Arielle Kebbel recently shared a surprising detail about her time working on Marshals: A Yellowstone Story. Despite starring in the spin-off, where she plays Belle Skinner, she revealed that she has never met Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the Yellowstone universe. This admission came during an interview with PEOPLE, and it highlights an interesting aspect of how Sheridan operates as a showrunner.

Sheridan, known for creating Yellowstone and its many offshoots, has built a sprawling empire of television series that includes Landman, Tulsa King, Frisco King, and The Madison, a new show starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, set to premiere on May 14. With such a busy slate, it’s no surprise that he isn’t on set for every project he’s involved in. Sheridan is the mastermind behind these worlds, but he often stays behind the scenes, trusting other writers, directors, and producers to manage the day-to-day production of his shows. His role is more focused on world-building and creative oversight, leaving the execution to others.

This approach has led to the growth of Sheridan’s franchise across multiple series, which are united by a similar tone and character-driven storytelling. As a result, Yellowstone and its spin-offs feel like they share the same DNA, even if Sheridan isn’t physically present on each set. For Kebbel, this means that even though Marshals exists within the same universe as Yellowstone, she hasn’t had the opportunity to meet the man responsible for creating that world.

The structure of Sheridan’s production strategy becomes clearer when you look at his full range of projects. He is not just focusing on one series, but rather expanding his creative empire, juggling multiple projects simultaneously. This ambitious strategy has seen him developing and overseeing a range of shows, with The Madison being the latest to hit screens. The star power of Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell in The Madison only adds to the excitement, although the show is set to premiere on Canal+ and U.S. viewers will have to wait for a domestic release. Despite the constant expansion of his shows, Sheridan continues to manage this ever-growing network with the help of a trusted team.

Kebbel’s comments also shine a light on how modern franchises work at scale. It’s not uncommon for creators to take a step back from the daily grind of production once their worlds are established. Sheridan’s leadership model is about setting the rules and giving others the autonomy to bring those rules to life. For instance, Marshals, despite being directly linked to the Yellowstone world, is produced and managed by others within the creative framework Sheridan designed. This allows Sheridan to focus on his broader vision while still producing high-quality content across multiple platforms.

Kebbel’s revelation emphasizes how the success of shows like Yellowstone is a collective effort. Sheridan may be the visionary behind it all, but he relies heavily on his team to execute his vision, sometimes without direct involvement. As Marshals continues to gain popularity on Paramount+ and has already been renewed for a second season, it’s clear that the formula is working. This shows a key dynamic in how big-name creators like Sheridan can produce a vast array of content without being present at every stage of production.

Looking ahead, Sheridan’s expansive vision shows no sign of slowing down. The upcoming premiere of The Madison marks another milestone in his growing television legacy. As for Marshals, it continues to build momentum with its second season already confirmed. Sheridan’s ability to manage multiple shows simultaneously while maintaining a coherent creative direction speaks to his skill in world-building and strategic thinking.

In the ever-expanding Yellowstone universe, the key takeaway from Kebbel’s comments is that even though Taylor Sheridan’s physical presence may be limited, his influence is vast. He’s a creator who shapes the world, then lets others bring it to life. This method has allowed his empire to thrive, as more and more stories are brought to audiences across the globe. While fans may not see Sheridan every time they tune in, his touch is evident in every corner of the Yellowstone franchise.