Taylor Sheridan’s Lucrative Move to NBCUniversal
Taylor Sheridan is a dominant force in modern television, known not as an on-screen performer but as the creative mind behind hugely popular series. He’s the writer, director, and producer responsible for shows that consistently rank among the most-watched in streaming, most notably the “Yellowstone” universe encompassing “Yellowstone,” “1883,” and “1923.” The success of “1883” was notably amplified by its availability on Netflix.
From “Sicario” to Streaming Success
Before establishing himself as a television powerhouse, Sheridan made his mark in film with the screenplay for the critically acclaimed 2015 neo-western thriller, “Sicario.” The film, starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin, offers a stark portrayal of the drug war along the U.S.-Mexico border. Currently available on Netflix, “Sicario” remains a compelling entry point into Sheridan’s function.
Sheridan’s Reign on Paramount+
Sheridan has found particular success on Paramount+, where his dramas have consistently drawn large audiences. These include “Tulsa King,” featuring Sylvester Stallone; “Mayor of Kingstown,” starring Jeremy Renner; and “Special Ops: Lioness,” with Zoe Saldana. However, this successful partnership is coming to an end.
A Billion-Dollar Deal with NBCUniversal
Taylor Sheridan is leaving Paramount for NBCUniversal in a deal reported by Deadline to potentially reach $1 billion. This move signifies a major shift in the landscape of television production and underscores Sheridan’s considerable value in the industry.
“Sicario”: A Critical Darling
“Sicario” received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus among critics highlights the film’s taut suspense and strong performances from Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro, noting it’s a thriller with substantial thematic depth. The film grossed $84 million against a $30 million budget and spawned a sequel, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” similarly penned by Sheridan.
Sheridan’s Creative Genesis of “Sicario”
Sheridan wrote “Sicario” after becoming dissatisfied with his acting career and driven by a desire to tell his own stories. He reportedly liquidated his assets to finance the project. He chose to focus on the U.S.-Mexico drug war because he perceived it as an underreported and thematically rich subject.
Ryan Emberley photographed a general view during the amfAR Gala Venezia 2025 presented by World Gold Council at Arsenale on August 31, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Ryan Emberley/amfAR via Getty Images)