Taylor Sheridan Signs Huge Universal Deal for New Movies and TV Shows

Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind Yellowstone and several of its spinoffs, is leaving Paramount after years of partnership.

According to reports, the writer-director has signed a massive new deal with NBCUniversal that covers both film and television projects, marking a major shift in his career.

Sources say Sheridan had grown frustrated with Paramount’s new management following David Ellison’s takeover of the company earlier this year. Many of the executives Sheridan had worked closely with were either dismissed or moved into different roles, leaving him unhappy with the direction of the studio.

Incoming streaming chief Cindy Holland reportedly questioned some of Sheridan’s large production budgets, and tensions increased when Ellison tried to connect Paramount to a separate movie deal Sheridan had already arranged with Warner Bros.

Under the new agreement, Sheridan will start working on Universal film projects next March. His existing television deal with Paramount runs through 2028, after which he’ll begin creating and producing series exclusively for NBCUniversal’s platforms, including Peacock and NBC. His longtime production partner David Glasser and 101 Studios will also make the move to Universal, keeping Sheridan’s creative team intact.

The new contract is said to be one of the biggest in the industry, with sources describing it as both financially rewarding and strategically important for Universal. However, money wasn’t the main reason for Sheridan’s move. Insiders claim he was more interested in creative freedom and a stable partnership with executives he could trust.

Paramount, Universal, and Sheridan’s representatives have all declined to comment on the situation.

This transition reportedly began earlier this year when Sheridan’s film deal at Paramount approached its expiration. His representatives, CAA, manager Scott Greenberg, and lawyers Neil Meyer and Emily Downs, started exploring new opportunities.

Sheridan met with several major players across Hollywood, including Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, who personally invited him to discuss potential collaborations. Amazon, Netflix, and Apple also expressed strong interest in signing him.

Even with that level of attention, Paramount’s leadership did not secure a renewal for Sheridan’s film deal or extend his television agreement beyond 2028. Industry observers say Ellison and Holland may have been cautious due to the high costs of Sheridan’s shows, which often feature big-name actors like Sylvester Stallone, Zoe Saldaña, and Billy Bob Thornton, and are filmed on location in Texas.

Despite those expenses, his projects consistently rank among the most popular shows on streaming charts.

Sheridan’s decision to join Universal marks one of the biggest talent shifts in recent years and could reshape the TV landscape. Once his Paramount commitments are completed, he’ll bring his storytelling style, and his loyal audience, into a new home at NBCUniversal.

This move feels like a bold but smart step for Sheridan. He’s built a strong creative identity, and Universal seems ready to give him the freedom and support he wants. It also raises questions about whether Paramount made the right call in letting their biggest hitmaker go. What do you think — did Sheridan make the right move, or should Paramount have fought harder to keep him? Share your thoughts in the comments.