Taylor Sheridan is the creative mastermind behind some of the most gripping stories in modern entertainment. He piques the interest of his audiences with gritty, heart-pounding tales.
He is known to be able to craft gritty dramas with moving character arcs. Shows of Taylor Sheridan don't limit themselves. They go deep into survival, morality, and the darker side of the American dream. You can expect a sprawling western with stunning visuals in a Taylor Sheridan show.
Needless to say, Sheridan has set a new standard for quality in television and film. Here’s a look at his top shows that you must watch.
Disclaimer: The article reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Best Taylor Sheridan shows you must watch, ranked
1) Yellowstone
It’s no surprise that Yellowstone has become a worldwide sensation. As if picture rugged Montana landscapes and larger-than-life characters weren’t enough, there is also enough drama to keep you hooked like a soap opera.
This modern-day western is packed with conflicts as environmentalists, Native tribes, developers, and ranchers all clash over some land. Well, it’s not just ‘some’ land. It is one of the most gorgeous and contested lands in the country.
At the heart of this Taylor Sheridan show is the Dutton family. It is led by John Dutton III, played by Kevin Costner plays. They’ve been lording over their sprawling ranch for over a century. And they’re not about to let it go without a fight.
This show is a treat to watch visually and also satisfies your soul with its moving plot. It is rich with detail and drenched in authenticity. All of which makes it undeniably addictive.
2) 1883
If you have watched Sicario or Hell or High Water, you have witnessed the brilliance of a Taylor Sheridan movie. And you must have been eagerly waiting for Sheridan to bring his cinematic magic to TV. Well, in 1883, he took his shot.
A prequel to Yellowstone, 1883 follows the very first Duttons. They are played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. They embark on a tough, brutal trek to Montana. This is well before Kevin Costner’s John Dutton ever graced the scene.
1883 isn’t exactly a fast-paced ride. It’s slower, somber, and full of harsh realities. Sheridan seems to take some twisted pleasure in showing the many ways people can meet a grim fate.
Sheridan’s attention to detail on each leg of the Duttons' journey is pretty evident. However, the weight of the story can feel heavy at times. But there's a raw, emotional undercurrent that gives it life.
3) 1923
This is the second Yellowstone prequel. 1923 brings the same darkness and violence as 1883, but it has a bit more pep in its step. For one, there are more characters and storylines to juggle. And for another, it's got more of a pulpy, action-packed vibe than the heavy, high-brow tone of its predecessor.
In this chapter, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren step into the boots of yet another pair of Duttons. But this time, it’s a childless couple who’ve helped build the family empire. They are now scrambling to protect it for the next generation, i.e., their nephews.
But by the 1920s, the frontier days are fading fast. It’s making way for the rise of corporate tycoons and bankers. 1923 doesn’t shy away from blending in the underhanded dealings of politicians and robber barons.
His previous work has examined racism and the mistreatment of Native Americans. But this Taylor Sheridan show pulls no punches in showing how bigotry is used as a weapon by those in power to justify their brutality.
4) Special Ops: Lioness
Lioness marks a major shift in Sheridan’s usual style. He swaps cowboys and ranches for some serious international espionage. This spy thriller centers around a special-ops team of mainly women. They go deep undercover to take down military targets.
Zoe Saldaña stars as Joe. She is the link between the field agents and Washington’s decision-makers, mostly represented by Nicole Kidman. Joe juggles her dangerous mission with the demands of family life.
Much like some of Taylor Sheridan's shows, Lioness is about the tough choices made to keep America safe. Even if it means sacrificing personal happiness and getting into morally murky waters.
Sheridan’s dramas are usually intimate. They are mostly about saving a small town. But, Lioness operates on a much grander scale. They’re trying to keep the whole world from falling apart. The military operations are meticulously planned. They never feel like a random shootout.
It makes you feel the pressure and urgency of the situations in the show. It also goes to prove that sometimes, you need more than just one hero to get the job done.
