Prime Video Greenlights Glen Powell's Calamities, a Gritty New Crime Thriller

It seems like every network wants its own Yellowstone these days, and honestly, who can blame them? Paramount built a dynasty off cattle, family drama, and really nice hats. Now, Prime Video is apparently trying its hand at that gold rush with a show called Calamities. If you detect some shades of Taylor Sheridan’s playbook here, you’re definitely not alone.

The Sheridan-verse: Still the King

For anyone who’s spent the last few years living under a rock (or just not watching TV), Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone more or less took over the TV landscape when it started in 2018. The saga of the Duttons and their Montana ranch has turned into a sprawling franchise for Paramount — there’s the original show, plus multiple prequels, spinoffs, and what I can only assume is a merch line loaded with flannel.

And let’s be honest, it’s not just the horses and the wide-open spaces. The Sheridan-verse has become the sort of mega-brand that other streaming services dream about, driving huge numbers for Paramount+ and Paramount Network and inspiring a wave of imitators desperate to lock down the next great American epic.

Enter Calamities: Prime Video Takes a Swing

Now, Prime Video is stepping into the ring with Calamities (points for on-the-nose titling, I guess?), a series that, while still more rumor than reality at this point, is openly aiming for that Yellowstone energy. There aren’t a lot of official details yet, but the comparisons are already being made — and not exactly quietly.

• Yellowstone kicked off all the cowboy-melodrama mania in 2018, quickly blowing up into a franchise juggernaut.
• Sheridan-verse isn’t just Yellowstone—it's prequels, spinoffs, and arguably a masterclass in turning one idea into a multi-show media empire. Other companies have noticed.
• Calamities is Prime Video’s upcoming pitch into this genre. It’s being talked about as 'Sheridan-esque,' so expect some familiar vibes (and probably lots of dramatic stares at distant mountains).

Why Everyone’s Chasing This Trend

Yellowstone’s success isn’t just about horses and shootouts — it’s a proven audience magnet and a rare non-franchise IP that actually works with adults who don’t care about superheroes. The streaming wars being what they are, everyone’s hoping to catch lightning in a cowboy hat.

Paramount bet big and won, and now Prime is clearly hoping some of that 'family, land, and legacy' magic will rub off if they nail the formula.

'It’s no surprise that other streamers and networks are on the lookout for shows that might carry the same potential, mimicking the tone and genre of the highly successful empire.'

I mean, that’s putting it mildly. Yellowstone is a hit factory, and everyone wants their own.

So, What Now?

Calamities is still early in the game, so there’s no cast, no trailer, and really no hard details yet. But just the whiff of a Yellowstone competitor is enough to get people talking. Whether Prime actually pulls it off, or just ends up with another pale imitation, we’ll have to wait and see.

Until then, keep your eyes open for more networks trying to rustle up some neo-Western gold — this trend isn’t heading for the sunset anytime soon.