Amid the news that Paramount Global has merged with Skydance Media, “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan and his sprawling universe of hit shows could be facing budget cuts. The major merger threatens to reshape his creative partnership with Paramount+, as new leadership is eyeing leaner production costs. Here’s what we know so far.
Budget Cuts Are on the Horizon for Taylor Sheridan’s Shows
Sheridan is known for crafting high-stakes dramas like “Landman”, “Tulsa King”, and “1923.” His work has fueled Paramount+’s rise, but now the prolific showrunner may be at a crossroads.
Paramount’s incoming streaming head, Cindy Holland, and Skydance’s David Ellison are reportedly planning to tighten the purse strings. According to Puck, they are targeting a per-episode budget of around $9 million for Paramount+ shows.
This is a sharp drop from the $12-16 million Sheridan’s projects typically command. His higher costs are usually driven by A-list casts that feature stars like Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Billy Bob Thornton, Zoe Saldaña, and Sylvester Stallone.
Another factor is location-heavy shoots in places like Montana’s Chief Joseph Ranch or West Texas oil field contribute to the higher price tag.
Being on location means paying for logistics, permits, and weather hiccups. Unlike studio-bound series leaning on green screens, Sheridan’s shoots chase realism, from Montana’s sweeping vistas to “1923’s” historical sets. This approach delivers immersive hits but stretches budgets. This makes Holland’s $9 million cap a potential squeeze for the epic scope Sheridan’s fans expect.
The ‘Yellowstone’ Creator’s Deal Is Up in 2027
Rumor has it that Sheridan isn’t thrilled about “the studio leveraging his creative output against their own money issues.” His deal is up for renegotiation in 2027, and there could be some tension due to the budget cuts.
With “Landman” already renewed for season 2, there is plenty of time to talk. But the gap between Sheridan’s vision and Paramount’s new math could spark tough choices.
Sheridan’s value to Paramount+ is undeniable. Luminate’s 2024 data ranks “Landman” third among streaming originals with nearly 10 billion minutes viewed. “Tulsa King” hit fifth with 8.47 billion minutes. “1923” season 2 has been a social media juggernaut, and shows like “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Lioness” keep pulling crowds.
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Yellowstone’ Universe Is Still Growing
Sheridan’s original drama “Yellowstone” is still stuck on Peacock, since that deal was made before the show captured the cultural zeitgeist. The rest of the shows in the “Yellowstone” universe live on Paramount+, and that universe is still growing.
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are getting their own spinoff. Michelle Pfeiffer leads the Dutton-adjacent “The Madison,” and Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton is anchoring an upcoming CBS series.
Paramount’s banking on this brand, but Sheridan’s the engine. If budget talks falter, his exit would be a major blow. Especially as they explore licensing deals with outside platforms to boost revenue.
With two years until Sheridan’s contract is up, Paramount has room to smooth things over. But his track record as a hitmaker gives him leverage. Whether it’s keeping “Yellowstone’s” sprawl alive or launching new sagas, Sheridan’s next move will shape Paramount+’s future.
Tell us! Which of Taylor Sheridan’s shows do you think could be in trouble if there are major budget cuts? Let us know in the comments below.