Taylor Sheridan Landman Paramount+ Top 10 made headlines this week as The Chi jumped ahead of NCIS on Paramount+’s most-watched shows, signaling a major victory for Lena Waithe’s acclaimed series. The shift occurred during the week’s ratings, with The Chi climbing from eighth to second place, showing impressive momentum in the highly competitive streaming environment. This reshuffle takes place as The Chi remains in its seventh season and prepares for a confirmed eighth, ready to challenge network heavyweights and past streaming giants alike.
Lena Waithe’s drama, set in the heart of the South Side of Chicago, has consistently drawn attention for its raw portrayal of interconnected lives. Premiering in 2018 on Showtime, the series quickly became a staple thanks to its heartfelt illustrations of hope, violence, and community ties. The Chi’s recent leap on the charts meant it outpaced established staples including NCIS, SpongeBob SquarePants, Frasier, Ghosts, and The Neighborhood, with only Criminal Minds now ahead per Flix Patrol measurements.
This achievement has historical significance for Showtime. With its renewal for an eighth season, The Chi is on track to match records set by critically acclaimed titles like Homeland, Weeds, and Dexter, and it inches closer to Shameless, currently the longest-running Showtime original. Such a surge, particularly in a single week, points to a viewer base that continues to grow and engage.
Taylor Sheridan’s Landman Becomes a Paramount+ Mainstay
Among Taylor Sheridan’s suite of dramas, only Landman managed to secure a Top 10 spot on Paramount+ this week, reflecting both its appeal and the tough competition on the platform. Debuting in November 2024, Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton as fixer Tommy Norris and is inspired by the Boomtown podcast, exploring the cutthroat world of Texas oilfields. Following its strong launch, the show was swiftly renewed for a second season.
Landman stands apart with its gritty focus on the realities of the oil industry: stories of billionaires, perilous explosions, legal battles, and environmental stakes fill its narrative landscape—familiar territory for Sheridan, though this time without his trademark western flair. The backdrop of West Texas provides both high drama and a unique setting for viewers, as the show weaves together personal ambitions and the volatile fortunes of those tied to oil.
Despite the fierce presence of long-running franchises like NCIS, only Landman from the Sheridan universe managed to stake its claim in this week’s Top 10, cementing its relevance for Paramount+ subscribers.
The Changing Landscape of Paramount+ Original Series
The ongoing success of The Chi and the steadfast position of Landman reflect evolving trends in Paramount+’s original programming. With The Chi’s renewal, Lena Waithe’s creation stands to enter the network’s pantheon alongside classics like Dexter and Homeland as one of Showtime’s enduring hits. Its sharp ascent from eighth to second demonstrates that compelling storytelling centered on community challenges and resilience continues to command significant audience interest.
Landman’s steady performance also illustrates that Taylor Sheridan can draw viewers beyond his signature Western themes. The oil-rig drama carves out room for narratives on power, risk, and survival, echoing real-world issues and expanding the types of stories featured on Paramount+. Billy Bob Thornton’s turn as Tommy Norris, a character navigating dangerous deals and tumultuous relationships, brings additional depth to the series and sustains its presence in the platform’s rankings.
How Recent Storylines Shape The Chi’s Impact
Season seven of The Chi has been marked by intense upheaval and personal loss, following the dramatic death of Rob, portrayed by Iman Shumpert. Rob’s narrative arc as a symbol of hope and redemption brought new depth to the series, especially given Shumpert’s multi-faceted background as an NBA champion and Dancing With the Stars winner. As the storyline shifts into the aftermath of Rob’s death, characters like Alicia seek revenge, setting up tense confrontations and moral ambiguity.
Nuck emerges as a formidable force, taking on leadership while the city’s alliances shift. Characters like Tiff, Victor, Fatima, Bakari, Emmett, and Kiesha grapple with grief, loyalty, and their personal growth, capturing both the turmoil and humanity that define the show. As past secrets resurface and power struggles intensify, the ensemble cast underscores that no victory or loss is ever simple in The Chi’s universe.
The resonance of these plotlines, including montages like the moving H.E.R. cover of “The Glass,” highlights the series’ enduring emotional impact and its ability to keep audiences engaged even as it tackles chaos and transformation.
What These Rankings Mean for Paramount+ and Its Viewers
The Chi’s rapid climb and Landman’s resilience signal changing dynamics among streaming audiences. Paramount+ continues to serve as an arena where both established franchises and newer originals must consistently perform to maintain their place. That The Chi can challenge procedural staples like NCIS and overtakes crowd favorites, while Landman proves genre diversity can pay off, points to a platform where innovative storytelling and compelling acting are rewarded.
Looking ahead, The Chi is poised to further entrench its legacy for Showtime, while the continued popularity of Landman demonstrates that Taylor Sheridan’s influence, though shifting in focus, remains significant for Paramount+. For audiences, this means a richer selection of dramas tackling everything from urban strife in Chicago to oilfield intrigue in West Texas, ensuring plenty of reasons to keep watching as the streaming landscape continues to shift.
