Taylor Sheridan, the prolific showrunner behind the Yellowstone phenomenon, is poised to dramatically expand his cinematic universe in 2025. With a slate of new series and films on the horizon, including the highly anticipated NOLA King starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sheridan is not just building an empire; he’s redefining the landscape of modern television. However, as his influence grows, so does the scrutiny over his creative choices, particularly the need for these new ventures to evolve beyond the perceived missteps seen in some of his previous hits, like the original Yellowstone series and its spinoff, Tulsa King.

The buzz around NOLA King is palpable, not least because it teams Sheridan with a powerhouse like Samuel L. Jackson. Yet, for this New Orleans-set crime saga to truly distinguish itself and achieve critical acclaim akin to shows like Breaking Bad, it must learn from the tonal inconsistencies and character formula that have occasionally marred the Yellowstone universe. Tulsa King, for instance, while buoyed by Sylvester Stallone’s undeniable charisma, often struggled to balance its gritty mob drama with moments of unexpected goofiness, leading to undercooked character arcs and a narrative that couldn’t quite decide its own identity. Similarly, Yellowstone itself, despite its immense popularity, has faced criticism for leaning into certain “cowboy clichés” and experiencing tonal whiplash that sometimes undermines its more profound explorations of family, power, and land.

NOLA King presents a golden opportunity for Sheridan and showrunner Dave Erickson to break this pattern. The prevailing “Sheridan formula” often introduces protagonists who are already high up the food chain—whether it’s the legacy-bound Duttons of Yellowstone, the established mafia boss Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King, or elite operatives in Lioness. This formula, while providing a solid foundation for tales of power and privilege, can limit the scope for character transformation and relatable struggle. The most compelling idea for NOLA King is to introduce Jackson’s character, Russell Lee Washington Jr., not as “another aging gangster with a vendetta,” but as a man without a pre-existing criminal pedigree—a regular individual pushed into the underworld by circumstance, making difficult choices out of necessity rather than inherited power. Such a narrative shift would allow for a deeper, darker, and sharper exploration of morality and survival, echoing the transformative journey seen in critically lauded dramas.

Samuel L. Jackson, with his unparalleled range and gravitas, is ideally suited to embody such a complex role. From his iconic turn as Jules in Pulp Fiction to his enduring presence as Nick Fury in the MCU, Jackson brings an inherent intensity and world-weariness that can elevate any material. His anticipated introduction in Tulsa King Season 3, where he’s expected to square off with Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi before heading to New Orleans, sets the stage for an explosive entrance. However, the true test will be whether NOLA King can leverage Jackson’s talent to tell a story that transcends the typical “turf war” narrative, offering a fresh perspective on ambition, consequence, and the human cost of power.

Beyond NOLA King, Taylor Sheridan’s production slate for 2025 underscores his unparalleled dominance in television. Even as Yellowstone prepares for its final episodes in late 2024, Sheridan shows no signs of slowing down. His approach is relentless, juggling prequels, spin-offs, contemporary thrillers, and even a historical epic film, all while maintaining his distinctive narrative voice centered around themes of family, loyalty, land, and the often-brutal struggle for survival.

One of the most anticipated projects is The Madison, a Yellowstone-universe entry set in the present but without the Duttons. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox, it focuses on the Clyburns, an emotionally scarred New York family seeking a fresh start in Montana. This premise promises classic Sheridan tension, exploring the clash between urban sensibilities and the rugged wilderness, and how new environments can either heal old wounds or expose deeper scars.

The future of Yellowstone’s most volatile couple is also a hot topic with a Beth and Rip Spin-off / Yellowstone Season 6 reportedly in the works. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s portrayal of Beth and Rip has captivated audiences, and a dedicated series would undoubtedly delve deeper into their complicated, destructive, yet fiercely loyal relationship, ensuring that the spirit of Yellowstone continues.

Outside the Yellowstone orbit, Mayor of Kingstown (Season 4) sees Jeremy Renner returning to the chaotic world of prison politics and moral ambiguities. Under a new showrunning crew, the series is expected to further explore the systemic corruption and the impossible choices faced by those who try to maintain order in a deeply flawed system.

Landman (Season 2), which became an instant hit in 2024, delves into the cutthroat West Texas oil industry. Loosely based on the Boomtown podcast, this series allows Sheridan to explore another facet of American resource extraction—its environmental impact, the immense wealth it generates, and the human drama unfolding in its wake. Given Sheridan’s deep understanding of this world, its renewal for a second season is almost a certainty.

Sheridan’s spy thriller, Lioness (Season 3), starring Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldana, and Morgan Freeman, continues its high-octane narrative. This series represents a departure from his Western roots, showcasing his versatility in crafting fast-paced, high-stakes international intrigue and the intense psychological toll on its operatives.

Tulsa King (Season 3) is also in the pipeline, with Sylvester Stallone’s mob boss continuing his Oklahoma adventures. While Sheridan created the series, Terrence Winter (known for Boardwalk Empire) runs the show, promising a blend of old-school mafia swagger with a unique Midwestern grit.

Long-whispered about, the 6666 series, centering on the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, appears closer to fruition. Yellowstone has already teased this world, hinting at a standalone series that would focus on authentic cowboy life, ranching heritage, and the challenges of preserving a traditional way of life in modern America.

A prequel titled 1944 also remains on the radar. Set during World War II, this project would undoubtedly explore how global events impacted the Dutton family and the ranch during a pivotal moment in history, potentially revealing more foundational elements of their enduring fight for their land.

Finally, Empire of the Summer Moon stands out as Sheridan’s passion project. This film, unlike his numerous series, is set to tell the epic story of Comanche leader Quanah Parker and his people’s struggle for survival. If Sheridan manages to write and direct this historical epic amidst his packed television schedule, it will undoubtedly be his most ambitious and personal cinematic endeavor to date, cementing his legacy as a storyteller deeply connected to the American West.

In 2025, Taylor Sheridan’s universe will not just be expanding; it will be multiplying, weaving together narratives from rugged oil fields to mafia turf wars, from generational family dramas to untold historical epics. His prolific output and distinctive thematic preoccupations are not merely influencing the streaming era—they are actively shaping it, establishing him as perhaps the most unstoppable and defining name in contemporary American television.