Still reeling from Yellowstone‘s final chapter? You’re not alone. When the Dutton family rode off into the Montana sunset in 2024, millions of us were left scratching our heads, wondering: what now? What show could possibly serve up that same delicious mix of grit, grandeur, and generational drama?
Well, partner, allow us to introduce Landman. Taylor Sheridan’s latest drama isn’t just here to tide you over—it’s here to raise the stakes.
Meet the New Anti-Hero Sheriff in Town
Let’s cut to the chase. If Yellowstone gave us brooding cowboys and complex land feuds, Landman serves up oil rigs, corporate sharks, and a cowboy hat-wearing enforcer you won’t forget: Tommy Norris.
Played by Billy Bob Thornton, Norris is every bit the magnetic anti-hero fans crave. He’s slick, smart, and salty. Thornton sinks his teeth into the role, and critics have noticed—earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series.
He delivers lines like he’s chewing on them. Every glare, every grin, every muttered threat? Pure gold. Thornton’s performance gives the show its pulse—fast, feral, and fearless.
Big Drama, Bigger Numbers
Now, if you’re wondering whether Landman lives up to the Yellowstone hype, let’s talk numbers. The show didn’t just do well—it shattered records.
In its first four weeks, Landman reached a staggering 14.9 million households. That makes it Paramount+’s most-watched original drama premiere and finale of all time. That’s not a fluke. That’s a seismic shift.
Viewers are tuning in by the millions, and for good reason. Landman isn’t a slow burn. It hits hard from the jump.
From Ranches to Rigs: The Next American Battleground
Sure, Yellowstone gave us stunning landscapes and land disputes. But Landman ups the ante. Instead of ranches, we’re deep in the belly of West Texas oil country.
It’s not just dirt and drills, either. This is a world where fortunes get made overnight—and lost even faster. Think billion-dollar contracts, environmental landmines, and boardroom betrayals. It’s gritty, current, and more relevant than ever.
While Yellowstone dabbled in the old-school frontier justice, Landman brings the modern cowboy into the age of climate politics and energy wars. It feels fresh, yet familiar.
Star Power and Serious Talent
Billy Bob isn’t riding solo here. The cast lineup reads like a Hollywood who’s-who:
- Jon Hamm brings corporate muscle and cinematic cool.
- Demi Moore steps in with sharp wit and power moves.
- Ali Larter delivers elegance laced with steel.
Together, they form a web of alliances and rivalries that feels as tangled and dangerous as a rattlesnake pit. Every episode throws new shade, new motives, and new tensions into the mix.
Grit, Glamour, and Gunpowder Plotlines
So what exactly makes Landman so addictive? It’s that juicy cocktail of:
- High-stakes deals that go south faster than a Texas dust storm
- Family tensions that threaten to blow the whole operation apart
- Modern-day moral dilemmas about climate, money, and loyalty
And yes, there’s still plenty of leather, whiskey, and sharp-dressed characters riding around in big trucks. It’s got that Sheridan flavor we know and love—but spicier.
Critics Are Talking (And Mostly Loving It)
Let’s be honest. Not every critic jumped aboard the Landman train right away. Some took shots at early episodes, calling the dialogue overcooked or the tone too macho. But that changed fast.
The Guardian highlighted Thornton’s “zingers” and captivating presence. Entertainment Weekly praised the show’s boldness and ambition. The series sits at a healthy 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. That says something.
Fans? They’re all in. Social media’s buzzing with memes, episode breakdowns, and “Tommy Norris for President” threads. It’s a cultural moment.
Should You Watch It? Here’s the Bottom Line
If you:
- Miss the Yellowstone vibes
- Crave a hero with sharp edges
- Love high drama wrapped in modern issues
- Appreciate razor-sharp casting
…then Landman should be next on your list.
It’s not just a show. It’s a ride—rough, fast, and gripping.
Final Thought: The Oil Keeps Flowing
Let’s call it what it is: Landman isn’t just the next best thing after Yellowstone. It’s the evolution of the Sheridan universe.
It’s still the American West, just with more money, more mess, and more at stake.
So if you’re sitting around missing the drama of land, loyalty, and legacy, fire up that Paramount+ account. The oil’s hot, the power games are brutal, and Billy Bob Thornton is wearing that hat like he was born in it.
This isn’t your daddy’s Western. But it might just be your new obsession.
