Taylor Sheridan is Leaving Paramount. Here’s What That Means for North Texas

Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind the Yellowstone universe, is trading his Paramount badge for NBCUniversal’s peacock, and the ripple effects are already being felt far beyond Hollywood. 

For Fort Worth, a city that’s become a cornerstone of Sheridan’s production empire, this move could mean more than just a change in network logos — it could redefine the city’s role in the entertainment industry.

According to Deadline, Sheridan’s five-year deal with NBCUniversal, set to begin in 2029 (and 2026 for film), marks a significant shift in the entertainment landscape. While Paramount will retain the rights to his existing shows, including Yellowstone and its spinoffs, Sheridan’s future projects will call NBCUniversal home. This transition comes as Paramount undergoes a corporate shakeup following its merger with Skydance, a move that reportedly left Sheridan feeling less at home.

But what does this mean for Fort Worth?

North Texas: The New Frontier of Cinematic Storytelling

Over the past few years, Fort Worth has quietly transformed into a major player in the film and television industry, thanks in large part to Sheridan. His productions, including 1883 and Lioness, have not only showcased the city’s unique landscapes but also brought significant economic benefits. Meanwhile, scenes from the upcoming season of Landman were spotted filming in Dallas neighborhoods like Knox/Henderson and downtown’s Central Business District.

Sheridan’s partnership with Hillwood, the development firm behind the AllianceTexas project, has already resulted in a 450,000-square-foot film studio in Fort Worth, the largest in Texas. And the plans don’t stop there. Hillwood and Sheridan’s 101 Studios are eyeing an expansion that could add another 300,000 square feet of sound stages, further solidifying Fort Worth’s status as a production hub.

According to Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, the film industry has already created over 50,000 jobs and contributed approximately $1 billion to the local economy. “Just like cattle, railroads, energy, manufacturing and defense, [film] will become a part of the enduring economic development story that defines our city’s future,” Parker said during her State of the City address earlier this month.

A New Era of Opportunity

Sheridan’s move to NBCUniversal could bring even more opportunities to Fort Worth. While Paramount will continue to produce existing Sheridan-verse shows at the Fort Worth studios, NBCUniversal’s deep pockets and global reach could attract new productions to the city.

Hillwood President Mike Berry emphasized the immediate demand for the studio space.

“We’re not exclusive just to [Sheridan’s] productions,” Berry said in a press release on the company’s website. “It’s just that they’re the lead and they’re filling it up. We’ll probably have to build more to take on other people.”

This expansion isn’t just about sound stages and sets. It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits the entire community. From local businesses to educational institutions like Tarrant County College, which has partnered with 101 Studios to train film crews, the impact of Sheridan’s productions extends far beyond the screen.

The Bigger Picture

Sheridan’s departure from Paramount is a reminder of the high-stakes game of talent wars in Hollywood of the moment. But for Fort Worth, it’s an opportunity to double down on its burgeoning film industry. With Sheridan’s productions serving as a magnet for talent and investment, the city is poised to become a permanent fixture in the entertainment world.

As Sheridan prepares to saddle up with NBCUniversal, one thing is clear: Fort Worth isn’t just a backdrop for his stories—it’s becoming a central character in the narrative of modern filmmaking. And for a city that’s always prided itself on its frontier spirit, that feels just about right.

So, while Hollywood debates the implications of Sheridan’s network switch, it seems Fort Worth is busy building the future.