What To Know
- TV writer Lauren J. Salkin named Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan in a federal lawsuit.
- Salkin alleges significant similarities between her script and Yellowstone and is suing for copyright infringement and damages.
- Taylor Sheridan has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan was just named in a lawsuit by a TV writer who claimed the show was her idea.
On Friday, August 21, Lauren J. Salkin filed a federal lawsuit in California against multiple parties, TMZ reported. Salkin claimed that in 2016 and 2017, she submitted a pilot script, among other materials, for a series called Sovereign Nation to Sheridan’s production company.
In the filing, she explained that she knew Elevate Entertainment received the script because it sent her a note in response that read, “Taylor thanks you very much for your interest. Unfortunately, he’s unavailable for TV projects.” Paramount then greenlit Yellowstone just months later.
Salkin alleged that there are many similarities between the series and her pitch, including characters, the overall tone of the show, and plot points, including war over the land. As a result, she is suing for copyright infringement and seeking an injunction. Salkin is also seeking damages, including Yellowstone profits.
As of writing, Sheridan has not released a statement about the lawsuit. TV Insider reached out to Elevate Entertainment for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Yellowstone aired for five seasons from 2018 to 2024. It starred Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Gil Birmingham, Forrie J. Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen Mo Brings Plenty, Jake Ream, Ryan Bingham, Jen Landon, and Wendy Moniz, among others.
The series has inspired several spin-offs, including 1883, 1923, Marshals, and Dutton Ranch. 6666 was another Yellowstone-inspired show that was in the works; however, Sheridan canceled it before it started. And although The Madison was originally supposed to be a Yellowstone spin-off, it became a standalone drama series unrelated to the Dutton family.
Yellowstone, streaming on Peacock and Philo