As the third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds debuts, the franchise once again faces a challenge that has persisted for years: the absence of a unified creative leadership. The Star Trek universe, revitalized by J.J. Abrams’ reboot movies and various television projects led by Alex Kurtzman, has struggled with inconsistent quality and direction, highlighting the need for a singular guiding vision. Paramount has yet to appoint a definitive creative head, but comparisons are being drawn to how Taylor Sheridan’s focused leadership transformed the Yellowstone franchise and its related series.
Given Paramount’s growing slate of shows, the studio could benefit from appointing a visionary similar to Sheridan, whose hands-on approach helped create a coherent universe under one guiding voice. This focused stewardship has been a key to Sheridan’s ability to connect deeply with audiences, a model that Star Trek might well adopt to secure its future on Paramount+.
How Taylor Sheridan Shaped Paramount’s Neo-Western Universe
Taylor Sheridan’s imprint on Paramount began with Yellowstone, a neo-Western drama praised for its portrayal of complex family and power struggles in modern-day America. The show’s success over five seasons led to the creation of multiple prequels, including 1883 and 1923, with further spinoffs planned to continue expanding the storyworld. Sheridan’s involvement has been notably direct; he frequently wrote episodes himself and deliberately avoided a traditional writers’ room, opting instead for a tightly controlled creative process that maintained narrative consistency.
Beyond Yellowstone, Sheridan also developed other Paramount+ titles such as Tulsa King and Landman, both of which have contributed to the streaming service’s diverse drama offerings. Despite limited recognition from major awards, Paramount has committed heavily to Sheridan’s vision, securing a multi-year deal extending to 2028. Under this agreement, he is expected to deliver a mix of scripted and procedural content across ViacomCBS subsidiaries, further cementing his role as a key creative force within the network.
The notable strength of these shows lies in Sheridan’s consistent creative control, which keeps studio interference low and allows him to shape storylines that resonate deeply with target audiences. This strategic alignment has fostered high-quality, engaging content that has secured a loyal viewer base for Paramount.
Star Trek’s Fragmented Creative Direction and the Potential Role of J.J. Abrams
Unlike the approach seen with Sheridan’s projects, Star Trek has long been characterized by a dispersed creative leadership. Though Gene Roddenberry established the franchise’s core vision, numerous producers and showrunners have since taken charge of different installments, resulting in a patchwork of styles and success levels. While Abrams’ reboot films reignited interest in the series, the accompanying television shows—except for a few like Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks—have polarized fans and critics, often drawing criticism over their uneven quality.
Even with experienced industry figures like Akiva Goldsman and Alex Kurtzman involved, Star Trek currently lacks the single creative head that could unify its expanding universe. In comparison to large cinematic franchises such as the MCU and DCU, which thrive under consistent leadership, Star Trek’s fragmented approach may be hindering its ability to fully capitalize on its rich legacy and fanbase.
J.J. Abrams, having previously revitalized the franchise through his film work, emerges as a prime candidate to fulfill this leadership role. Though he stepped away from Star Trek after directing Star Trek Into Darkness to focus on Star Wars, Abrams’ extensive experience in television and film—highlighted by the success of shows like Alias and Lost—demonstrates his capacity to manage complex franchises with a strong creative vision.
With Abrams returning to directing on an untitled film starring Glen Powell, speculation grows that he could also reengage with Star Trek in a broader creative capacity. His ability to deliver engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences may provide the franchise the steady hand it needs to navigate an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.
The Future of Star Trek on Paramount+
As Star Trek continues to evolve on Paramount+, the appointment of a dedicated creative leader could be a decisive factor in uniting its diverse series into a coherent universe. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Sheridan’s model, where a singular vision has successfully maintained quality and audience engagement, Paramount has the opportunity to strengthen Star Trek’s narrative direction and fanbase loyalty.
Should J.J. Abrams assume this role, his proven track record across television and film could help restore consistency and excitement to the franchise. This would not only benefit ongoing shows like Strange New Worlds but also position Star Trek for future expansion in an era dominated by cinematic universes.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently available to stream on Paramount+.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Taylor Sheridan quit acting?
A. As he was advancing in his career, Sheridan decided to pause. He and his pregnant wife, Nicole, whom he met while teaching acting, relocated to Wyoming. Sheridan shared with the Austin American-Statesman that he quit acting because he didn’t want to bring up his child in Los Angeles or spend time trying out for commercials.
Q. How much did Taylor Sheridan pay for the 6666?
A. In 2022, he and some investors bought the famous 6666 Ranch for an impressive $320 million. After acquiring the ranch, known for being a filming spot for Yellowstone, he started renting it to Paramount, reportedly for $50,000 each week.
Q. Why did Taylor Sheridan stop acting?
A. The actor, who was soon to become a parent for the first time, shared that his main reason for changing careers was family life.
Q. Did Taylor Sheridan have a wife?
A. Personal Life: Sheridan got married to Nicole Muirbrook, who is an actress and model, in 2013. Together, they have a son and live in Weatherford, Texas.
