Taylor Sheridan’s latest offering on Paramount+, the series Landman, has emerged as one of the year's standout shows, garnering significant attention for its storytelling and star-studded cast. The drama, centered around the high-stakes world of oil companies, showcases the challenging life of Tommy Norris, portrayed by the charismatic Billy Bob Thornton, as he navigates the complex interplay of corporate ambitions and moral dilemmas.
When it debuted, Landman swiftly captivated audiences, racking up 14.6 million views across Paramount+ and traditional TV platforms within its first week, making it the biggest premiere week for any original series on the streaming service. This success parallels Sheridan’s previous hit Yellowstone, and reflects the growing appetite for stories about the rugged, often ruthless, characters inhabiting the world of oil.
The show is based on the podcast "]Boomtown["] by Imperative Entertainment and Texas Monthly, offering viewers not just entertainment but also insight. The narrative centers around the oil industry, particularly the life of Tommy Norris as he deals with crises brought on by corporate greed, familial relationships, and the chaos caused when one of the company’s planes, misappropriated by drug cartels, crashes tragically amid oil rigs.
Critics have noted the compelling nature of the storyline, yet some are ready to see adjustments as more episodes air. While the series successfully illuminates the darker aspects of the oil industry, it remains to be seen how the personal dynamics within Norris's family will evolve. Larger mateplots, like the potential rivalry between Tommy Norris and his formidable boss, Monty Miller—played by Jon Hamm—add layers of tension.
Commentators have also pointed out the show's representation of female characters. On one hand, Thornton’s portrayal of Tommy Norris is widely praised. He brings depth and charisma to the role of a man often caught between duty and survival. Yet, on the other hand, the women surrounding him, including his daughter Ainsley (played by Michelle Randolph) and ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter), have sparked discussion. Their roles have been criticized for lacking substance and depth; too often, they appear sidelined by their male counterparts—spending time lounging on the sidelines rather than driving narratives forward.
For many viewers, the curious interest lies not just with Tommy Norris’s struggles but also with his son Cooper, who is grappling with his desire to climb the ranks within the family oil business. Cooper's story—filled with literal bumps and bruises as he engages with the dangerous fieldwork—attempts to connect familial ties with professional aspirations, lending itself to moments of raw vulnerability.
The budding relationship between Cooper and the daughter of one of the workers who suffered from recent disasters adds another layer. For fans, this subplot is more compelling than the continual distractions from Ainsley and Angela’s more superficial scenes. Many hope to witness more character development from these female leads, aspiring for arcs where they can assert themselves and impact the show's direction meaningfully.
Another notable layer is the financial realities presented through Norris's dialogues, raising important questions about morality and responsibility. “Oil and gas industry makes $3 billion a day,” Norris states, hinting at the exorbitant profits and the social dynamics surrounding them. These statements invoke reflections on the consequences of such wealth on society, pushing audiences to grapple with the ethical underpinnings of the energy sector.
Given the promising ratings and audience responses, it's clear Landman resonates deeply, moving forward as one of Sheridan's future staples along with other hits like Yellowstone. The engagement numbers reflect the natural excitement stemming from this new exploration of oil industry dynamics and personal conflicts, all framed expertly within the Texas backdrop.
Regular episodes of Landman drop on Sundays exclusively on Paramount+, offering viewers both drama and engagement week after week. The balance between corporate intrigue and personal relationships seems poised to attract new audiences, providing rich discussions around the stark realities of life as landmen and landwomen.
At its core, Landman thrives on complex storytelling and character depth, raising the stakes significantly with each episode. Whether the series will evolve to polish its female characters and explore more serious commentary on the ethics of the oil industry remains to be seen, but its current success and potential progress offer abundant possibilities to draw audiences back week after week.