David Ellison is spending big to keep talent. But Taylor Sheridan, his most important hitmaker, is leaving for Comcast. Uh oh.

"The big stories in media right now are all about technology and capital - algorithms and balance sheets: What will AI do to the industry? Who is going to own the industry, and where will they get the money to buy it? But on Monday, we have a reminder that human beings who make things are still at the core of media. And that some of them still have enough power to reshape the industry on their own."

"Sheridan's importance wasn't lost on new Paramount owner David Ellison, who signaled internally and publicly that keeping Sheridan was a priority. And given that Ellison has been making a point of spending freely to keep and recruit other franchises - $1.5 billion to stay in business with the "South Park" creators; $7.7 billion to land the UFC; a fortune for The Duffer Brothers, the guys who make "Stranger Things" for Netflix - you'd assume Ellison would do whatever it took to keep Sheridan working for him."

Taylor Sheridan created hit shows including Yellowstone and Landman and remains among the most powerful creators in TV and streaming. Sheridan's shows mix melodrama, violence, and sex with social-critique themes and have generated massive revenue—Yellowstone alone reportedly produced $2.9 billion. Sheridan is reportedly leaving Paramount for Comcast's NBCUniversal after being a central reason for Paramount owner David Ellison's efforts to retain him. Ellison previously paid large sums to secure franchises, including $1.5 billion for South Park creators, $7.7 billion for the UFC, and a substantial deal for the Duffer Brothers. The move underscores that individual creators still drive industry outcomes.

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