Taylor Sheridan on "Rage-Bait" Storytelling, Paramount Departure, and Leaving L.A.
In a wide-ranging interview from his Wyoming ranch on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan offered an unfiltered look at his creative philosophy, his contentious relationship with Hollywood executives, and his future at NBCUniversal.
Creative Strategy: Intentional Polarization
"My goal is to sit somebody on their couch and move them."
Sheridan revealed that he deliberately structures his narratives to provoke strong audience reactions, a tactic he calls "rage-bait." He cited Demi Moore's limited role in the first season of Landman as a prime example. Sheridan informed Moore she would appear as an extra for seven episodes, only for her character’s husband to be killed in the season finale, setting up her arc for season two. He noted he sent critics only the first three episodes to avoid revealing the full story.
He also discussed a storyline involving a nonbinary character named Paigyn. Despite network requests to move the resolution to episode 9, Sheridan insisted on delaying it until episode 10 to generate a specific audience reaction.
Sheridan stated his goal is viewer engagement, not awards. "I aim to sit somebody on their couch and move them," he said, distancing himself from Emmy ambitions.
Views on Hollywood and Studio Executives
"I simply refuse to do what everyone else is doing."
Sheridan criticized Marvel films for relying on dialogue to explain plot instead of using action to advance the story. He argued that studio executives—often from marketing or legal backgrounds—"know nothing" about storytelling. "They are terrified, panicked that the audience won't get it because they actually have no storytellers," he said.
Interactions with Paramount: A Non-Democratic Deal
Sheridan described an evolution in his relationship with Paramount. Initially, the network had a large development department that provided notes. After four years, those staff members were laid off because Sheridan did not engage with their feedback. He characterized his deal as non-democratic, where he delivered shows without committee oversight.
Move to NBCUniversal
Sheridan is leaving Paramount for an overall film and television deal at NBCUniversal, reported to be worth up to $1 billion, starting in 2029.
On Los Angeles
Sheridan expressed deep reluctance to return to Los Angeles for production. He said he would only do so if the city seceded from the union and he was "drafted to reclaim it." He contrasted New York's resilience with Los Angeles being "built on sand."
Additional Context
Sheridan promoted his book How Not to Die in Prison during the interview. He is known for creating the series Yellowstone, Landman, and The Madison.