Taylor Sheridan has built a television empire on stories of power, survival, and the rugged American spirit. Whether it's the dusty plains of Montana or the dangerous oil fields of West Texas, his shows often blend intense drama with bursts of violence. But not all of his series are created equal when it comes to action. Some lean heavily into shootouts and brawls, while others prioritize character development and emotional depth. We've ranked all 11 Taylor Sheridan shows (excluding the reality competition The Road) by their action quotient, from the gentlest to the most explosive.
11. 'The Madison' (2026–Present)
This upcoming series takes a different approach from Sheridan's usual fare. The Madison follows the Clyburn family as they relocate from New York City to Montana's Madison River Valley after a tragic plane crash. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy, the show focuses on grief and family dynamics rather than gunfights. The action here is emotional, not physical—a slow-burn exploration of loss that may surprise Yellowstone fans expecting high-octane drama.
10. 'Landman' (2024–Present)
Set in the West Texas oil fields, Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a company executive caught between corporate greed and the dangers of the rig. While there are moments of violence—especially when drug cartels enter the picture—most of the conflict plays out in boardrooms. The real battles are over contracts, blame, and survival in a cutthroat industry.
9. '1883' (2021–2022)
As the origin story of the Dutton family, 1883 is less about confrontations with outlaws and more about the brutal journey across the Oregon Trail. The Dutton ancestors face nature's wrath—disease, exhaustion, and the elements—as their primary enemies. Occasional bandit attacks add tension, but the show's heart lies in its raw depiction of survival.
8. '1923' (2022–2025)
This historical epic follows Jacob and Cara Dutton (Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren) as they fight to preserve their ranch during a harsh winter. While Montana sees some skirmishes, the most intense action unfolds in Africa, where Spencer Dutton battles wild animals like lions and elephants. The show's action is visceral and primal, but it's spread across a sprawling narrative. For more on why this prequel stands out, check out Why 1923 Stands as Taylor Sheridan's Finest Yellowstone Prequel.
7. 'Dutton Ranch' (2026–Present)
Picking up after the Yellowstone finale, this spin-off follows Beth and Rip Dutton as they start anew in South Texas. The action heats up when local ranchers resist their arrival, leading to territorial disputes and simmering tensions. It's a classic Sheridan setup—land, power, and the threat of violence just beneath the surface.
6. '6666' (2026–Present)
Set on the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, this series explores the lives of cowboys and ranchers in a modern setting. The action is grounded in the daily dangers of ranch work—breaking horses, managing livestock, and dealing with harsh weather. While not as explosive as other Sheridan shows, it delivers a steady dose of rugged realism. Learn more about its potential in How Taylor Sheridan's '6666' Could Reinvent the Modern TV Western.
5. 'Yellowstone' (2018–2024)
The flagship series that started it all, Yellowstone balances family drama with frequent violence. The Duttons face off against land developers, Native American tribes, and rival ranchers, leading to shootouts, brawls, and betrayals. Kevin Costner's John Dutton is a patriarch who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, and the show delivers consistent action throughout its run.
4. 'Tulsa King' (2022–Present)
Sylvester Stallone stars as Dwight Manfredi, a mafia capo who builds a new criminal empire in Oklahoma. This series blends mob violence with fish-out-of-water comedy, featuring beatdowns, car chases, and tense standoffs. The action is more urban and gritty than Sheridan's Westerns, but it's no less thrilling.
3. 'Lioness' (2023–Present)
Based on a real CIA program, Lioness follows a female Marine recruited to befriend the daughter of a terrorist leader. The show is packed with covert ops, firefights, and high-stakes espionage. Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman lead a cast that delivers some of Sheridan's most intense action sequences. For a deeper dive, read Taylor Sheridan's 'Lioness' Is the Underrated Spy Thriller You Need to Watch on Paramount+.
2. 'Mayor of Kingstown' (2021–Present)
Set in a town where the prison system is the only industry, Mayor of Kingstown is a brutal exploration of power and corruption. Jeremy Renner's Mike McLusky navigates riots, gang wars, and prison breaks, with violence erupting in nearly every episode. The show doesn't shy away from graphic depictions of brutality, making it one of Sheridan's most action-heavy series.
1. 'Marshals' (2025–Present)
Topping our list is Marshals, a high-octane series following U.S. Marshals as they track down the most dangerous fugitives in the country. With car chases, shootouts, and tactical raids, this show is pure adrenaline from start to finish. It has already dominated streaming charts and proven that Sheridan can deliver nonstop action without sacrificing story. For more on its success, see Taylor Sheridan's 'Marshals' Defies Critics, Dominates Paramount+ Global Charts Ahead of Season 2.
From the quiet grief of The Madison to the explosive manhunts of Marshals, Taylor Sheridan's shows offer something for every action fan. Whether you prefer slow-burn drama or relentless thrills, his universe has you covered.
