In a remarkable turn of events, NBCUniversal has successfully secured a deal with Taylor Sheridan, the visionary co-creator of the hit series Yellowstone. This unprecedented agreement, reportedly set to commence in 2029, is valued at an astounding $1 billion. This monumental deal encompasses creator, executive producer, and writer fees, alongside backend earnings, provided that Sheridan fulfills his ambitious plan to produce 20 new shows for NBC and the streaming service Peacock.
The negotiation process was anything but straightforward. Sources indicate that when Donna Langley, the chair of NBCUniversal Entertainment, desires something, she relentlessly pursues it. Despite feeling sidelined by the leadership at Paramount, including Cindy Holland of Paramount+ and Dana Goldberg of Paramount TV Studios, Sheridan found himself courted vigorously by other major players in the industry. Notably, David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros Discovery, presented Sheridan with a unique gift: cowboy boots previously worn by the legendary James Dean.
Sheridan's amicable relationship with Zaslav stemmed from their collaboration on F.A.S.T., a feature drama scripted by Sheridan and directed by Ben Richardson. Meanwhile, other major streaming platforms like Amazon MGM and Netflix also expressed interest in Sheridan's projects, further complicating the bidding war.
While Zaslav's dedication to securing sports rights has been evident, Sheridan's experience at Paramount Skydance was less favorable. His contract with Paramount is set to expire in late 2028, but the urgency surrounding his negotiations was noticeably absent compared to the high stakes of NFL deals or other major productions. Past conflicts, particularly with Kevin Costner, who played John Dutton in Yellowstone, underscored Sheridan's need for creative control. His success in creating a string of hit shows has solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the industry.
Since stepping away from acting, Sheridan has transitioned into a prolific screenwriter, crafting acclaimed films like Sicario and Hell or High Water. His ability to attract top-tier talent has been a hallmark of his career. His collaboration with former Paramount executives Bob Bakish and Chris McCarthy played a pivotal role in launching the streaming service, significantly bolstered by the success of the Yellowstone prequel, 1883.
However, with the new regime led by David Ellison and Skydance, Sheridan faced challenges that left him feeling undervalued. Feedback on his script, Capture the Flag, was extensive and unwelcome. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the future of his series Lioness and the cancellation of another project, The Correspondent, only added to his frustrations. The lack of communication regarding a new series deal with Nicole Kidman further emphasized Sheridan's feelings of being overlooked.
As Sheridan's working relationship with Paramount soured, the prospect of joining NBCUniversal became increasingly appealing. Langley's persistent efforts to connect with Sheridan paid off after numerous visits to his ranches, where they discussed the potential of a future collaboration. Following a final meeting with Paramount, where a dozen executives were present, Sheridan made it clear that he would honor his commitments before transitioning to NBCUniversal.
Accompanying Sheridan in this move is David Glasser’s production company, 101 Studios, which will secure a first-look deal and kickstart Sheridan's feature projects at NBCUniversal. This partnership is poised to revolutionize Peacock, transforming it into a dynamic platform beyond just reruns of Saturday Night Live and older films.
In conclusion, Sheridan's transition to NBCUniversal marks a significant shift in the entertainment landscape, promising a new era of innovative storytelling and content creation. As he embarks on this journey, audiences can anticipate an exciting array of upcoming shows and films that will undoubtedly redefine the streaming experience.
