Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed creator behind the "Yellowstone" universe, recently shared his candid views on the entertainment industry, taking aim at studio executives and television critics.

Speaking on "The Bill Simmons Podcast" to promote his new book, "How Not to Die in Prison," Sheridan emphasized his commitment to an independent creative vision, distinct from conventional Hollywood practices.

Sheridan asserted that his approach to storytelling deliberately avoids industry shortcuts and focuses on fundamental narrative rules.

He believes many in Hollywood fail to move plots through action, instead relying on "information dumps." This perspective underpins his strategy for shows like "The Madison" and "Landman," both of which are on the Emmy ballot this year.

## On Critics and Creative Control

The writer-director addressed anticipated criticism for his Paramount+ drama "Landman," specifically concerning actress Demi Moore's role.

Sheridan revealed that Moore was informed she would have a limited presence in Season 1 before taking on a central role in Season 2.

He acknowledged this decision would likely draw fire from critics, who he believes would accuse him of underutilizing her or being unable to write for women.

"The critics and me — I don’t care what they think, and it annoys the shit out of them that I don’t care," Sheridan stated, adding, "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.

F— ‘em, honestly."

## Studio Executives and Storytelling

Taylor Sheridan reserved his sharpest remarks for studio and network executives, claiming they "know nothing" about story.

He argued that many executives come from backgrounds in marketing or law and lack genuine storytelling expertise, leading to a fear that audiences "won't get it." This, he believes, results in attempts to control every creative element of a production, demanding character synopses before characters are even introduced.

Sheridan contrasted this with an earlier era of Hollywood, where writers and directors were given more freedom.

He stated that when he signed his deal with Paramount, he made it clear that his productions would not be a "democracy" or run by a committee.

His goal, he explained, is to create stories that resonate with a broad, common audience, rather than chasing awards.

"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, who lives outside Fort Worth, Texas, also expressed his disinterest in returning to Los Angeles, stating he would only do so if drafted into an army to "take it back," highlighting his strong preference for working outside the traditional Hollywood system.