Taylor Sheridan has built a television empire on Paramount+ with hits like Yellowstone and its spin-offs, but the Emmys have remained stubbornly out of reach. Despite massive viewership and cultural impact, his shows have earned only nine nominations total—and zero wins. Now, Landman Season 2 is shaping up to be the project that finally changes that narrative.
According to a new awards analysis from The Hollywood Reporter, Landman is gaining serious momentum heading into this year's Emmy race. The show has already picked up an Actor Award nomination for best cast in a drama series and a Critics' Choice nomination for star Billy Bob Thornton. With Emmy nomination voting set for June 11–22, the timing couldn't be better.
Why 'Landman' Could Break Through
Sheridan's work has often been dismissed as populist fare rather than prestige television, and Paramount+ hasn't matched the awards-season savvy of Netflix, Apple, or HBO. But Landman boasts performances that are hard to ignore. Thornton's portrayal of Tommy Norris—a weary Texas oil man juggling a cutthroat industry, a chaotic family, and constant threats from gangsters and drug dealers—has been praised for its dry wit and emotional depth.
The show follows Norris as he navigates the brutal world of oil extraction while dealing with his hilariously dysfunctional family. Thornton's hangdog expression and exasperated humor have made Landman the most-watched original series in Paramount+ history. The series also features strong supporting turns from Ali Larter, Sam Elliott, Demi Moore, and Andy Garcia, with Elliott's Season 2 arrival adding a layer of melancholy that could earn him a supporting actor nod.
A Long-Awaited Emmy Moment?
Sheridan's TV universe—spanning Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Landman—has been a ratings juggernaut but an awards afterthought. The lack of above-the-line nominations has been a glaring omission. However, Landman's cinematic production values, strong performances, and growing critical attention may finally tip the scales.
While Sheridan remains a polarizing figure, the sheer quality of Landman's cast and storytelling could overcome any preconceptions. If the Emmys are ready to reward popular, well-crafted drama, this could be the year Sheridan takes home his first statue.
For more on Sheridan's expanding universe, check out our coverage of 'Tulsa King' moving its writers room to NYC for Season 5 and 'Landman' co-creator Christian Wallace adapting George Washington's Secret Six.
Landman is streaming now on Paramount+. Stay tuned for more updates as the Emmy race heats up.
