Taylor Sheridan’s Journey: Triumphs and Controversies from Landman to Filmmaker
Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the acclaimed TV franchise featuring hits like Yellowstone and Landman, has navigated his share of challenges off-screen as well.
Sheridan began his journey as an actor before shifting gears to screenwriting and producing his own ventures. His breakthrough arrived with films such as Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Wind River. Following this, the self-described cowboy developed Yellowstone for the Paramount Network, starring Kevin Costner as the head of a fictional ranching family in Montana.
“I don’t know if it’s flattering [the investment from Paramount], because I don’t think they care about how good Yellowstone is,” Sheridan stated in Variety in 2022. “They’re doing it because it garners 15 million viewers and think: ‘A lot of people love Westerns. Let’s produce more Westerns.’”
During this time, Sheridan reflected on his role in presenting the American experience.
“As artists, our duty is to hold a mirror to society and allow people to see their reflection, to enlighten them about aspects of life and the human experience they might not know,” he elaborated. “Ignorance breeds fear, judgment, and dislike. It’s an artist’s role to identify and share these overlooked parts of humanity.”
Yellowstone eventually blossomed into a franchise with seven spinoffs at various development stages. Sheridan expanded his repertoire beyond the Yellowstone universe, creating shows like Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Lioness, Landman, and The Road.
Despite ongoing professional success, Sheridan has made headlines for off-screen drama, including rumored clashes with his show’s stars and his approach to project development.
Continue reading for a glimpse into Sheridan’s journey:
Taylor Sheridan’s Career Milestones Before and After ‘Yellowstone’
Sheridan’s acting career included appearances in Veronica Mars and Sons of Anarchy. He went on to write for films like Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Wind River. His transition to television began with Yellowstone, which debuted in 2017, introducing the fictional Dutton family, owners of Montana’s largest ranch.
Since the success of Yellowstone, spinoffs like 1883 and 1923 have been greenlit. Sheridan has previously highlighted the dedication needed to tell authentic stories on screen.
“The physical demands on the actors and crew make the shots feel hard-earned. Paramount gives me the time to shoot episodes as if they were movies, allowing for meticulous planning and execution,” he told Deadline in January 2022. “Going to some locations where few have been, revealing new worlds, is exhilarating.”
Taylor Sheridan’s Relationship with Nicole Muirbrook
The accomplished producer has been married to Muirbrook since 2013. The couple, who have a son, reside in Texas and share glimpses of their life together on social media. Celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary in 2020, Muirbrook expressed her love for Sheridan on Instagram.
“To the man I get to do life with: thank you for countless smiles, wild adventures, and everything in between,” she wrote. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner or father. Happy anniversary, love.”
Taylor Sheridan Navigating the Conclusion of ‘Yellowstone’
In 2023, Paramount announced that Yellowstone would conclude at the end of season 5. This decision followed lead actor Kevin Costner’s choice to focus on directing and acting in Horizon: An American Saga.
Fans were aware of the speculation regarding a rift between Costner and Sheridan over the show’s direction, though Sheridan denied any significant issues with Costner.
“My respect for Kevin as an actor hasn’t changed,” Sheridan stated to The Hollywood Reporter in 2023. “His portrayal of John Dutton is iconic, and we’ve always found ways to address any issues.”
Sheridan also dismissed rumors suggesting he had told Costner to focus solely on acting.
“That conversation never happened,” he clarified. “There was a point in season 2 when he felt the character wasn’t progressing and in season 3, we realigned. His Golden Globe win for his performance reaffirms our direction.”
Sheridan hinted at new dynamics with Costner.
“When lawyers enter the fray, communication falters and misunderstandings arise,” he reflected. “Kevin took significant backlash that perhaps he didn’t deserve. [Horizon] appears to be a major focus for him, and I hope it’s successful.”
Taylor Sheridan’s Transition to Ranch Owner
After residing in Utah, Sheridan and his wife moved to Texas.
