Taylor Sheridan's new family drama series, "The Madison," has premiered on Paramount+. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, the series focuses on a New York socialite family in Montana and explores themes of grief and human connection. The first season consists of six episodes, with production for a second season already concluded.
Series Overview
"The Madison" premiered on March 14 and is currently streaming on Paramount+. The final three episodes of its first season are scheduled for release.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, "The Madison" is a family drama centered on the Clyburn family, with settings in both New York City and Montana's Madison River valley.
The narrative examines themes of grief and human connection, following a New York socialite family as they confront tragedy in Montana. The series was originally conceived as part of the "Yellowstone" universe.
Cast and Production
The primary cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, with Russell portraying Pfeiffer's husband, Preston. Additional cast members feature Beau Garrett, Elle Chapman, Patrick J. Adams, Amiah Miller, Alaina Pollack, Ben Schnetzer, Kevin Zegers, Rebecca Spence, Danielle Vasinova, and Matthew Fox.
"The Madison" is produced by Paramount Television Studios, 101 Studios, and Bosque Ranch Productions. Executive producers include Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, John Linson, Art Linson, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Voros, Michael Friedman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, and Keith Cox.
Production for a second season of "The Madison" has already concluded. Filming for this installment began in September at a production campus in Fort Worth, Texas. It is anticipated that the second installment will be released as a full second season, with a possibility of it being designated as Part 2 of Season 1.
Actor Perspectives
Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell discussed their roles and collaboration on the series. Pfeiffer committed to the series with limited script details, having consulted Helen Mirren, who reported a positive experience working on Sheridan's "1923."
Russell was cast later, encountering initial scheduling conflicts with his work on "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters." He stated:
"I found the scripts compelling and relatable, influencing my decision to join."
"The Madison" marks the first collaboration between Pfeiffer and Russell since their 1988 film "Tequila Sunrise." Due to casting and scheduling considerations, many of their Season 1 scenes were filmed separately. Their only joint scene for the first season was shot during the production of Season 2. Both actors noted that their long-term personal relationships with their partners, David E. Kelley and Goldie Hawn, provided a foundation for understanding their characters. Russell also stated that Sheridan specifically wrote the roles with both Pfeiffer and him in mind.
Future Outlook
Regarding Season 2, Pfeiffer stated:
"I expect a surprising amount of laughs and comical relief."
Russell characterized the second season as:
"More painful, because of the sweetness, that exists that you’re now beginning to fully just accept."
Pfeiffer further indicated that Season 2 explores a "more raw" and deeper experience of grief. Russell also stated that a "Yellowstone" crossover is considered a strong possibility for the future.