Taylor Sheridan’s tremendous productivity has raised questions about his degree of involvement in various projects. To develop all these shows would be a Herculean feat, but Tulsa King co-creator Terrence Winter revealed late last year that Sheridan isn’t actually involved in the show.

Winter claimed that Sheridan sent him an original version of the pilot, but that he hasn’t been involved since. Winter also claimed he hadn’t even seen Taylor Sheridan since their initial meeting, confirming how little he’s had to do with the series.

Tulsa King’s Tone Is Very Different From Other Taylor Sheridan Shows

Tulsa King Is Lighter & Funnier Than Taylor Sheridan’s Shows

At first glance, Tulsa King could be mistaken for a Taylor Sheridan show; it has many of his usual elements. It’s got an aging, morally gray patriarch played by a veteran movie star, sharp dialogue, and an exploration of a sector of American life mixed with soap opera-like melodrama.

With a closer look, however, it’s evidently written by a different person. The lighter tone that comes from Tulsa King’s humor is the biggest giveaway. Sheridan’s shows are funny at times, but it’s rare that scenes are so distinctly played for laughs as they are in Tulsa King.

Having a different tone is paramount for Tulsa King, lest it just be known as Yellowstone ​​​​​​with the mafia instead of cowboys.

Taylor Sheridan’s recent endeavor with Landman has already developed a reputation for being overtly similar to Yellowstone, with a very similar protagonist, a Western setting, and supporting characters that fulfill comparable archetypes.

Tulsa King was lucky to have Taylor Sheridan at its inception, and his name brand certainly benefits its potential audience pool, but the show’s tone ultimately allows it to be more unique.

Taylor Sheridan Stepping Away Allowed Him To Work On Other Shows

He’s Developed Several TV Seasons Since Tulsa King Began

I’m sure Taylor Sheridan could have made something out of Tulsa King if he had wanted to, but the work he’s produced in the meantime has made it worthwhile. Landman has been praised for having his strongest opening season for a long-running series yet, with his writing and Billy Bob Thornton’s acting fitting like peanut butter and jelly.

1923 was also fantastic, somehow bringing out some of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren’s strongest performances.

It’s hard to say what the effect of Sheridan doing Tulsa King himself would be, but it seems like a colossal win for everyone that he didn’t. He has so many shows in development, and Paramount+ needs original content from more than just him.

Audiences await Tulsa King season 3, which will premiere in September 2025. Mayor of Kingstown returns in October 2025, and Landman returns for season 2 in November 2025. There’s plenty of Sheridan shows to enjoy before the end of the year, and new ones to begin next year.