Taylor Sheridan Says He’s ‘Not Trying to Win Emmys’ and Doesn’t Care What Critics Think

In a recent episode of *The Bill Simmons Podcast*, acclaimed showrunner Taylor Sheridan provided insights into his approach to television crafting and his opinions on industry dynamics, particularly regarding studio executives and critics. Speaking candidly during his appearance on June 28, Sheridan articulated his vision for storytelling, emphasizing emotional engagement over awards and accolades.

Sheridan, known for creating the *Yellowstone* franchise, made it clear that his ambitions do not revolve around winning Emmy awards, stating, “You’re not going to win no Emmys with me, but I’m not trying to win Emmys.” Instead, he aspires to evoke genuine emotions in viewers—whether it be laughter, excitement, or even fear. “My goal is to sit somebody on their couch and move them,” he explained to Simmons, underscoring the importance of storytelling that connects with the audience on a deeper level.

Reflecting on the state of contemporary television, Sheridan expressed strong criticisms of the executives that now populate Hollywood’s studio landscape. He claimed these individuals often lack a fundamental understanding of storytelling. He attributed this phenomenon to a shift in the industry, where many executives have arrived at their positions without any prior experience in creative writing, often coming from backgrounds where they were unhappy in their roles. “Well, what do you know about developing story? You know nothing,” he stated, highlighting a disconnect that he believes is prevalent among today’s network leaders.

Sheridan elaborated on how actual storytelling has been undermined by these executives. He described a climate of fear that leads them to excessively micromanage creative processes, which ultimately stifles innovation. “They’re going to try to control every element of that,” he cautioned, outlining the pervasive influence that studio executives wield over script production and development in the industry.

When Sheridan entered into a deal with Paramount, he noted that he took a decidedly different approach. He rejected the concept of collaborative committee-style decision-making, stating unequivocally, “This is not a democracy. There’s no committee. You’re going to pay me, and you’re going to give me a bunch of money, and I’m going to deliver you these shows.” This straightforwardness, he believes, has contributed to his rising prominence as one of Paramount’s leading creators, helming not only *Yellowstone* but also upcoming series like *Landman*, *Lioness*, and *Tulsa King*.

Sheridan’s narrative style is rooted in authenticity, aimed at addressing the experiences of ‘common’ individuals. “I’m pretty common, and I’m going to tell stories that common people are going to understand,” he asserted, aligning his creative vision with those of the majority of the American populace.

In another notable section of the podcast, Sheridan addressed the negative feedback he sometimes receives from television critics. His decision to cast Demi Moore in a relatively minor role in the first season of *Landman* drew scrutiny, particularly from critics who felt her talents were underutilised. Sheridan acknowledged that he anticipated this backlash, stating, “The critics are going to come after me… all this nonsense,” before revealing a surprising plot twist that would engage viewers and refocus their attention on the story.

His dismissal of critical opinions extended further, with Sheridan candidly admitting that he has little regard for their feedback. “F— ‘em, honestly,” he declared, revealing his intention to challenge critics and push boundaries rather than conforming to industry expectations. “I’ll be the first to tell you that there are things that I do that rage bait them a bit,” he added, reflecting on his bold and sometimes controversial storytelling choices.

Overall, Sheridan’s insights shed light on the complexities of being a show creator in today’s entertainment landscape. His focus on emotional storytelling and his unapologetic stance towards industry norms suggest a commitment to innovation that prioritises audience connection over critical acclaim. As he continues to develop his television empire, viewers can expect narratives that resonate with the ordinary experiences of life, while the industry’s traditional structures may find themselves increasingly at odds with Sheridan’s compelling vision.