Landman may quite possibly be the funniest thing Taylor Sheridan has ever done on television. This new series, which delves deep and comically explores the culture surrounding the oil industry, is set against the vibrant backdrop of West Texas, offering viewers a unique blend of humor and chaos. Unlike his earlier works such as Mayor of Kingstown and Yellowstone, which dwell heavily on gritty realism and tension, Landman presents its audience with laugh-out-loud moments and outlandish family dynamics, breathing new life and laughter back onto the screen.
Michelle Randolph, who stars as Aynsley Norris, showcases her ability to take on both comedic and dramatic roles with grace. Interestingly, within Taylor Sheridan's expansive universe, she holds the rare distinction of being the only actress to appear in two different roles across different series at Paramount. Previously recognized for her leading performance as Elizabeth Dutton in 1923, Randolph found it hard to believe she would land another part, especially one as vibrant and zany as Aynsley. After hearing about the role, she initially hesitated to allow herself to hope. Yet, as she recounted to The Hollywood Reporter, Sheridan made his expectations known: "Although the demand was drastic enough to put anyone in an anxiety-ridden coma, Randolph rose to the occasion, sent in her tape, and the rest is history.
With characters like Aynsley and her mother Angela, portrayed by Ali Larter, Sheridan paints a picture of the wild and chaotic lives these women lead. Set among the middle-aged men working the oil fields, the dynamic becomes even wilder when Aynsley finds herself caught up in the absurdities of it all—wearing bikinis amid wandering eyes. Notably, Randolph herself has been generating buzz beyond the series, embracing the chaotic nature of her character, which has prompted her statement, "At least it’s sparking conversation."
But it’s not just the inner workings of family life at play; the humor also extends to social commentary. The latest episode of Landman has sparked discussions across social media, particularly relating to the nod at long-lived beer brand Bud Light. This jab is indicative of the public sentiments surrounding the brand after its controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Following the incident, the beer brand faced persistent backlash and boycott, becoming somewhat of a cultural punching bag. When Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, sauntered up to the bar in the recent episode and was informed of the special on Bud Light, his reply, "I bet you are," elicited laughter and raised eyebrows from viewers. Another character chimed in questioningly about the effectiveness of the special, responding, "Like a popcorn fart in church," perfectly framing the show’s comedic tone.
This satirical take on current events plays directly to audiences who resonate with the humor. On X, formerly Twitter, enthusiasm and commentary have flooded around the episode: “Taylor Sheridan’s new show Landman nuked Bud Light in the latest episode,” tweeted David Hookstead, encapsulating the sentiment on social media. Others joined the banter, with comments like, “Only Taylor Sheridan would make an unnecessary dig at Bud Light mid-episode #Landman” from Chaz Powers. Public sentiment has shown both eagerness and excitement to engage with this humorous critique, establishing Landman as another conversation-starter from Sheridan.
Since its inception, Landman has not only achieved remarkable comedic acclaim but has also surpassed expectations, becoming the most-viewed show on the Paramount streaming service. Within the first four weeks of its release, the series has amassed over 14.9 million viewers, marking it as yet another triumph for Sheridan. The alignment of timely social commentary and humor has provided audiences with both entertainment and thought-provoking material.
Michelle Randolph expressed her gratitude for being part of such groundbreaking work, stating, "To be working with Taylor at a time when he is on top is really special because he makes some of the best shows on TV. People love them, and they're fun to work on. I am just so lucky." With such remarkable accolades and unique storytelling, Landman may very well mark the beginning of another beloved series from one of television's finest creators—who can weave laughter and depth alike.
With new episodes streaming on Paramount+ every Sunday, viewers have much to look forward to as the series continues to explore the absurdities brought forth by both family dynamics and the sometimes outrageous oil industry culture.
