Taylor Sheridan’s name has become synonymous with gripping, rugged storytelling, largely thanks to the massive success of Yellowstone and its sprawling universe. But did you know that Sheridan’s creative genius stretches far beyond the boundaries of Montana’s most famous ranch? If you’re a fan of intense drama, complex characters, and sharp dialogue, you’ll want to dive into his other TV projects that stand on their own — no Yellowstone connection required.
Let’s take a deep dive into every Taylor Sheridan TV show that isn’t part of the Yellowstone universe, exploring what makes each one worth watching and how they showcase his unique storytelling style.
Before we jump into the shows, let’s set the stage. Taylor Sheridan is a multi-talented writer, director, and actor who carved out his niche with stories rooted in raw emotion and gritty realism. He gained widespread acclaim for his screenplays like Sicario and Hell or High Water before taking television by storm with Yellowstone.
But Sheridan’s creativity didn’t stop there. He’s developed other original TV projects that reveal new facets of his talent and storytelling range.
Why Look Beyond Yellowstone?
You might wonder why explore Sheridan’s work outside the wildly popular Yellowstone universe. The answer: Sheridan’s non-Yellowstone shows offer fresh settings, themes, and characters that still carry his signature intensity but aren’t tied to the Dutton family saga. For fans craving more, these shows are a treasure trove.
1. 1883 (Prequel to Yellowstone, But Still Separate)
Okay, so technically, 1883 is connected to Yellowstone as a prequel, but it’s a different beast. It’s a western epic that chronicles the Dutton family’s origins as they journey westward to Montana. While it sets the stage for Yellowstone, it stands apart with its own distinct tone and period setting.
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Why Watch: Stunning cinematography, raw frontier drama, and historical depth.
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Key Themes: Survival, family legacy, and the American West.
2. Mayor of Kingstown
Mayor of Kingstown is a gritty, hard-hitting crime drama that plunges into the world of prison politics and systemic corruption in a fictional Michigan town where incarceration is the main industry. It’s dark, intense, and a totally different flavor from the sprawling ranch drama.
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Why Watch: Complex characters, intense social commentary, and unflinching portrayal of power struggles.
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Stars: Jeremy Renner shines in the lead role, bringing gravitas and grit.
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Key Themes: Justice, power, corruption, and redemption.
3. Tulsa King
Sheridan’s Tulsa King is a fresh take on the crime genre, featuring a mafia capo who is sent back to his roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after years of exile in New York. It blends Sheridan’s flair for character-driven storytelling with a mix of violence, humor, and heartfelt moments.
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Why Watch: Sharp writing, dynamic characters, and a unique setting away from the usual crime show locations.
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Lead Actor: Sylvester Stallone, delivering a surprisingly nuanced performance.
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Key Themes: Loyalty, identity, and survival in a changing world.
4. Those Who Wish Me Dead
Though technically a movie, Those Who Wish Me Dead shares Sheridan’s TV-like pacing and intensity. It’s about a forest fire lookout protecting a boy targeted by assassins. It’s a high-stakes thriller with breathtaking nature visuals and strong emotional undercurrents.
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Why Watch: Suspenseful, visually stunning, and emotionally gripping.
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Lead Actress: Angelina Jolie shines in a role that’s both tough and vulnerable.
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Key Themes: Protection, survival, and justice.
5. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (Sequel to Sicario)
While not a TV show, this film sequel continues Sheridan’s deep dive into the drug war and law enforcement moral ambiguity. His storytelling style here helped pave the way for his TV success.
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Why Watch: Realistic, gritty, and morally complex.
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Key Themes: Border conflict, justice, and sacrifice.