“We were in Park City, but Taylor wasn’t fond of the snow. One morning, he said, ‘Honey, we’re moving,’” Muirbrook recounted in a 2021 interview with Cowgirl Magazine. “I asked, ‘Where to?’ He replied, ‘Texas.’”
The couple now owns two Texas ranches: the Bosque Ranch and the 6666 Ranch, also known as the Four Sixes. Both have served as backdrops for Yellowstone and its spinoffs.
“We have 12 dogs, some chickens, and cats because I love rescuing animals,” Muirbrook shared in 2021. “It’s nice to have the room for that.”
Taylor Sheridan’s Accolades
In 2021, Sheridan was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and three years later entered the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
Taylor Sheridan’s Remarks on MMIW Legislation
Following the release of Wind River, Sheridan attributed the film to the 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which broadened criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts for non-Native offenders of various crimes on tribal lands.
He discussed the film’s alleged influence with The Hollywood Reporter.
“[The film] led to a law being reformed, allowing U.S. citizens to be prosecuted for rape on Indian reservations, and establishing a database for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW),” he stated in 2023. “All social change stems from artists, and that’s our responsibility.”
Attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle, from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, criticized Sheridan’s claims.
“Sheridan’s attempt to claim credit for VAWA’s passage undermines the extensive advocacy by the Native community,” she declared. “His film Wind River perpetuates the false belief that the FBI investigates MMIW cases. Instead of seeking praise, he should apologize.”
Taylor Sheridan’s Stance on Writing Collaboration
In 2023, Sheridan addressed questions regarding his preference for solo credit or co-writing credits on all Yellowstone episodes and some subsequent series.
“I chose to tell my stories my way, no exceptions,” he asserted amid the WGA strike. “I’m not concerned with the opinions of line producers or production team members.”
Taylor Sheridan’s Conflict with Kevin Costner
Reports initially indicated that Costner’s demanding schedule contributed to behind-the-scenes conflicts, leading to his departure from Yellowstone. Sheridan hinted at communication breakdowns with Costner.
Costner later mentioned to Deadline in 2024 that he would have gladly returned for the second half of the final season if the scripts had been prepared. “I was upfront with [Sheridan], believing his assurances, and we never reached that point,” he shared.
Taylor Sheridan’s Lawsuit Against Cole Hauser
Us Weekly confirmed in December 2023 that Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch had initiated legal action against Hauser’s coffee brand, Free Rein, over trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
The lawsuit claimed that Hauser’s logo closely resembled Sheridan’s “B and R” branding for his ranch, arguing that it creates confusion and misrepresentation regarding product associations. Bosque Ranch, established nearly two decades ago, made a public announcement about their new craft coffee in June 2023, which raised questions about the timing of Hauser’s brand that launched just a few months later according to the legal documents.
Sheridan emphasized that Hauser, who portrayed Rip on Yellowstone, did not have permission to use the brand. The lawsuit demanded the cessation of Free Rein’s branding and the destruction of related promotional materials, along with compensation for alleged damages to Bosque Ranch’s reputation.
Hauser did not respond to the lawsuit, and a month later, Sheridan’s legal team requested its dismissal.
Taylor Sheridan’s Unexpected Departure from Paramount
In October 2025, news surfaced that Sheridan had finalized a deal with NBCUniversal for film and television. This five-year agreement is set to commence on January 1, 2029, following the conclusion of his TV deal with Paramount in 2028.
Sheridan’s collaborator and producing partner, David Glasser, along with his 101 Studios, also secured a first-look film and TV deal with NBCUniversal, beginning in early 2026 after their Paramount commitments are fulfilled.
While Paramount retains the rights to Yellowstone and other franchises created under Sheridan’s agreement, he is anticipated to develop new intellectual properties for NBCUniversal following his departure. This shift comes in light of Paramount’s merger with Skydance and the exit of co-CEO Chris McCarthy, who worked closely with Sheridan.
