Taylor Sheridan Generated $800M for Paramount, but Yellowstone Wasn’t His Most Profitable Show
Taylor Sheridan’s creative empire has raked in a staggering $800 million for Paramount since 2021. Yet surprisingly, Yellowstone, while iconic, wasn’t the biggest money spinner. Kevin Costner’s starrer show wasn’t the crown jewel in terms of streaming revenue (per The Wrap).
The prolific writer and producer is gearing up to leave Paramount once his movie and TV deals expire at the end of 2028, having already secured a reported billion-dollar deal with NBCUniversal starting January 2029. Sheridan’s Paramount+ originals, including Mayor of Kingstown and Tulsa King, have been cash cows, generating $147.8 million and $146.3 million, respectively.
Meanwhile, Yellowstone pulled in $128.4 million worldwide despite only being available on Peacock in the U.S. Other shows like Lioness, 1883, and 1923 contributed additional revenue, though no figures were provided for Landman. This massive financial haul underscores Sheridan’s dominance in the streaming world, but his departure raises questions about Paramount+’s future.
Why Taylor Sheridan’s Departure Could Shake Paramount+ Despite $800M Success
Taylor Sheridan’s $800 million haul isn’t static; it’s growing. Mayor of Kingstown season 4 and Tulsa King season 3 are ongoing, while Landman season 2 premieres this Sunday, November 16. Lioness season 3 is already in production, and Tulsa King season 4 will feature a Samuel L. Jackson-led spinoff, NOLA King. Paramount+ also has The Madison and The Dutton Ranch in the works, with Y: Marshals premiering in Spring 2026 on CBS before streaming.
Sheridan’s shows, especially his male-led crime dramas, have been instrumental in turning Paramount+ into a streaming powerhouse. His move to NBCUniversal, with a reported billion-dollar five-year contract beginning in 2029, highlights just how much Paramount relies on his storytelling genius.
While he still has three years left to work with Paramount, there’s no guarantee the platform will sustain the same momentum without his creative touch.
Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount Exit Raises Questions About Yellowstone Spinoffs
Taylor Sheridan’s departure naturally sparks speculation about the Yellowstone universe. While The Dutton Ranch, Y: Marshals, and The Madison remain active projects, 1944 and 6666 are still shrouded in mystery. Sheridan’s production partner, David Glasser, and 101 Studios will also move to NBCUniversal for film and TV projects starting in 2026, leaving Paramount reliant on other teams to continue the franchise.
Director Christina Voros told TV Insider in December 2024:
I honestly don’t know how Taylor chooses to tell which stories he chooses to tell when… I think he has closed a lot of doors on Yellowstone this season. There are obviously characters that we will not see again because they have been dispatched.
But I think he has left some doors open, and there’s some doors that I can’t tell if they’re locked or not yet. But we will know when we cross through them.
Voros’ comments shed light on Sheridan’s methodical approach. His absence as a showrunner doesn’t mean these projects are abandoned. He could use the next few years to groom a creative team capable of carrying forward the Yellowstone legacy. Will these new hands capture the same pulse of the Dutton saga, or will the magic fade once Sheridan fully transitions to NBCUniversal?
As he prepares to shift networks, Paramount+ faces a critical challenge: sustaining momentum without the maestro himself. Will his remaining three years at Paramount be enough to secure the Yellowstone spinoffs’ future, or is this the beginning of a creative reshuffle that could redefine the streaming landscape? Comment below and share your thoughts!
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