If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Paramount+ lately, you’ve probably seen the thumbnail for MobLand. It’s got that specific, gritty, sun-bleached look. The kind of aesthetic that screams "modern Western noir." Naturally, because Taylor Sheridan basically owns that entire genre right now, the internet has collectively decided he must be the guy behind it.
But here’s the thing: he isn’t.
Honestly, it’s an easy mistake to make. We live in a world where if a show features a gravelly-voiced patriarch, a sprawling family empire, or a sheriff staring wistfully at a sunset in a rural town, Sheridan’s name is usually attached to it. However, MobLand—the 2025 series starring Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan—actually belongs to a completely different creative stable.
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The Confusion Around MobLand and Taylor Sheridan
The confusion basically stems from a "perfect storm" of branding. First off, MobLand (the TV series) lives on Paramount+. That’s Sheridan’s home turf. He’s the architect of the Yellowstone universe, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Landman. When a high-octane crime drama drops on that specific platform, our brains just auto-fill his name into the credits.
Then there’s the cast. Helen Mirren is the matriarch of the Harrigan crime family in MobLand. Sound familiar? It should. She just finished a legendary run as Cara Dutton in Sheridan’s 1923. Seeing her go from a 1920s Montana ranch to a modern London crime syndicate feels like a lateral move in the same cinematic universe.
But wait, there's more. The show is executive produced by David Glasser and 101 Studios. If you look at the back of any Yellowstone DVD or the opening credits of Lioness, you’ll see 101 Studios everywhere. They are Sheridan’s primary production partners. So, while Taylor himself didn't write a single word of the MobLand script, the "vibe" and the business machinery behind it are virtually identical.
Who actually made MobLand?
If it’s not Sheridan, then who’s running the show? The 2025 series is actually a Guy Ritchie-led project. Specifically, it was created by Ronan Bennett—the mastermind behind Top Boy—and scripted alongside Jez Butterworth.
Ritchie directed the first few episodes, bringing that signature kinetic energy he’s known for in movies like The Gentlemen and Snatch. It’s a different flavor of grit. Where Sheridan usually focuses on the "frontier" and the struggle for land, Ritchie and Bennett are focusing on the "fixer" and the mechanics of a multi-generational mob family.
Interestingly, there was also a 2023 movie also titled Mob Land (originally called American Metal). That one was written and directed by Nicholas Maggio and starred John Travolta. People often get the 2023 movie and the 2025 series mixed up, further muddying the waters of who is responsible for what.
Why the "Sheridan-esque" label stuck
You’ve probably noticed that "Sheridan-esque" has become a legitimate shorthand for a certain type of TV. MobLand fits the bill perfectly because of its themes:
- Legacy at all costs: The Harrigan family is obsessed with survival, much like the Duttons.
- The "Old World" vs. The New: There’s a constant friction between traditional criminal "honor" and the cold, corporate reality of modern cartels.
- Matriarchal Power: Helen Mirren’s Maeve Harrigan is essentially a more ruthless, urban version of the characters Sheridan writes for powerful women.
The series actually broke records on Paramount+, overtaking Sheridan’s own Landman for the biggest global launch in the platform's history. That’s a massive deal. For years, Taylor Sheridan was the undisputed king of the streamer. Seeing a Guy Ritchie project take the crown using a very similar playbook is a fascinating shift in the streaming wars.
What's actually going on with Taylor Sheridan in 2026?
If he’s not doing MobLand, what is he doing? Well, he’s busy. Like, "needs-a-clone" busy.
As of early 2026, Sheridan is knee-deep in Y: Marshals, a Yellowstone spin-off airing on CBS starring Luke Grimes. He’s also juggling the transition of his overall deal. While he’s been the face of Paramount for half a decade, he recently signed a massive five-year deal with NBCUniversal. That move is going to shake up the industry because it means the "Sheridan brand" might eventually leave the mountain (Paramount) and head to Peacock.
The Verdict: Should you watch MobLand if you like Yellowstone?
Absolutely. Even though Taylor Sheridan didn't write it, MobLand is tailor-made for his audience. It’s got the high stakes, the prestige acting, and that specific brand of "dad-core" intensity that makes for a perfect weekend binge.
Just don't go in expecting a secret cameo from John Dutton. This is a London-based gangland war, not a Montana ranch dispute.
How to tell the difference next time
- Check the Credits: Look for Ronan Bennett or Guy Ritchie.
- Listen to the Accents: If they’re swapping "Yes, sir" for "Right then, bruv," it’s probably Ritchie.
- The Intro Music: MobLand uses a track by Fontaines D.C. called "Starburster." It’s much punchier and more "indie-rock" than the sweeping orchestral themes Sheridan favors.
Next Steps for You:
If you’re looking to dive into the MobLand universe, start with the 2025 TV series on Paramount+ first. It’s a much more cohesive experience than the 2023 standalone film. Once you’ve finished Season 1, you can circle back to Taylor Sheridan’s actual 2026 project, Marshals, to see how the "Master of the Western" is handling network television.