The Sheridanverse Explained: Which Taylor Sheridan Shows Take Place In The Same Universe

The Influence of Taylor Sheridan

Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed writer, director, and showrunner, has made a significant impact in the modern Western and action genres. With a portfolio that includes critically acclaimed movies like Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River, and Those Who Wish Me Dead, as well as the popular television series Yellowstone, Sheridan has established himself as an influential creative force in the entertainment industry.

Kevin Costner as John Dutton looking weary in Yellowstone Season 5.

Sheridan's contributions extend beyond writing and directing, as he has also made notable appearances in classic television series such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NYPD Blue, Veronica Mars, and NCIS: Los Angeles. His role as David Hale in Sons of Anarchy, spanning 21 episodes, stands out as one of his most significant acting credits. Sheridan's screenplay for Hell or High Water received multiple award nominations, including a nod for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

Taylor Sheridan as Travis Wheatley in Yellowstone

The Sheridanverse: A Unified Universe

The Sheridanverse, a term used to describe the interconnected universe of Taylor Sheridan's works, is centered around the popular television series Yellowstone. This series serves as the foundation and nucleus of Sheridan's larger realm of television shows, with several other shows sharing the same universe. Notably, 1883 and 1923, prequel spinoffs to Yellowstone, provide insight into different generations of the Dutton family, chronicling their journeys and challenges in historical contexts. The expansive universe also includes upcoming shows such as 6666, a Yellowstone spinoff set at the Four Sixes ranch in West Texas, and 2024, featuring a new generation of the Dutton family led by Matthew McConaughey.

Sam and Elsa embrace in 1883

Mayor of Kingstown, a gripping series following the McLusky family, exists outside of the Yellowstone universe, delving into themes of systemic racism, corruption, and inequality in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan. Similarly, Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, presents a compelling narrative set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with no direct connection to Yellowstone. Additionally, Special Ops: Lioness, a recent television series starring Zoe Saldana, Michael Kelly, and Morgan Freeman, operates independently from the Yellowstone universe, focusing on the intense world of CIA operations.

Jeremy Renner looking somber in Mayor of Kingstown

Expanding the Universe: Future Projects and Connections

As the Sheridanverse continues to expand, upcoming shows like 6666 and 2024 are set to further enrich the interconnected universe, offering new perspectives and storylines within the established framework. However, it's notable that not all of Sheridan's works are part of the Yellowstone universe. Series such as Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Land Man operate independently, with no confirmed connections to the broader Yellowstone universe at this time.

Bass Reeves in Lawmen Bass Reeves episode 7

Despite the breadth of Sheridan's creative endeavors, his feature-length movies, including Hell or High Water, remain separate from the Yellowstone universe. While the success of these movies may have influenced the creation of Yellowstone, they are not officially linked to the interconnected television series.

Jeff Bridges wearing a cowboy hat and sunglasses in Hell or High Water