Taylor Sheridan was ready to walk away from Hollywood after Yellowstone — until a massive Texas ranch gave him a very expensive reason to keep working.
The 56-year-old writer and director recently opened up about his plans to retire and how purchasing the historic 6666 Ranch, also known as the Four Sixes Ranch, ultimately led him back to the negotiating table with Paramount.
Sheridan discussed the unexpected career turn during an episode of the Rodeo Time podcast.
Sheridan Thought He Was Done With Hollywood
After the success of Yellowstone, Sheridan believed he had accomplished everything he wanted to in the entertainment industry.
At the time, he had already purchased a 600-acre property in Weatherford, Texas, where he planned to spend his retirement.
“I was set up to retire. I was going to be done after Yellowstone. I'd bought the ranch in Weatherford, and I paid cash. I didn't owe anybody anything,” he said.
Sheridan envisioned a quieter life focused on horses and raising cattle.
“And I was going to put my feet up and show horses and have my little hobby herd over here and that was it,” he added.
Then the Four Sixes Ranch Came Up for Sale
Sheridan's plans changed in 2021 when the opportunity to purchase the legendary 6666 Ranch emerged.
The sprawling 266,000-acre property, which was featured prominently in the fourth season of Yellowstone, had remained in the same family's hands for more than 150 years.
© Cindy OrdThe massive Texas ranch is nearly twice the size of Chicago and came with an equally massive price tag: $330 million.
Sheridan knew purchasing the property would make retirement impossible for the foreseeable future.
“I knew that if I bought this ranch that I was not going to be quitting my day job for a while,” he admitted.
The $330 Million Price Tag Sent Him Back to Paramount
There was just one problem: Sheridan didn't have $330 million sitting around to purchase the ranch outright.
“I said, ‘Well, boys, I'm a little short. I don't have, in fact, I'm about 300 million short,’” he recalled.
The financial hurdle prompted Sheridan to revisit an offer from Paramount that he had previously turned down.
According to Sheridan, the company had been pushing him for years to sign an overall exclusive deal because executives were concerned he could take his talents to another studio.
“They were terrified that I was going to go to greener pastures and leave them and go somewhere else, which I probably was,” he said.
Sheridan had repeatedly declined the company's offers. But the ranch changed his mind.
Sheridan Finally Had a Number in Mind
After deciding to pursue the property, Sheridan called Paramount and told executives he was ready to negotiate an overall deal.
“But once this happened, I called them and I said, ‘You know what? I think I'm ready to make an overall deal,’” he recalled.
When Paramount asked whether he had a figure in mind, Sheridan knew exactly what he needed.
“They said, ‘That's great. Do you have a number in mind?’ And I said, ‘Why, yes, I do. I sure do.’”
Sheridan ultimately led a group of investors in purchasing the Four Sixes Ranch, with the deal officially closing in January 2022.
Paramount Has Gotten Plenty in Return
The deal has proved to be a major win for Paramount, with Sheridan remaining one of the company's most prolific creators.
Since signing his deal, he has developed a string of successful shows, including Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, Landman, Tulsa King and The Madison.
He has also expanded the Yellowstone universe with hit prequels 1883 and 1923.
So while Sheridan may have once imagined trading Hollywood for a quiet life on his Texas property, the purchase of the Four Sixes Ranch appears to have kept the TV powerhouse busier than ever.
