Taylor Sheridan, initially recognized for his unofficial American Frontier trilogy, has expanded his reach into a television empire with a diverse range of series. Since Yellowstone premiered on the Paramount Network, Sheridan has ventured into various genres—Western dramas, crime stories, action thrillers, and even reality TV—solidifying his reputation as a creator with impressive scope.
This article ranks all eight Taylor Sheridan TV shows where he serves as creator or co-creator, ordered by their IMDb scores. Excluded from this list are titles where Sheridan’s involvement was less direct, such as Lawmen: Bass Reeves, The Road, and 5-Star. As Sheridan prepares to move to NBCUniversal, this ranking of his current Paramount Network shows illustrates how audiences have responded to each series, with a note that Marshals, The Madison, and Dutton Ranch have yet to air.
Least Favored Reality Competition: The Last Cowboy
At the bottom of the list with a 6.6 IMDb rating, The Last Cowboy stands out as an unusual entry in Sheridan’s television portfolio. This documentary-style reality competition debuted in 2019, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of rodeo and cowboy culture through the eyes of eight horse trainers competing for a $1 million prize. Airing on both Paramount and CMT, the show appeals to Yellowstone fans seeking a more grounded look at the cowboy lifestyle.
Each season challenges participants in “The Run for a Million,” providing a competitive twist to the traditional Western narrative. However, the reality TV format and its divergence from Sheridan’s usual scripted dramas likely contribute to its placement as the lowest-ranked show among his creations.
Mid-Tier Spy Thriller: Lioness
Holding a 7.8 IMDb score, Lioness (previously known as Special Ops: Lioness) shifts Sheridan’s focus to international espionage. Zoe Saldaña stars as Joe McNamara, leader of a Quick Reaction Force and the clandestine Lioness program, which trains operatives for high-stakes missions against global terror threats. The show’s narrative transitions from tackling Middle Eastern terrorism in its inaugural season to addressing Mexican cartels in its second.
Though the series offers plenty of military action, its character development relies heavily on conventional archetypes. The notable supporting cast, including Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, raises expectations, but the show falls short of breaking new ground within the spy thriller genre compared to Sheridan’s stronger works.
A Notable Crime Drama Comeback: Tulsa King
Tulsa King, with a 7.9 IMDb rating, marks Sylvester Stallone’s significant return to television, reintroducing him to audiences beyond his iconic film career. The crime drama follows Dwight “The General” Manfredi as he reestablishes himself in Oklahoma, carving out a criminal empire in this Midwestern stronghold.
Its success is underscored by being the only Sheridan series, aside from Yellowstone, to earn a spin-off, which will star Samuel L. Jackson. Tulsa King has revitalized Stallone’s streaming presence and appeals especially to fans who enjoy mafia-style storytelling, making it a compelling addition to Sheridan’s portfolio.
New Western-Industrial Drama: Landman
Landman, rating an 8.2 on IMDb, represents Sheridan’s latest venture and spiritual successor to Yellowstone, shifting from Montana to the oil-dominated landscape of Texas. This Billy Bob Thornton-led series follows Tommy Norris, a fixer navigating the dangerous intersections of the oil business, legal battles, and drug cartels threatening M-Tex Oil’s territory.
The drama delves deeply into Tommy’s struggles, balancing volatile family relationships with the harsh realities of his high-stakes profession. Already renewed for a third season, Landman draws inspiration from Boomtown and maintains Sheridan’s momentum in producing complex stories about power and survival. Season two’s inclusion of Sam Elliott further enriches the narrative depth and nostalgic appeal.
Exploring Prison Politics: Mayor of Kingstown
Also with an 8.2 IMDb rating, Mayor of Kingstown marks Sheridan’s first major break from the Yellowstone family saga. This prison-centered crime drama features Jeremy Renner as Mike McLusky, who manages a troubled family business within the turbulent city of Kingstown, Michigan. Sheridan collaborated here with actor-turned-filmmaker Hugh Dillon on this intense, family-driven narrative.
The series, now entering its fifth and final season, has received praise for its raw portrayal of prison politics and complex character dynamics. Fans regard it as a standout within the prison drama genre, with Sheridan and Renner’s efforts resonating strongly among viewers seeking dark, gripping stories outside of traditional Western themes.
Historical Complexity in the West: 1923
Scoring 8.3 on IMDb, 1923 is the second prequel within the Yellowstone Universe and extends beyond classic Western tropes by setting its story amid post-World War I America and Prohibition-era Montana. The two-season drama stars Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, and Julia Schlaepfer, as members of the Dutton family confronted with the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.
The series distinguishes itself by weaving in diverse cultural threads and geographic settings. Characters such as Spencer and Alex traverse Africa, Europe, and America, while young Crow runaway Teonna Rainwater seeks sanctuary in the West before journeying south to Texas. This broader narrative scope reflects Sheridan’s ambition to expand the frontier’s storytelling landscape.
Flagship Neo-Western and Cultural Phenomenon: Yellowstone
Yellowstone, also rated 8.3 on IMDb, stands as the cornerstone of Sheridan’s television work. Originally met with critical skepticism upon its 2018 debut, it quickly grew into a cultural sensation. The series stars Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch fighting to protect his family’s ranch from developers and competing powers, including the neighboring Native American reservation.
Over its run, the drama evolved beyond land disputes to focus on the complex lives of John’s children—Kayce, Beth, and son-in-law Rip—setting the stage for multiple prequels and sequels that continue exploring the Dutton legacy. With sweeping Montana landscapes and morally ambiguous characters, Yellowstone captures the modern Western’s gritty allure and has defined Sheridan’s entrée into television.
Top-Rated Western Saga: 1883
The highest-ranking series in Sheridan’s lineup, 1883 boasts an 8.7 IMDb score and is acclaimed as the most accomplished installment of his empire. Serving as Yellowstone’s first prequel, this 10-episode miniseries charts the difficult journey of the original Dutton family settling in Montana. Led by Sam Elliott’s iconic Shea Brennan, alongside Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, the show portrays the brutal reality of pioneer life in the Old West.
1883 blends historical truth with fiction, incorporating real Western figures like General George Meade, played by Tom Hanks, while carefully crafting a narrative that resonates like a classic American novel. Isabel May’s sensitive portrayal of Elsa Dutton, the family’s free-spirited daughter, adds emotional depth to this cinematic experience, making it Sheridan’s definitive television achievement and a must-watch for Western enthusiasts.
