There is something that definitely feels deliberate about the way the Emmys keep snubbing showrunner Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone and executive producer of numerous spinoffs (1883, 1923, Marshalls, and Dutton Ranch) and other shows (Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Lioness, Landman, and The Madison). Since the premiere of Yellowstone in 2018 (Sheridan’s first series), the hundreds of episodes of television he’s produced have received a grand total of 10 Emmy nominations, listed below:
- 1883: Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie – 2022 (Episode: “1883”)
- 1883: Outstanding Cinematography For A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie – 2022 (Episode: “Lightning Yellow Hair”)
- 1883: Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score) – 2022
- Tulsa King: Outstanding Stunt Coordination For A Comedy Series Or Variety Program – 2023
- Lawmen: Bass Reeves: Outstanding Music Composition For A Limited Or Anthology Series, Movie Or Special (Original Dramatic Score) – 2024
- 1923: Outstanding Period Costumes – 2025
- 1923: Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More) – 2025
- Tulsa King: Outstanding Stunt Coordination For Comedy Programming – 2025
- Lioness: Outstanding Stunt Coordination For Drama Programming – 2025
- Tulsa King: Outstanding Stunt Coordination For Comedy Programming – 2026
As you can see, none of the above nominations — yes, only nominations, not a single win amongst them — were for major categories. There has not, in eight years of TV dominance, been a reason for Sheridan to don his finest cowboy wear for the main Emmys ceremony. (Below-the-line awards like these are awarded during the earlier Creative Arts Awards ceremony.)
Considering the sheer mass of television Sheridan has produced for Paramount and its various platforms, it might be seen as a bit surprising that so many of his series have gone unrecognized — especially considering the roster of acclaimed actors who have starred in them, including Kevin Costner, Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Kidman, Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, and more.
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Just this year, 2026’s The Madison premiered in March — a choice premiere date for shows hoping for Emmys, with Michelle Pfeiffer starring. TV Academy voters clearly don’t hate Pfeiffer, as they did nominate her for her supporting role in this year’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles. But the Paramount+ series (which also starred Kurt Russell) went ignored.
The cause for this level of snubbing has two potential causes, one being that Sheridan has always been vocal about not wanting to be a part of the Hollywood system; just a few weeks ago, he went on a tirade about his lack of respect for TV executives and critics. Critics don’t vote for the Emmys, but TV executives do.
Speaking of critics, there’s another factor: The shows we’re talking about here, while watched by a large audience, are not exactly critically acclaimed. Popularity and quality are not exclusive concepts, but in this case one doesn’t seem to make up for the other.
In 2028, this will stop being Paramount’s problem, as Sheridan is leaving his original studio for a lucrative new deal with NBC Universal. In the meantime, maybe the 2026 Tulsa King nomination will break this losing streak… Presuming it can beat out Beef. (A subject about which Sheridan knows a lot.)
