "1923"

His new deal with NBCUniversal will allow him to create both movies and TV shows, though the financial details are not yet clear.

The Key Players

Donna Langley, the entertainment chairman at NBCUniversal, played a pivotal role in this deal. Known for her close relationships with big directors, she took full control of NBCUniversal's TV properties last year. This move underscores NBCUniversal's commitment to entertainment, even after making huge deals in sports.

A Setback for Paramount

For Paramount, this is a setback. The company is already planning layoffs and has been on a spending spree under new leadership. However, any series Sheridan creates before 2029 will still belong to Paramount. This means the company will own any future episodes of ongoing series he's involved in.

The McCarthy Connection

Sheridan's close working relationship with Chris McCarthy, the former Paramount co-CEO, adds another layer to this story. McCarthy left the company in August, just as Sheridan's future was being decided. This move is a big shift in the TV industry, showing how producers can still make waves even in a changing market.