Season 2 of Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western family drama, Landman, has returned to Paramount+ and quickly become a focus of intense viewer reaction. With reviews trending strongly negative, the show nevertheless holds the #2 spot on the platform, driven by audience curiosity and a growing reputation as a prime hate-watch contender.
Although the first season attracted considerable interest and ended with a respectable 64% audience score, current feedback on Season 2 suggests that enthusiasm is in steep decline. While critics initially rated the new season with a healthy 81%, that number dipped to 77% after just two episodes—making it the lowest-scoring season yet for a series anchored by Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris. The audience reception has been even harsher; the premiere’s 36% viewer rating is among the worst for any of Sheridan’s projects, and although it has crept up to 40%, the overall show score now sits at only 53%.
Audience Frustration Mounts Over Character Development
The source of these frustration-filled reviews, according to a range of fans, is the show’s perceived stagnation—especially in character arcs. The criticism centers on recurring characters like Angela Norris (Ali Larter) and Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph), who are seen as static despite the evolving circumstances swirling around them. This sentiment was echoed by Collider’s Jeff Ewing, who noted:
“One of the biggest issues with Landman is that events happen, circumstances change, but characters largely don’t. Thornton embodies his role well, but Tommy’s a capable relic, dragging his feet any time something might alter his course. His ex-wife Angela is an interesting source of positivity and intensity — and Larter is regularly solid and always watchable in the role — but changes relatively little, while daughter Ainsley doesn’t meaningfully evolve at all.”
As viewers have pointed out and critics have reinforced, the show’s grim setting and tense tone feel undermined by characters who fail to adapt or grow, contributing to a sense of dramatic stagnation. Despite the excitement of the oil-country backdrop, the lack of change within the main figures has drawn considerable disappointment.
Potential Turnaround With New Cast Additions
Still, the story is far from finished. Critics had early access to three episodes, and Landman’s ten-episode run gives it time to reshape its standing with audiences. Ali Larter has expressed optimism about the remainder of this season, especially with Sam Elliott joining as T.L., a character expected to bring fresh perspective to the often-criticized Angela and Ainsley. Larter hinted at this upcoming shift by stating:
You can see in the way he looks at us that he sees the joy in our characters,
Ali Larter, Actress.
The audience gets to see us through his eyes, and it’s so special.
Ali Larter, Actress.
With Sam Elliott’s addition, viewers may find renewed interest as the season explores new emotional facets and relationships, potentially changing how the dynamic between Angela, Ainsley, and Tommy Norris unfolds.
Outlook for Landman and Paramount+
The future for Landman remains uncertain as the narrative develops. While initial sentiment reflects a sharply divided audience and declining scores, the season holds open the possibility of new developments shifting public opinion. As Episode 3 approaches, the show’s trajectory may yet change, particularly if new character dynamics and storylines earn back fan enthusiasm. For now, Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western family drama continues to stir up conversation, serving as a testament to both its divisiveness and its unexpected ability to draw viewers into its unfolding chaos.
