Matthew McConaughey’s upcoming TV series isn’t a Yellowstone spinoff; it’s something better. Following Yellowstone’s ending, Taylor Sheridan has been actively developing several spinoff shows. This includes a sequel surrounding Beth and Rip, and a new show called The Madison.
Two Yellowstone sequels will premiere in 2026, and while McConaughey was rumored to be joining one for a while, he won’t be a part of either, or anything else that’s in the works. The Oscar winner is, however, planning to star in a new series from Nic Pizzolatto, the writer behind True Detective.
Matthew McConaughey’s New Show From True Detective Creator Is More Exciting Than A Yellowstone Spinoff
Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle with a cigarette in his mouth in True Detective season 1
The idea of Matthew McConaughey in the Yellowstone franchise is definitely exciting. He’s the perfect actor for Taylor Sheridan’s writing and is one of the few stars of the caliber to rival, or possibly even surpass, what Kevin Costner did with John Dutton. However, in terms of McConaughey’s career, he’s never been better than he was on True Detective.
We have no idea what Nic Pizzolatto’s new show is going to be, but I’d put my money on McConaughey re-teaming with the man who wrote True Detective season 1 in any situation. Even the second and third True Detective seasons, though flawed, are fun television in their own right. Regardless, Pizzolatto knows how to write for McConaughey.
My issue with Taylor Sheridan is that, despite him being a great writer, his shows often begin to feel redundant. Individually, Yellowstone found its stride in seasons 2 and 3, but many of the conflicts were repeated, making the final seasons barely memorable. Even across his other shows, the formula and writing tendencies are glaringly notable.
For a guy writing five shows a year all by himself, I’m willing to cut him some slack. His writing is, at its worst, still entertaining television. I would just find it more exciting to see McConaughey in a prestige, original series, rather than the lead in a spinoff to a franchise where the flagship show ended on such a low note.
Matthew McConaughey & Cole Hauser Will Star As Brothers In The Series
Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler wearing sunglasses and cowboy hat looking off into the distance in Yellowstone
Those who wanted to see McConaughey in a Yellowstone show are getting the next best thing, as he’ll be joined in his new project by Rip Wheeler actor Cole Hauser. The two are set to play brothers in the show, which is currently planned for a streaming release on Netflix.
Matthew McConaughey and Cole Hauser actually worked together on the former’s first film, way back in 1995. The two actors were both among the ensemble of Dazed & Confused, meaning the upcoming series not only has True Detective and Yellowstone ties, but also a connection to a classic, acclaimed film.
7/10
Release Date
2018 – 2024
Network
Paramount Network
Showrunner
Taylor Sheridan
Directors
Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan, Christina Alexandra Voros, Guy Ferland, John Dahl
Writers
John Coveny, Ian McCulloch