5) Mayor of Kingstown
This Taylor Sheridan show didn’t quite capture the same level of fame as Yellowstone. But don’t let that fool you. Mayor of Kingstown has steadily carved out its own niche.
The show flips the usual crime drama script by focusing less on flashy power moves. Rather, it focuses more on the day-to-day grind of managing chaos. That too, in a place that’s hanging on by a thread.
Jeremy Renner steps into the role of Mike McLusky. He is the heir to a family legacy. It serves as the bridge between the local police, crime syndicates, and the prison that basically runs the town.
Rather than trying to clean up Kingstown, the McLuskys are just trying to keep the peace. They keep cops and criminals from going full throttle at each other. But it’s a goal that’s almost always slipping through their fingers.
Many of Taylor Sheridan's shows are built around impossible choices and intense battles. But Mayor of Kingstown often leans into the failure and frustration of a place that’s just trying to survive.
6) Tulsa King
This modern mobster tale kicked off with a bang. It brought a new twist to Sheridan’s usual style. Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) is a former mafia captain who’s released from prison after 20 years and sent to Oklahoma. He is only given a vague directive to “earn.”
Dwight stumbles upon a sea of weed dispensaries. And, he decides to muscle in on the marijuana game. All while federal agents and rival gangsters keep a close eye on him.
The showrunner for the first season was Terence Winter. He is the creator of Boardwalk Empire and a frequent writer for The Sopranos. But by season two, Winter took a step back after reportedly clashing with Sheridan over the show's vibe.
That’s when Tulsa King ceased being a quirky dramedy about a mob boss trying to make sense of the modern world. It became a more standard crime saga filled with betrayals, shootouts, and heavy regret.
7) Landman
The recent Taylor Sheridan show, Landman, feels like a medley of Tulsa King, Yellowstone, and Mayor of Kingstown. What sets it apart is the lead and a setup that could go places.
Billy Bob Thornton is Tommy Norris. He is a no-nonsense oil company enforcer. And he’s got a handle on everything from rusty machinery to ticked-off landowners. All while keeping his boss, Monty Miller (played by Jon Hamm), in the clear.
Thornton’s performance is a blast. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t flinch no matter what’s thrown at him. Be it drug cartels, angry environmentalists, or even his ex-wife (Ali Larter).
This Taylor Sheridan show is inspired by the popular nonfiction podcast Boomtown. It is hosted by Christian Wallace, who has also co-created the series.
8) The Last Cowboy
Sheridan’s only attempt at nonfiction (for now) is The Last Cowboy. It is a project that’s close to his heart. It shines a spotlight on the niche world of “reining”. It is a high-speed, precision equestrian sport where riders guide their horses through sharp turns and sudden stops.
This Taylor Sheridan show spans five seasons, each with six episodes. It documents the intense highs and lows of the reining season. All of it builds up to a grand championship with a million-dollar prize.
It may sound like your typical competition series. But The Last Cowboy is more about the behind-the-scenes drama. At times, the minor squabbles between the riders seem forced. Especially when everyone involved comes across as genuinely nice and skilled.
However, the cinematography is brilliant and the horses are truly impressive.
9) Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Bass Reeves is the beginning of what could be a whole collection of miniseries about real-life lawmen. And it's a bit of a surprise in the Sheridan universe. This is the rare Taylor Sheridan show where his name doesn’t pop up in the credits as a writer or director. But as a producer. This leaves showrunner Chad Feehan to take the credit.
Feehan maintains the gritty atmosphere and explosive violence that Sheridan is known for. Sheridan’s shows have humor and detail-rich world-building. It’s what makes his shows so immersive. David Oyelowo portrays a U.S. Marshal who rose from slavery to enforce the law.
However, the show blends episodic and expansive storytelling and can feel a bit disjointed and rushed. But the immersive storyline warrants a watch.
Also read : What is Beth likely do to Jamie in Yellowstone? Explored
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