While Yellowstone has wrapped its epic saga, and 1923 has also concluded, Taylor Sheridan’s television empire is far from finished. The mastermind behind some of modern TV’s most celebrated western dramas is still expanding his universe of interconnected shows, and fans have plenty to look forward to. Most recently, Sheridan has been hard at work filming a brand-new spinoff, Rio Paulo, though he has kept nearly all details under wraps. However, one of his most highly anticipated upcoming projects is The Madison, a series that promises stunning Montana landscapes, rich emotional storytelling, and a cast filled with familiar faces — along with a healthy dose of mystery. Today, we’re diving into everything we know about The Madison so far, from its plot and characters to production updates, casting rumors, and its potential connections to the broader Yellowstone universe.

Even without the continuation of Yellowstone in 1923, Sheridan’s TV portfolio remains thriving. Shows like Why Marshalls, a CBS drama following Casey Dutton, are aiming for a mid-season 2025-26 premiere. Meanwhile, spin-offs like Dutton Ranch, centered on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, are in development, and the 4 Sixes series remains on the horizon. Sheridan’s other hits, such as Landman, continue to perform strongly on Paramount. Despite all this activity in the Yellowstone universe, The Madison has remained relatively quiet, creating an air of intrigue among fans.

The last significant casting news revealed that Ben Schnetzer, known from Why the Last Man, would play a Montana rancher named Van. Prior to that, the project had already announced a star-studded ensemble including Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox, Patrick J. Adams, Bo Garrett, Amaya Miller, and El Chapman. Rumors even suggested Kurt Russell might join the series, though nothing official materialized.

So, what is this talented cast set to do in The Madison? According to Paramount, the show will be a heartfelt exploration of grief, human connection, and self-discovery. The story centers on a wealthy New York City family who relocates to the Madison River Valley in central Montana after a life-altering tragedy. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Stacy, the family matriarch, who is sophisticated, wealthy, and deeply affected by the recent loss of her husband. The narrative primarily follows Stacy’s two daughters: Paige, a self-absorbed socialite living luxuriously with her investment banker husband, Russell, and Abigail, a resilient, recently divorced New Yorker raising two children, including her daughter Bridget.

Matthew Fox, best known for Lost, plays Paul, a self-sufficient bachelor who thrives in the outdoors. Ben Schnetzer’s Van represents one of the few characters native to Montana, embodying the “salt of the earth” rancher archetype. Additional cast members include Kevin Zegers as Cade, Rebecca Spence as Liliana Weekes, Elena Pollock as Macy, and Danielle Vinnova as Kestrel, though much about their roles remains shrouded in secrecy.

Here’s where it gets interesting: while The Madison shares the Montana backdrop with Yellowstone, it does not feature direct connections to the Dutton family or their iconic ranch. Early reports suggested that familiar characters such as Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, or Luke Grimes could appear, and even Matthew McConaughey was rumored to star at one point. As of now, no original Yellowstone characters are confirmed to appear, and McConaughey is not involved.

Christina Alexandra Voros, the series’ director, explains that The Madison offers a fresh perspective on the Montana frontier. While it shares the thematic DNA of Yellowstone, including sweeping landscapes and meditations on humanity’s relationship to nature, the story focuses on outsiders arriving in Montana rather than entrenched ranching dynasties. Still, given Sheridan’s penchant for surprise cameos and crossover moments, it wouldn’t be shocking to see familiar faces from the Yellowstone universe make appearances in the future.

Production began in late summer 2024, with filming taking place in Montana, New York City, and Texas. Shooting wrapped by December, but updates have been sparse since then. Initially slated for a 2025 release, the premiere date now appears uncertain, with some unofficial listings pointing to 2026, though nothing has been officially confirmed. Paramount’s recent investor calls — which often include Sheridan updates — did not mention The Madison, but Sky Showtime has secured European broadcast rights, indicating the project is still moving forward. With Sheridan juggling multiple projects, including Why Marshalls, Dutton Ranch, Landman, and Rio Paulo, The Madison may simply be waiting for the right window, possibly late 2025 or early 2026.

While The Madison may not initially capture attention like some of Sheridan’s other spinoffs, its premise promises a more intimate, character-driven drama. The show explores a grieving New York family navigating life in rural Montana, learning to adapt to local culture, and rediscovering themselves in the process. This slow-burning, emotional storytelling is exactly the type of drama Sheridan excels at. With Michelle Pfeiffer leading a talented cast and Matthew Fox returning to a major TV role, The Madison has the potential to deliver a compelling and deeply human story.

The only remaining question for fans is when they will finally be able to experience it. Expect a teaser trailer soon if the series is set to premiere this year. For those looking to explore more of Taylor Sheridan’s expanding television universe, including Dutton Ranch, Landman, and Rio Paulo, there are plenty of other exciting projects to follow as we await the arrival of The Madison.