Taylor Sheridan is diversifying his television portfolio by moving away from the ranch-based drama of Yellowstone toward the urban crime-comedy landscape of Tulsa, Oklahoma. His latest series, The Lowdown, has already garnered significant critical praise for its neo-noir approach and star-studded ensemble.

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Trading the Yellowstone frontier for Tulsa crime

Sheridan's brand has long been synonymous with the rugged, pioneering territory of the Yellowstone saga and its associated projects like Dutton Ranch and Marshals. However, as the report indicates, the creator is now branching into different cultural landscapes to expand his reach.

This stylistic shift follows the groundwork laid by Tulsa King, the Sylvester Stallone-led thriller that established a foothold in Oklahoma. While Tulsa King focused on an ex-mob veteran reshaping a city, The Lowdown represents a pivot toward a more comedic, cynical brand of neo-noir that challenges the traditional grit of Sheridan's previous frontier-focused work.

Ethan Hawke’s 'truth-storian' leads a 99-percent rated cast

The Lowdown, created by Sterlin Harjo, centers on the character of Lee Raybon, a conspiracy theorist played by Ethan Hawke. According to the source, Raybon's investigation into suspicious local deaths provides a blend of humor and suspense that has resonated deeply with viewers.

The series has achieved a remarkable 99-percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of February 2025. This critical success is bolstered by a massive ensemble that includes:

  • Tommy Lee Jones
  • Peter Dinklage
  • Betty Gilpin
  • Keith David
  • Jeanne Tripplehorn
  • Macon Blair
  • Tim Blake Nelson
  • While reviewers of Tulsa King often highlighted its outrageous characters, the report notes that The Lowdown has outshone its predecessor in terms of its perceived "humanity."

    The Season 2 arrival of Austin Amelio and Christopher Mintz-Plasse

    The momentum for the series appears to be increasing as it moves into its second season. The report notes that the show has become even more effective due to the addition of new cast members, specifically Austin Amelio and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

    This expansion of the cast suggests that the production is looking to deepen the complexity of the Tulsa-based universe. By adding these performers, the series aims to maintain the richness and depth that have kept audiences engaged with Raybon's investigation.

    The uncertain status of the 1940s prequel 1944

    Despite the current success of the Tulsa-based projects, some parts of the Sheridan empire remain in a state of flux. The source mentions that a highly anticipated prequel set in the 1940s, titled 1944, is reportedly "back on the drawing board."

    It remains unclear how the development of 1944 might impact the production schedule of existing hits like Yellowstone. furthermore, there are unverified details regarding the show's format, specifically concerning a "fictional recurring character stash of names" mentioned in the report,which leaves questions about how the production intends to utilize its cast in future episodes.