Taylor Sheridan slams studio execs and critics on podcast
DIRECT ANSWER: Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan unloaded on studio executives and TV critics in a no-holds-barred Bill Simmons Podcast appearance, admitting he "rage-baits" reviewers and telling them, "Fuck 'em, honestly." He slammed Hollywood development bosses for endless notes while defending creative choices that draw awards-season snubs.
Prolific TV creator Taylor Sheridan went off the rails in a new interview, slamming critics and Hollywood executives with profanity-laced candor. The moment landed as one of the most talked-about celebrity breaking news stories of the day.
Key Takeaways
- Sheridan guested on The Bill Simmons Podcast and took aim at critics and studio leadership.
- He said he deliberately "rage-baits" reviewers and declared, "Fuck 'em, honestly."
- He argued many executives are former marketing or legal professionals who "know nothing" about developing story.
- Sheridan insisted he is not chasing Emmys and prefers to move viewers emotionally.
- The Landman writer, 56, said he will not return to Los Angeles unless drafted to reclaim it.
What Did Sheridan Say About Critics on the Podcast?
"The critics are going to come after me … I can't write for women, all this nonsense," the Yellowstone creator said while guest appearing on The Bill Simmons Podcast, according to Page Six.
Sheridan then went further. "The critics and me — I don't care what they think, and it annoys the shit out of them that I don't care," he said. "I'll be the first to tell you that there are things that I do that rage-bait them a bit, and this is one of them. Fuck 'em, honestly."
The comments followed scrutiny of how he used Demi Moore on Landman, one of several hits that have made Sheridan one of television's most bankable creators.
Why Did Sheridan Eviscerate Studio Executives?
The Landman screenwriter — who reportedly clashed with Paramount's leadership before leaving the studio and signing with NBCUniversal — did not hold back when discussing executives who criticize his process.
"By the way, the studio executives and the network executives — these are marketing executives, for the most part. Or maybe they studied law or whatever," he argued. "Then they came, got a job in the mailroom at CAA or WME, and hated that shit. So then they ended up as an intern at some network."
"Then, through attrition, they find themselves the head of development. Well, what do you know about developing story? You know nothing. So they get terrified, panicked that the audience won't get it because they actually have no storytellers."
Does Sheridan Want Emmys or Awards Recognition?
Sheridan's shows have largely been shut out by the Emmys and Golden Globes, with the exception of Yellowstone star Kevin Costner winning a Golden Globe for his role as John Dutton in 2023.
On the podcast, Sheridan said trophies were never the point. "You're not going to win no Emmys with me, but I'm not trying to win Emmys," he said. "My goal is to sit somebody on their couch and move them, make them think, make them laugh, scare the shit out of them, excite them."
Sheridan, 56, has built an empire spanning Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and ensemble casts including Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone, Helen Mirren, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell.
Will Taylor Sheridan Ever Move Back to Hollywood?
Elsewhere in the interview, Sheridan — who lives on a ranch in Texas with his wife, actress Nicole Muirbrook, and son Gus, 16 — proclaimed he will never return to Hollywood.
"The only way you're getting me back to Los Angeles is if it secedes from the union and I'm drafted into the Army to take it back," he said bluntly.
He contrasted California with New York. "I love New York. That city's way, way stronger than whatever political wind is blowing it in any direction, right? Whereas LA is built on sand."
The Mayor of Kingstown creator also reminisced about an era "when Steve McQueen was a movie star at Paramount and Bobby Evans ran the studios," claiming writers and directors were once "turned completely loose" without endless rewrites or tone meetings.