Landman (2024)
Is a powerful new drama series created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, set against the backdrop of the oil-rich terrain of West Texas. Premiering in late 2024, the series delves into the complex, high-stakes world of the Permian Basin during the height of the American oil boom. Drawing inspiration from the podcast Boomtown, the show explores the moral, social, and environmental implications of the industry, while anchoring the story in compelling character drama.
At the center of Landman is Tommy Norris, played by Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton. Tommy is the vice president of operations at M-Tex Oil, a major drilling company, and embodies the wear and tear of a man who’s given everything to a ruthless industry. He’s jaded, debt-ridden, divorced, and drinks too much, yet he commands respect as a no-nonsense problem-solver in a world full of chaos. Thornton brings depth and rawness to the role, capturing the contradictions of a man who is both admirable and morally compromised.
Surrounding Tommy is a rich ensemble of characters, each with their own stakes in the cutthroat world of oil. Jon Hamm plays Monty Miller, the steely billionaire owner of M-Tex, while Ali Larter takes on the role of Angela, Tommy’s manipulative ex-wife. Their children, Ainsley and Cooper, reflect the generational impact of their parents’ choices—Ainsley as a rebellious teen and Cooper as a young man recklessly pursuing his father’s footsteps. Supporting cast members like Demi Moore, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, and Paulina Chávez provide additional emotional and political layers to the unfolding drama.
The show skillfully blends intimate family struggles with large-scale industry conflicts. From oil rig disasters and cartel tensions to legal power plays and fraught environmental questions, Landman never shies away from portraying the brutal reality of fossil fuel extraction. The writing is sharp and filled with Taylor Sheridan’s signature style—gritty dialogue, high tension, and unrelenting momentum. One standout moment in the series, involving an awkward sex talk between Tommy and his daughter, quickly went viral and showcased the series' boldness in mixing dark humor with uncomfortable honesty.
Critically, Landman has received praise for its performances—especially Thornton’s magnetic lead—and its authentic portrayal of a world rarely seen on television. However, it has also faced criticism for its depiction of women and occasional heavy-handedness in tone. Some reviewers found its gender dynamics lacking and its political stance ambiguous, if not skewed. Still, audiences have responded strongly, and the show’s intense atmosphere and relevance to current energy debates have made it a major talking point.
In essence, Landman is a modern American epic. It tackles legacy, ambition, corruption, and survival through the lens of one of the most controversial industries in the country. Taylor Sheridan’s vision, combined with a stellar cast and evocative storytelling, positions Landman as a standout in the current television landscape—gritty, grounded, and unafraid to get its hands dirty.
