Taylor Sheridan has become the most prolific creator in television, churning out hit after hit for Paramount+. From the cultural juggernaut Yellowstone to period pieces like 1923 and crime dramas like Tulsa King, his resume is unmatched. Among his standout projects is Landman, a neo-Western that premiered in 2024 and has already earned two successful seasons, with a third on the way. Starring Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, the series takes the corporate dynasty drama of HBO's Succession and transplants it to the rugged oil fields of West Texas.
At its core, Landman is a family saga wrapped in the high-stakes world of oil drilling. Thornton plays Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for oil company M-Tex. As a landman, Tommy navigates the tense negotiations between his boss, Monty Miller (Jon Hamm), and the landowners whose properties sit atop valuable oil reserves. It's a job that puts him in the crosshairs of cartels, rig explosions, and the constant threat of death. But Tommy's biggest battles are personal: he's drowning in debt, battling alcoholism, and estranged from his father (Sam Elliott), ex-wife Angela (Ali Larter), and his kids. He's a man trying to hold together a life that's falling apart, and Thornton brings a raw, magnetic intensity to the role.
The Succession comparison is apt. Just as the Roy family's power struggles drove that Emmy-winning series, Landman finds its drama in the Norris family's dysfunction and the corporate maneuvering of M-Tex. Season 2 raises the stakes when Monty's wife, Cami (Moore), steps into a position of power after a shocking twist, turning the series into a battle for control that echoes the boardroom betrayals of Logan Roy's empire. The show's dark humor and sharp dialogue only deepen the resemblance, making it a must-watch for fans of prestige family dramas.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Landman is its performances. Thornton anchors the series with a portrayal that's both flawed and deeply human. He's an anti-hero in the vein of Succession's morally gray characters, doing questionable things for powerful men but never losing his underlying decency. His chemistry with Larter's Angela is electric, even when their relationship is at its most toxic. And while Season 1 was criticized for underusing its female characters, Season 2 corrects course, giving Moore's Cami a commanding presence and introducing Kayla Wallace as Rebecca Falcone, a character who challenges the ethics of Tommy's world.
Sheridan's signature style is on full display here: gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and a willingness to tackle controversial themes. The show doesn't shy away from the ugly side of the oil industry, from environmental concerns to the exploitation of workers. But it also celebrates the resilience of the people who live and work in these harsh conditions. It's a balancing act that Sheridan has mastered, and Landman benefits from his ability to create compelling, morally complex narratives.
With Season 3 on the horizon, now is the perfect time to catch up on Landman. The series has already proven it can evolve, and the promise of more family drama, corporate intrigue, and Texas-sized conflict is enough to keep viewers hooked. If you're a fan of Succession or Sheridan's other work, this is a show you won't want to miss. And for those who've already binged Yellowstone, Landman offers a fresh take on the neo-Western genre that's just as addictive.
As Sheridan continues to expand his television empire, Landman stands out as one of his most ambitious projects. It's a series that blends the best of his storytelling instincts with a cast that delivers at every turn. Whether you're drawn to the family drama, the corporate scheming, or the raw Texas setting, Landman has something for everyone. Don't sleep on this one—it's a modern TV triumph.
