Ali Larter has opened up about how Taylor Sheridan’s wife, Nicole Sheridan, became the inspiration for the most beloved aspects of her character Angela in Landman, adding genuine depth and warmth to the role throughout season 2. The authentic spirit Nicole brings to real-life relationships with seniors directly influenced Angela’s story, embodying the heart and relatability that have resonated with fans and set the stage for memorable new developments in the show.
How Nicole Sheridan’s real-life compassion shaped Angela’s character
The decision to base Angela’s likability and emotional authenticity on Taylor Sheridan’s wife, Nicole, was a game-changer for Ali Larter as she navigated her role in Landman. According to Larter, Nicole’s dedication to working with seniors—offering companionship, organizing social activities, and bringing joy into their lives—became the cornerstone for Angela’s storyline, particularly when it comes to how the character finds purpose and fulfillment in helping others.
This influence made Angela more than just a tough figure in an oil town but someone with layered empathy and connection to community. Larter has explained that Nicole Sheridan’s approach to meaningful human connections, especially with senior citizens, allowed her to approach Angela with both grounded realism and heartfelt resonance.
“A lot of his stories are inspired by his wife. She does that. She goes to the homes here and has these incredible relationships. She plays games and sets up a bar for them. It’s the way it should be… Nicole [Sheridan] has really opened up this world of the way that we can see senior citizens, how we can treat them and have fun with them, and how little effort it takes to bring so much happiness to someone’s life.”
—Ali Larter, Actress
This meaningful approach not only shaped Angela’s most moving scenes but also let viewers see senior citizens in a different light—mirroring Nicole’s real-life kindness and reminding audiences of the everyday joy found in small gestures.
Season 2: Angela’s growth reflects Larter’s personal challenges
The character of Angela faces new and challenging terrain in the second season, which echoes Larter’s own efforts to balance her acting career and her family life. In season 2, Angela steps up to support Tommy—played by Billy Bob Thornton—reconnects with her family, and becomes a bigger force within her community. Larter herself has commented that this new chapter required her to draw from all sides of her personality, including strength, vulnerability, and a spirited determination.
Meanwhile, Ali Larter’s life off the screen has involved carefully balancing demanding workdays on Landman’s Texas set with her commitments at home in Idaho. According to reports, Larter has been managing a demanding schedule, which includes traveling back for her children’s school events and spring breaks, while also enduring lengthy days of filming. This real-world juggling act adds another layer of relatability to her on-screen performance, as she channels her own experiences of multitasking into Angela’s evolving journey.
The result is a character who grows more relatable and complex, with Angela’s on-screen evolution closely tied to Larter’s experiences as a working parent. This connection, rooted in Nicole Sheridan’s example, positions Angela as one of the most authentic characters to emerge from Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling.
Landman reaches new heights, with cast and creators embracing the show’s momentum
As Landman gained traction, the show surpassed expectations following its debut, quickly establishing itself as Paramount+’s largest series premiere in the previous two years and landing in the top ten for original streaming shows in late 2024. Billy Bob Thornton, who leads the cast as Tommy, has acknowledged the swell of interest, admitting his surprise at the series’ rapid rise in popularity. In his own words, he shared,
“We knew it was going to be successful — we didn’t know it was going to be this successful.”
—Billy Bob Thornton, Actor
Production for the second season is moving ahead, with shooting scheduled to conclude by August. The upcoming episodes are poised to elevate the drama, as the show expands its cast and deepens existing relationships. Sam Elliott joins the ensemble, and Andy Garcia will take on an even larger role. Thornton’s longstanding friendships with these new cast members are expected to enhance on-screen chemistry.
Ali Larter has hinted at more emotionally rich material on the way, and Jacob Lofland has praised the strength of the new scripts. Demi Moore is also set to return with increased screen time. Meanwhile, Michelle Randolph, another cast member, has been balancing the series with her own film commitments, soon to be seen in a new horror thriller, Malibu.
What lies ahead for Landman, Sheridan, and its lasting legacy
Landman’s ability to weave real-life stories into its narrative, especially through the contributions of individuals like Nicole Sheridan, is central to its growing appeal. Taylor Sheridan’s use of inspiration drawn from his personal life—transforming authentic experiences into compelling, multidimensional characters—has deepened the show’s emotional resonance. With key actors like Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Elliott, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, and Demi Moore involved, the show is cementing its place among the standout television dramas of the year.
As filming wraps up in Texas and attention turns to the new season, the authenticity and heart that Nicole Sheridan brought to the character of Angela are sure to remain at the core of Landman’s storytelling. The impact of these creative choices suggests audiences can expect even more relatable and stirring moments as the show reaches new heights in season 2 and beyond.
