Both Yellowstone and Tulsa King, two productions from renowned creator Taylor Sheridan, have experienced a notable ratings decrease following their successful debuts, prompting concerns among the industry and fans alike about the long-term sustainability of his small-screen magic. The Taylor Sheridan show ratings decline is especially apparent when examining episode statistics and viewer sentiment across the most recent seasons of these acclaimed series.
Early Success Followed by Notable Drops in Tulsa King
When Tulsa King premiered, the show quickly became a standout for Sheridan, especially as it marked Sylvester Stallone’s big entry into the organized crime genre on television. The first season made a striking impression—on IMDb, none of the nine episodes dipped below a 7.7 out of 10 rating, with its highest-rated episode reaching an impressive 8.3, drawing widespread attention from viewers, critics, and fans of Stallone’s work.
Despite the initial acclaim, Tulsa King’s momentum failed to fully carry into its second season, released at the end of 2024. The top ratings in season two peaked at 8.2 for the final episode; however, the lowest rating dropped to 7.3, notably in just the second episode. Out of ten episodes, only three managed to earn top scores. This decline came despite the presence of talented figures like Terence Winter, the esteemed former showrunner who was involved in The Sopranos and initially led season one before his role was adjusted to head writer ahead of season two.
Yellowstone’s Strong Beginnings Give Way to Rating Slumps
Yellowstone, which put Kevin Costner at the center of a neo-Western saga, was responsible for launching Taylor Sheridan’s reputation as a storytelling giant. Its debut season listed a narrow range of strong IMDb scores, with the weakest episode still achieving 7.9 and the best reaching 8.4 stars, capturing the attention of critics and fans equally.
The series managed to maintain its momentum through the next two seasons, where episode ratings never dropped below 7.9 and even climbed as high as 9.2. However, signs of fatigue emerged in season four, with an initial high rating of 9.2 for the premiere, but later episodes, such as the ninth, dropping back to 7.7. This downward trajectory only intensified in season five, where the highest-ranked episode managed 8.3, while the lowest, episodes nine and thirteen, sank to just 7.0—a new low for a show once considered a ratings juggernaut.
Industry Analysis: Big Names and Prestige Cannot Halt Downward Trends
The fact that Taylor Sheridan’s projects, once lauded for their gripping narratives and star-studded casts, are experiencing such significant ratings dips reveals a deeper issue than the absence of talent or creative minds. Bringing Terence Winter on board for Tulsa King, celebrated for his previous work, did not restore the energy or critical edge of earlier episodes. Instead, a pattern seems to be emerging—Sheridan’s series lose their initial spark as seasons progress, which could be a result of heightened expectations after such strong debuts or the narrative challenges that come with expanding casts and storylines.
Critics and loyal viewers have noticed more chaos and additional characters in both Tulsa King and Yellowstone, without the same depth or urgency that defined the initial seasons. As the shows unfold, the introduction of new story elements has not matched the emotional impact or surprise factor that characterized Sheridan’s earlier work. Viewers who tuned in for the original blend of drama now express frustration, feeling the narrative no longer packs the punch it once had.
What These Trends Mean for Taylor Sheridan’s Future Endeavors
The ongoing Taylor Sheridan show ratings decline brings into question his ability to consistently deliver stand-out television as expectations for each new project remain sky-high. Early achievements have set a tremendously high bar, yet the apparent struggle to maintain audience engagement is evident across both Yellowstone and Tulsa King. If Sheridan’s series continue on this trajectory, they risk losing the distinctive appeal that once made them essential viewing for fans of television drama and complex character arcs.
The shows are currently accessible via streaming—Tulsa King is available on Paramount Plus and Yellowstone on Peacock—giving viewers continued opportunity to form their own opinions about later seasons. However, something will have to change behind the scenes if Sheridan hopes to regain the level of excitement and innovation audiences have come to expect. As frustration and unease continue among fans, the legacy of both these projects will be defined by how successfully they adapt to the audience’s evolving demands and deliver fresh, compelling narratives once again.
