Western series overtakes Yellowstone as it shatters ratings records

A ‘touching and beautiful’ Western series has overtaken Yellowstone as it shatters ratings records amid a string of rave reviews and ‘fantastic’ performances.

Neo-Western drama The Madison, created and written by Taylor Sheridan, premiered on Paramount+ on March 14 2026. 

‘A New York family’s life unravels after a tragedy, as they process grief while vacationing in rural Montana, exploring human connection amidst profound sorrow,’ the streamer’s synopsis of The Madison reads.

It stars the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Beau Garrett, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Amiah Miller and Ben Schnetzer. 

The first three episodes landed on March 14, which were then followed by the next three on March 21. 

Those who have watched the new show have rushed online to share their thoughts, and it’s all extremely positive. 

‘Different than every other Taylor Sheridan show but still outstanding! Michelle Pfeiffer is fantastic! 

‘This show deals with grief honestly and it’s addictive. Love this show and I look forward to many more episodes! How does Sheridan do it? 

‘It’s so good and the cast is exceptional… Kurt Russell is perfect in his role. I just wish we would see more of the brother.’

‘So beautiful.’ 

‘The Madison is a quiet but powerful television drama that explores one of the oldest human desires, the search for peace. 

‘Set against the vast, open landscapes of Montana, the series uses the natural world not just as a backdrop but as a central force shaping the lives of its characters.’ 

‘Definitely a breath of fresh air in the current era of so-so TV. 

‘It was supposed to be some kind of spin-off of Yellowstone but I hear now it is just a stand-alone. Michelle Pfeiffer is an amazing actress, always has been. 

‘Everyone in the show are good, Sheridan just knows how to create characters and get the right actors for them. 

‘Can’t wait to see what happens next, the first 3 episodes were amazing. Up all night to finish them once I found they were available. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!’

‘Wow, The Madison is absolutely incredible.’ 

‘This show is beautiful and a great way to show that being out in nature can heal and is more powerful than anything else. 

‘The character Abby I found a bit immature for her age. Which is annoying. And of course there’s a dumb blonde in Taylor’s work but at least it’s called out in the show.

‘It was nice to see spoiled entitlement called out and was glad to see the Cowboy not be used by the character Abby. 

‘I respected him more. Michelle does such a great job in this role.’ 

Fans were left over the moon when it was confirmed that it will be returning to our screens for a second season.

And it has already wrapped filming all because of Kurt Russell’s filming schedule.

Kurt told Entertainment Daily earlier this year: I did the second season of Monarch [Legacy of Monsters], the Apple TV+ show, and unfortunately for me, the timing was when Madison came around.

‘And I said, “There’s just no way to do it,” because I was working on this show.

Michelle Pfeiffer and Taylor were able to get together with the people at Paramount+ and said: “Well, let’s do two seasons instead of just one”.

‘”And then before we start the second season next year, instead of doing that, we will start with Kurt’s stuff. 

‘”We really do want him to play the guy. And we’ll get his first season out of the way first, and jam all that in there, and then go into the second season and do that.” 

‘And so we were able to do that.’

However we will have to wait and find out when that will be airing on our screens.  

Fans have also shared how the want a third series, and it sounds like stars of the show would like to as well.

Talking with The Hollywood Reporter, Michelle Pfeiffer – who plays Stacy Clyburn -said: ‘They’re hoping for season three.’ 

Meanwhile Russell McIntosh star Patrick J. Adams also confessed: ‘I think I speak for everyone when I say we would gladly shoot this show forever.’