What It Means for Yellowstone and Other Franchises

Taylor Sheridan is officially waving goodbye to Paramount, but what does that mean for his franchises, including Yellowstone? A new report has clarified what Sheridan’s future looks like.

The Dutton Ranch’s future always hangs in the balance, and even more so now that Sheridan has an end in sight with his Paramount contract. In a new report by PuckSheridan’s move to NBCUniversal will not happen until January 1, 2029, leaving room to finish his respective film and TV shows before he leaves.

Sheridan’s Paramount contract requires him to continue delivering scripts and producing his existing series, as well as potentially creating new ones. He is currently working on Lioness season 3, The Madison season 1, two Yellowstone spin-offs, including Dutton Ranch and an adjacent show with Michelle Pfeiffer, as well Tulsa King, NOLA Kingand more.

There have been reports that Sheridan vacated his deal with Paramount due to ongoing disagreements with Paramount CEO David Ellison and streaming TV producer Cindy Holland over budgets. Sheridan’s shows, including Yellowstone‘s prequels (1883 and 1923), drive a lot of viewership for Paramount and have been one of the stronger franchises for the streaming service.

Yellowstone creatives are also working on another prequel for the franchise titled 1944which will show the Dutton family during the final stages and aftermath of World War II and will follow the events of 1923which had a tragic conclusion for Spencer Dutton (played by Brandon Sklenar). Other shows that will follow current-day Yellowstone’s storylines are Y: Marshals, The Dutton Ranch, 6666and The Madison.

It was announced that Sheridan will be working on a new project with Paramount, which will build on the extremely popular gaming franchise Call of Duty. He will be working alongside Peter Berg to bring Activision’s gaming franchise to life and make it live-action. Berg and Sheridan have previously worked together on Wind River and Hell or High Water.

Despite Sheridan’s rocky future, he will continue building Yellowstone’s rich story and characters up until 2029. It’s unclear what will become of the franchise after his departure, but it’s clear the Dutton Ranch is safe…for now. As for Tulsa King and Sheridan’s other projects, they will also have the same decision made closer to Sheridan’s departure.