Kurt Russell Appears in Every Episode of 'The Madison' Despite Early Death

The actor plays a powerful role in the new Taylor Sheridan drama, even after his character dies in the first episode.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The first three episodes of the new Taylor Sheridan drama series 'The Madison' are now streaming on Paramount+, and some fans are upset over the fate of Kurt Russell's character. While Russell's character Preston Clyburn dies in a plane crash just 25 minutes into the first episode, he continues to appear in each subsequent episode through flashbacks as his family grapples with the loss.

Why it matters

The unexpected death of Russell's character in the opening minutes has left some viewers disappointed, as they were expecting the actor to have a more prominent role throughout the series. However, the show's creators have used Preston's presence in flashbacks to shape the story of his grieving family as they re-evaluate their lives in the wake of the tragedy.

The details

In 'The Madison,' Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer play husband and wife Preston and Stacy Clyburn, a couple of 29 years who never fought. But when Preston goes on his annual fly-fishing trip with his brother Paul (Matthew Fox), the two are involved in a plane crash that leaves them both dead. This twist happens just 25 minutes into the first episode, upsetting some fans who were hoping to see more of Russell in the series.

  • The first three episodes of 'The Madison' are now streaming on Paramount+.
  • The final three episodes will be available on March 21.

The players

Kurt Russell

An American actor who plays the role of Preston Clyburn, the patriarch of the family at the center of 'The Madison.'

Michelle Pfeiffer

An American actress who plays the role of Stacy Clyburn, Preston's wife, in 'The Madison.'

Matthew Fox

An American actor who plays the role of Paul Clyburn, Preston's brother, in 'The Madison.'

Taylor Sheridan

An American screenwriter, director, and actor who created the drama series 'The Madison.'

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What’s next

The final three episodes of 'The Madison' will be available to stream on Paramount+ on March 21.

The takeaway

While the unexpected death of Kurt Russell's character in the opening minutes of 'The Madison' has upset some viewers, the show's creators have used Preston's presence in flashbacks to shape the story of his grieving family as they re-evaluate their lives in the wake of the tragedy, demonstrating Russell's continued importance to the series despite his character's early demise.