Taylor Sheridan’s Dominance in Television

Taylor Sheridan has truly made his mark on television. It seems like he has at least six shows airing simultaneously, and he’s managed to bring in big names like Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Hollywood often discusses Sheridan as though he represents a kind of “middle America,” an audience that tends to be misunderstood. But honestly, the secret to his success is pretty straightforward.

He’s become the king of what many are calling “dad shows.”

Liam Matthews, author of “Dad Shows,” noted that Costner, who starred in “Yellowstone,” aimed to help dads feel “cool and tough.”

Sheridan’s works tend to skew older. You rarely see protagonists under 40 in shows like “Dutton Ranch,” which features notable actors like Mark Menchaca and Kelly Reilly.

“Regardless of age or gender, anyone can find enjoyment in The Dad Show,” Matthews shared with Page Six. “However, the viewpoint is often that of a father or a father figure.”

Taking a look at Sheridan’s extensive body of work, it’s easy to see this theme. He burst onto the television scene in 2018 with “Yellowstone,” where Costner’s character serves as the head of a ranching family.

Since then, he hasn’t slowed down. He’s an executive producer for two spin-offs: “Dutton Ranch” with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, and “Marshalls” featuring Luke Grimes. He has also worked on films like “The Tulsa King” with Sylvester Stallone and “The Landman” starring Billy Bob Thornton. Additionally, there have been multiple prequels to “Yellowstone” featuring big names like Ford and Sam Elliott.

Interestingly, even Sheridan’s female-centric project, “Madison,” revolves around a woman, but it heavily focuses on her deceased husband, played by Kurt Russell. Although Russell’s character is gone, he appears in every episode through flashbacks, painting the picture of a loving father who enjoys fishing.

In this context, “dad shows” don’t necessarily focus solely on characters that are dads, nor is their audience limited to a certain demographic.

It gets a bit complex, but Sheridan has articulated the formula perfectly.

Showcasing characters like Luke Grimes in “Marshalls,” who is in his early 40s, Sheridan’s works often highlight older men. Matthews explains that these shows embody a sense of “wish fulfillment” for viewers. When watching something like “Yellowstone,” they might picture themselves as a “cool, tough guy” similar to Costner’s character.

These narratives typically follow men who tackle challenges directly, employing whatever skills they may have—thinking, fighting, or using their weapons.

Characters in Sheridan’s shows often engage in reflective monologues about the past and share wisdom about life, nature, and human shortcomings.

Take, for example, the show “Reacher” on Prime Video, which, while not created by Sheridan, still fits into this “dad show” category but lacks characters with children.

“If you’re wondering who tunes into Reacher, my dad’s a fan,” one viewer commented on social media.

Interestingly, women from Millennials and Gen Z can appreciate “dad shows” too, but an essential aspect is that the principal character typically needs to be over 30, preferably in their 40s.

Sheridan’s programming stands in stark contrast to HBO’s “Euphoria,” a show that centers around a younger group of stars.

It’s unexpected to see such older actors taking center stage. Sure, he sometimes features younger talents, like 28-year-old Michelle Randolph in “The Landman,” but she plays a supporting role, one that requires assistance from the lead, Billy Bob Thornton.

In fact, many stars in Sheridan’s universe have gained fame since the ’80s. “Yellowstone” features Costner (71), while “Dutton Ranch” showcases Annette Bening (67) and Ed Harris (75). Thornton (70) stars in “The Landman,” and Stallone (79) in “Tulsa King.”

At 42, Grimes is the youngest lead actor in Sheridan’s lineup, yet he also resides firmly past 40.

Matthews noted that Sheridan seems to have a knack for providing “eye candy for older men.” This trait might not be crucial for “dad shows,” but it certainly adds to them. His leading ladies include Riley (48), Pfeiffer (68), and Ali Larter (50).

According to Matthews, the central figures in these shows “must have life experience.” In simpler terms, they’ve got to have seen some things.