Taylor Sheridan’s Landman series has reached a notable milestone by spending over 200 days on Paramount+’s domestic viewership charts, reinforcing its position as a key success for both the showrunner and the streaming platform. Despite mixed reactions from audiences, Landman remains Sheridan’s standout project as other series like Mayor of Kingstown approach their conclusions and Lioness awaits renewal decisions. Sheridan, who plans to shift his collaboration to NBCUniversal in 2029, currently relies on Landman’s momentum amid uncertain prospects for his broader slate.
Performance and Reception of Landman Seasons
Premiering in 2024, Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter, depicting a gritty story of landmen navigating the energy industry in West Texas. While the show received generally favorable critical reviews, it faced criticism over its portrayal of renewable energy and female characters. The inaugural season earned a 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which declined to 46% in the second season — a downturn surprising for a creator usually favored with strong viewership like Sheridan, whose Yellowstone series holds a 76% audience rating. Nevertheless, critics showed approval; the second season holds an 83% critic score, with reviews noting:
“Further refining its brutish elements into addictive drama, Landman’s second season makes minor improvements in its treatment of female characters while continuing to benefit from Billy Bob Thornton’s hangdog swagger.”
The arrival of Sam Elliott in the second season added to the show’s appeal, linking back to his role in Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel 1883, alongside Thornton’s cameo.
Cast and Storyline Highlights
Landman follows a determined team of West Texas landmen, including lead characters Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) and Angela Norris (Ali Larter), as they broker oil and gas leases between landowners and energy corporations. The series delves into the complex negotiations and ethical dilemmas these intermediaries face, illustrating how personal ambition intersects with broader community impact and environmental considerations.
The Future of Landman and Sheridan’s Career Path
With Sheridan’s departure from Paramount+ looming and his next major partnership set for NBCUniversal starting in 2029, the fate of Landman remains uncertain beyond its third season renewal. The show’s sustained popularity, highlighted by its prolonged presence on streaming charts, underscores its importance within Sheridan’s portfolio. As spin-offs from Yellowstone and Tulsa King unfold, Landman stands as Sheridan’s current flagship drama for Paramount+, symbolizing both his creative influence and the challenges within his evolving industry relationships.
