Taylor Sheridan, 'Yellowstone' creator, to exit Paramount in major shakeup – Reports

Taylor Sheridan, the celebrated creator of popular shows like "Yellowstone" and "Tulsa King," is reportedly leaving Paramount.

The writer and director, 55, will move to NBCUniversal, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. The five-year deal will go into effect in January 2029, the outlets report, after Sheridan's TV contract with Paramount sunsets. He brings his blockbuster television and film talents to a new media house, marking the end of an era for Paramount, which enjoyed the fruits of his labor for several years, reaching widespread success with "Yellowstone" and several spinoffs, including "1923" and "1883."

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Paramount, NBCU and Sheridan for comment.

While "Yellowstone" and all other titles created during his tenure at Paramount will remain the property of the company, according to the reports, Sheridan's singular talent still represents a loss. His works form the foundation for the company's streaming success, and his exit marks another point of upheaval for a company in flux as it weathers a major merger. Earlier this year, the FCC approved the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global.

While NBC won't be able to reap the benefits of its Sheridan acquisition for several years, their choice to bring him on amps up the streaming wars that have grounded the last half-decade in television, as mammoth media conglomerates compete for their share of a volatile market.