Lawsuit Claims Taylor Sheridan Stole 'Yellowstone' Idea from Writer Lauren J. Salkin

Will SayreSun, August 23, 2026 at 5:50 AM UTC

0

Ever watch something on TV and swear that you came up with the idea first?

TMZ recently reported on a lawsuit tied to the western streaming series that started them all: Yellowstone.

According to the tabloid, Taylor Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal are all being sued in federal court by entertainment journalist and TV writer Lauren J. Salkin, who claims she came up with the hit series’ concept and that they stole her idea.

TMZ also took to Instagram on Friday, August 21 to report its exclusive on the suit. See below.

Advertisement

Fans and social media users in general have since flooded the post’s comments section to share their thoughts on the complaints, with some coming to Sheridan’s defense. “Anyone who has ever listened to Taylor speak on long form podcasts knows this man is the creator of all things he does,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “Seen almost all his shows, imma say she’s going to need an insane amount of evidence to prove that case cause you can tell a show is his. He’s on a generational run right now with his shows. He can’t miss.”

Other users expressed reservations at the reported lawsuit, given the timing. “5 seasons later 🙄,” one person commented, while someone else wrote, “What took her so long to file a lawsuit??”

Then there were a number of comments that seem on board with the fact that Sheridan, 56, may have drawn a little too much inspiration from other projects. “He left Sons of Anarchy and completely it and added horses instead of motorcycles. So there’s that,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “Yellowstone stole their idea from Bonanza anyway. It’s a modern day Bonanza.”

Per TMZ, Salkin claims that in 2016 and 2017 she submitted a pilot script and additional materials for a show titled “Sovereign Nation” to Sheridan’s production company — and has proof that her materials were reviewed.

This story was originally published by Parade on Aug 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”