Key Takeaways:
– Taylor Sheridan illuminated the struggles he faced in pitching Yellowstone to networks, attributed to the lack of popularity of the Western genre in the 2010s.
– He defended the genre, attributing its declining reputation to the production of several bad films, rather than an inherent issue with Westerns.
– Paramount Network took the risk of bringing Yellowstone to life and it paid off, becoming the flagship show for their network.
– Sheridan is working on multiple shows for Paramount+, including Landman which is expected to deviate from his usual Western tales.
Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed TV show creator, recently opened up about the challenges he faced in pitching his blockbuster show, Yellowstone, due to prevailing perceptions about the Western genre. In an interview with CBS News, Sheridan highlighted how the decline of the Western genre in the 2010s made it challenging to win support from studios and networks for the show.
Sheridan Unravels the Waning Popularity of Westerns
Westerns enjoyed immense popularity from the 1950s to the late 1970s, setting an influential trend led by directors like John Ford and Sergio Leone. They wove captivating narratives and pioneered distinct styles that thoroughly engaged their audience. But, by the early 2000s, the once-dominant genre began to lose its charm. The frequency of Western movies on the big screen dwindled, painting a bleak picture about their relevance in contemporary times.
Sheridan, who began his writing career with the 2015’s Sicario, while also developing Yellowstone, struggled to convince studios to greenlight his venture due to the shrinking appeal of the genre.
**Sheridan Responds to Hollywood’s ‘Death’ Verdict for Westerns**
Hollywood had deemed the Western genre ‘dead’ in the 2010s. Sheridan identified the underperformance of recent Western releases as a significant factor in giving this genre its unfavorable verdict. Sheridan countered this perspective, stating that Hollywood hastily declared the genre extinct due to a series of poorly executed Western movies.
Paramount’s Gamble with Yellowstone Pays Off
Paramount Network, led by President Chris McCarthy, saw the potential in Sheridan’s brainchild, Yellowstone. McCarthy described the show as a distinct and complex narrative and took the risk of investing in it. The result was a stunning success, turning Yellowstone, led by actor Kevin Costner, into the network’s flagship show and a favorite among viewers.
Sheridan’s Departure from Westerns with New Show Landman
Still riding high on the success of Yellowstone and its spin-offs (1883 and 1923), Sheridan remains among Hollywood’s busiest creators. His upcoming show for Paramount+, titled Landman, will feature Jon Hamm, Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter. Landman, based on the 11-part podcast Boomtown, is set to deviate from Sheridan’s renown in the Western genre.
The show tells the story of fortune-seekers in the world of oil rigs without Sheridan’s typical elements of cowboys and ranches. In a chat with People magazine, Hamm revealed the story revolves around the nitty-gritty of oil speculation, where individuals seek lands to scout oil. Emphasizing its intrigue and politics, Hamm assured fans of Sheridan’s unique touch in the project.
Sheridan’s Packed Pipeline for Paramount+
Landman is set to premiere next year on Paramount+, with half the planned shoot already completed. Along with this, Sheridan also has the concluding episodes of Yellowstone to film and the second seasons of spin-offs – 1923 and Tulsa King. With such a busy schedule, Sheridan continues to create compelling content for audiences on Paramount+.
Yellowstone remains available for fans to stream exclusively on Paramount+. It stands as a testament to Sheridan’s resilience in the face of initial skepticism, and how when creativity meets conviction, a seemingly ‘dead’ genre can enjoy a roaring comeback. With the eagerly anticipated Landman and more offerings in the pipeline, it’s clear Sheridan’s storytelling prowess continues to keep audiences hooked.
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