Taylor Sheridan’s TV Empire: A Complete Guide to His Shows and Movies
Taylor Sheridan isn’t just a TV creator—he’s a storytelling force of nature. Since bursting onto the scene, he’s built a powerful constellation of TV shows and movies that have reshaped how we view the modern Western, crime dramas, and power-packed thrillers. Whether you’re just discovering his work or you’re a diehard fan, this article lays out his complete media universe, spotlighting every major show and film he’s touched.
The Rise of a Storyteller
Sheridan first grabbed attention with the gritty screenplay for Sicario (2015), which earned critical acclaim. From there, he tapped into a deeper love for Western themes and morally complex characters, crafting a media brand built on intensity, atmosphere, and layered storytelling.
Feature Films: Sheridan’s Blockbusters and Indie Gems
Sicario (2015)
A sharp, tense portrayal of drug cartel warfare—Sheridan proved he could make crime thrillers with real bite.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
He co-wrote the darker follow-up, pushing the moral lines even further.
Wind River (2017)
His directorial debut—a haunting murder-mystery set on a Native reservation, praised for emotional depth and cultural sensitivity.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
A forest-fire thriller frstarring Angelina Jolie; Sheridan shifted focus to pure cinematic tension—and nailed it.
TV Breakthrough: Yellowstone and Beyond
Sheridan’s true legacy? Television. He’s crafted a sprawling empire across genres:
Yellowstone (2018–2023)
A blockbuster neo-Western centered on the Dutton family’s ranch dynasty. The epic storytelling and moral ambiguity hooked audiences and launched a cultural phenomenon.
1883 (2021)
A powerful prequel tracing the Duttons’ journey West; gritty realism brought to life by Sam Elliott and Tim McGraw.
1923 (2022–2024)
Next-gen prequel exploring the Dutton legacy across generations—starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
A standalone historical drama spotlighting a legendary Black lawman; Sheridan pivoted into anthology territory.
Yellowstone Spinoffs In Development
-
Beth & Rip: Focused on two fan-favorite characters
-
Y: Marshals: A crime procedural starring Kayce Dutton as a U.S. Marshal
-
The Madison: A modern drama about a family moving to Montana
-
6666 Ranch and 1944: Sprawling prequels and expanded universe entries
What Makes Sheridan’s Style So Compelling
Modern Western Meets Realism
He couples dusty ranches with skyscraper-level tension, melding cowboy grit with corporate drama.
Morally Complex Characters
Sheridan’s heroes and villains share shades of gray—perfect for modern audiences who crave complexity.
Cinematic Television Scale
His shows feel like mini-movies—every storyline gets space to breathe, from sweeping landscapes to intimate confrontations.
Multi-Timeline Worldbuilding
From prequels to protagonists in entirely new timeframes, Sheridan’s storytelling remains cohesive yet expansive.
How to Watch Taylor Sheridan’s Universe
Start with the Feature Films
Begin with Sicario, then move to Wind River and Those Who Wish Me Dead to see his cinematic foundation.
Move Into the Yellowstone Universe
-
Begin with Yellowstone Seasons 1–4
-
Dive into 1883 and 1923 for backstory
-
Continue with Yellowstone Season 5, then new spinoffs as they release
Add Spinoffs In Release Order
Catch Bass Reeves, Beth & Rip, Y: Marshals, The Madison, and upcoming prequels as they premiere.
The Cultural and Industry Impact
Neo-Western Revival
Sheridan transformed Westerns from niche to mainstream—creating a wave other creators can’t ignore.
Tourism & Economic Ripples
Filming locations like Montana draw fans worldwide, shifting economies and creating travel momentum.
Music Discovery
Original soundtracks and country artists feature prominently—Sheridan’s work boosts musicians like nobody else.
Challenges and Criticism
Sheridan isn’t free from critique. Some point to portrayals of violence, minimal representation, or glorified lawlessness. As his universe grows, so do the stakes—and the need for thoughtful storytelling.
What’s Next: The Empire’s Future
Expect ghost-town stories, historic epics, and life-in-crisis narratives with Yellowstone-backed momentum. Even after Yellowstone ended, Sheridan’s ethos remains: bold stories, cinematic scope, and morally complicated characters.
Conclusion
From gritty thrillers to sweeping Western epics, Taylor Sheridan has crafted a modern storytelling franchise that crosses screen boundaries. His film roots taught cinematic intensity, and his sprawling TV universe built a world that viewers can live in. Sheridan’s media empire isn’t a collection of shows—it’s a vision.
Whether you binge his dramas or explore new spinoffs, you’re immersed in a storytelling blueprint that challenges, thrills, and endures.
5 Unique FAQs
1. What’s the best order to watch Sheridan’s work?
Start with Sicario, then Wind River and Those Who Wish Me Dead. Next, dive into Yellowstone. Follow in this order: Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and any spinoffs by release.
2. Are the Yellowstone prequels necessary?
They’re optional—but vital if you want context on Dutton history and early-family shaping.
3. Which Sheridan character spinoff is coming first?
Beth & Rip is set to premiere in late 2025, followed by Y: Marshals in 2026.
4. Does Taylor Sheridan direct all his content?
He directs some projects (like Wind River), but mainly writes and produces his expansive universe.
5. Why does Sheridan focus on Western settings?
He’s drawn to frontier conflict, moral dichotomies, and landscapes that echo character struggles—making Westerns ideal narrative vessels.
