Taylor Sheridan’s TV Shows Ranked From Best To Worst

Taylor Sheridan is the creative force behind many of today’s most beloved western shows. Over the past few years, he’s contributed to a diverse range of projects, and even when he wasn’t the sole creator, his distinctive style is often noticeable. If you enjoy modern westerns, Taylor Sheridan is a great place to start.

Most people recognize Taylor Sheridan for his work on the show Yellowstone, but he actually started his career as an actor. He appeared in shows like Veronica Mars as Danny Boyd and Sons of Anarchy as David Hale before transitioning to writing in the early 2010s. His first major film, Sicario, was both a critical and commercial hit.

Taylor Sheridan has successfully expanded his career from television to film, gaining recognition for creating popular and critically acclaimed modern westerns. Building on the success of Yellowstone, he’s explored different storylines through spin-offs and other projects, establishing himself as a versatile creator both within and beyond that single franchise.

Sheridan has created, produced, and run several TV shows, and while they’re all good, some stand out more than others.

10. Marshals

Following the world of Yellowstone, Marshals centers on Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) as he becomes part of a specialized US Marshals team. Unlike Yellowstone and its other spin-offs, this CBS series focuses more on law enforcement procedures. Taylor Sheridan is an executive producer, but is expected to have a less direct role in the show’s creation.

For fans of the Yellowstone universe, Marshals feels like a comfortable starting point. While they might not be happy with how Kayce’s story has evolved between shows, his presence is a recognizable one. The series successfully combines elements from the existing franchise with straightforward, easy-to-follow investigations, making it an enjoyable watch.

9. Lioness

Starring Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, the spy thriller Lioness was created by Taylor Sheridan, who also wrote and executive produced the series. Originally titled Special Ops: Lioness for its first season, the show centers on Joe McNamara (Saldaña) and her team of female operatives as they undertake risky and complex missions for the CIA, targeting key individuals.

The Paramount+ series Lioness, inspired by a real program, generally delivers on its complex and often chaotic storylines, though it doesn’t always succeed. It’s a compelling blend of spy action, personal drama, and realistic situations, brought to life by a talented cast. This show is a departure from Taylor Sheridan’s usual westerns.

8. 1923

Image by Yeider Chacon

As a big fan of the Yellowstone world, I was really excited about 1923. It’s a prequel that takes us back to an earlier generation of the Dutton family – before we met the characters in the original series. The show is set during the Prohibition era, and it’s fascinating to see how the Duttons deal with all the challenges of that time – tough economic times, violent conflicts over land, and, of course, plenty of family drama, just like we’ve come to expect from the Yellowstone universe.

Taylor Sheridan not only created but also oversees every aspect of 1923. This prequel offers a fresh perspective on rural Montana, setting it apart from other shows in the series. With its high-quality production and film-like storytelling, 1923 enriches the Dutton family’s history and provides a more complex look at their world.

7. Landman

The new Sheridan series, Landman, takes viewers into the competitive world of oil exploration in West Texas. The show follows the people who are shaping the modern energy industry, with compelling performances from Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter. It examines the broad impact of oil – on the environment, politics, and the lives of those who work in the field.

As a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work, I think Landman really stands out. While Yellowstone feels modern too, Landman is different from his other shows, which usually look back at the Old West. This one feels fresh and current, focusing on the oil industry today. What I especially love is how the story really focuses on the people involved and their lives – it’s a character-driven show that feels very relevant to what’s happening now.

6. The Madison

Premiering in mid-March, The Madison is a new show from Taylor Sheridan that feels different from his previous work. The series centers on the Clyburn family, who move from New York City to Montana hoping for a new beginning. While still early in its run, The Madison is already delivering a compelling and emotionally rich drama, and hints at becoming a significant series.

5. 1883

Image by Yeider Chacon

Like other shows connected to Yellowstone, 1883 tells another chapter of the Dutton family’s story, this time going back in time. While 1923 looks at the family during Prohibition, 1883 shows their dangerous trek from the Great Plains to Montana. The series realistically portrays the hardships of westward expansion in the late 1800s, including the dangers of illness, violence, and the harsh environment.

Taylor Sheridan not only wrote but also directed 1883, making it one of his most personally involved projects. The series, featuring a strong ensemble cast, has been praised for its realistic and moving portrayal of the Yellowstone story. 1883‘s authentic depiction of hardship and resilience in a bygone era significantly boosted Sheridan’s career.

4. Mayor Of Kingstown

I was really excited to see Taylor Sheridan branch out a bit, and his show Mayor of Kingstown with Hugh Dillon definitely delivered. It stars Jeremy Renner as this incredibly compelling character, Mike McLusky – he’s basically a guy who can manipulate the system in this small Michigan town, playing all sides – the cops, the politicians, and even the prisoners. It’s a fascinating look at how power really works.

Despite some uneven moments, Mayor of Kingstown has received a lot of positive attention for its honest portrayal of corruption within the prison system. The show stands out from other Taylor Sheridan productions with its realistic look at tough social problems and intense, morally gray storylines.

3. Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Even though Taylor Sheridan wasn’t directly involved in every aspect of Lawmen: Bass Reeves as an executive producer, it’s considered one of his strongest works. The 8-episode series stars David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, a legendary African American deputy U.S. Marshal who worked west of the Mississippi River. The show is inspired by both the historical figure and writings by Sidney Thompson, and features a talented cast delivering excellent performances.

2. Tulsa King

Starring Sylvester Stallone as Dwight Manfredi, nicknamed ‘The General,’ Tulsa King offers a fresh style compared to other shows from its creator. The story begins as The General is released from prison in New York and tasked by the mafia with establishing a new criminal operation in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Though Taylor Sheridan created and executive produces Tulsa King, he had less direct involvement in its day-to-day production compared to his other shows. The series mixes crime and comedy, and often relies on Sylvester Stallone’s performance to carry the story. Despite not being a typical western, Tulsa King demonstrates Sheridan’s ability to successfully explore different genres.

1. Yellowstone

Taylor Sheridan is perhaps best known for Yellowstone, and it’s considered one of his strongest works. The show centers on the Dutton family and their efforts to maintain control of the largest ranch in America. They constantly face challenges from those trying to take their land, including developers, politicians, and rival groups. Yellowstone proved incredibly popular and became the foundation for Sheridan’s expanding world of connected TV shows, often referred to as the ‘Sheridan-verse’.

As a huge fan of compelling dramas, I have to say Yellowstone really grabbed me. It’s just brilliantly done – the stories are so gripping, and the characters are incredibly complex and feel so real. What I especially appreciate is how honestly it portrays modern life in the American West. It’s become a phenomenon, and honestly, the success of the show and all the spin-offs and sequels it’s spawned is amazing. I doubt even Taylor Sheridan, when he first started pitching the idea, could have predicted it would become the TV empire it is today.

2026-03-21 21:03