The Madison Cast, Episodes, and Everything to Know About Taylor Sheridan's New Series — March 15, 2026
The Madison landed on Paramount+ just yesterday, and the response is already loud. Taylor Sheridan's newest drama stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell in what the creator himself calls his most intimate work to date. Here is the full breakdown of The Madison cast, episodes, plot, and what critics are saying right now.
What Is The Madison? Taylor Sheridan's New Series Explained
The Madison is a neo-Western television series created by Taylor Sheridan for Paramount+. The series follows the Clyburn family, originally from New York City, who relocate to the Madison River valley of southwest Montana for emotional recovery following a major life-changing tragedy that permanently changes the family.
Paramount+ describes the series as a "profound love story channeled through a deeply personal family drama about resilience and transformation," unfolding across two distinct worlds — the beautiful landscape of Montana and the vibrant energy of Manhattan — as it examines the ties that bind families together.
Despite early marketing, The Madison is not a Yellowstone spinoff. It is an original new drama. The show's central family, the Clyburns, are not connected to the Duttons or the Dutton family tree.
The Madison Episodes — Release Schedule on Paramount+
The six-episode first season of The Madison premiered with the first three episodes on March 14, 2026. The remaining three episodes are scheduled to be released on March 21, 2026.
| Episodes | Release Date | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes 1–3 | March 14, 2026 | Paramount+ |
| Episodes 4–6 | March 21, 2026 | Paramount+ |
Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers: the ad-supported Essential plan at $8.99 per month, or the ad-free Premium plan at $13.99 per month, which also includes live access to your local CBS station and full access to Showtime.
The Madison Cast — Every Character and Actor
Michelle Pfeiffer plays Stacy Clyburn, a formidable NYC matriarch and mother of Paige and Abigail. Kurt Russell plays Preston Clyburn, Stacy's husband and patriarch of the family. Patrick J. Adams plays Russell McIntosh, an investment banker and husband of Paige who has followed the life path set out for him from the start. Elle Chapman plays Paige McIntosh, the somewhat self-centered New Yorker wife of Russell. Beau Garrett plays Abigail Reese, a sardonic New Yorker, Stacy's daughter, and a divorced mother of two.
Amiah Miller plays Bridgette Reese, Abigail's older daughter and Stacy and Preston's oldest grandchild. Alaina Pollack plays Macy Reese, Abigail's younger daughter. Ben Schnetzer plays Van Davis, the sheriff of the Madison River valley. Kevin Zegers plays Cade Harris, Stacy and Preston's neighbor. Rebecca Spence plays Liliana Weeks, a close friend of Stacy's from New York. Matthew Fox plays Paul Clyburn. Will Arnett plays Dr. Phil Yorn.
Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell — The Real Story Behind the Casting
When Michelle Pfeiffer was first approached about starring in The Madison, Taylor Sheridan provided her with only loose details and no pages on paper. "I was going to have to, sight unseen, commit or not. It was a big leap of faith," Pfeiffer said. Before committing, she reached out to Helen Mirren, who starred in Sheridan's 1923, and Mirren told her the scripts were perfect and production was perfect.
Kurt Russell had not been cast when filming began. Pfeiffer said other names were being considered, but when Russell's name came up, her reaction was immediate: "That's it, that is Preston. It has to be Kurt." The two actors previously worked together on the 1988 film Tequila Sunrise, making The Madison their reunion nearly four decades later.
The Madison Season 2 — Already Filmed
Ahead of the series premiere, The Madison was renewed for a second season in August 2025. Kurt Russell confirmed the show filmed two seasons back to back, explaining that Pfeiffer and Sheridan approached Paramount+ early and arranged to include Russell's material from the start rather than waiting. The second season began filming in September 2025 and wrapped in December 2025.
For Season 2, Pfeiffer promises a surprising amount of laughs and comedic relief, while Russell says the follow-up is "more painful, because of the sweetness that exists that you're now beginning to fully just accept."
The Madison Reviews — What Critics Are Saying Right Now
Critics broadly agree the series contains two competing shows. The version driven by Pfeiffer's steely resolve, Kurt Russell's folksy charm, and endless Montana sunsets peaks in the fourth and fifth episodes and represents some of the richest, most mature writing Sheridan has ever produced for television.
The series has interesting themes and a powerhouse performance from Michelle Pfeiffer, though critics note it relies more on stunning landscape shots and dramatic music than dynamic dialogue. The supporting characters are considered underdeveloped in the early episodes.
Emmy nominee Christina Alexandra Voros, who previously directed 1883, directs all six episodes of the debut season. Early audience reactions on social media are warmer than the critical consensus, with viewers already predicting Emmy nominations for both Pfeiffer and Russell.
