Paramount+ has once again struck a rich vein, not just with oil, but with the massive success of “Landman.” The Texas-set series, co-created by the acclaimed Taylor Sheridan, has captivated audiences, with its pilot episode racking up an astounding 35 million global streaming viewers since its November 2024 debut. This runaway success is hardly a surprise, given Sheridan’s impressive track record as the visionary writer and producer behind a string of wildly popular dramas, including the foundational hit “Yellowstone,” alongside “Tulsa King” and “Lioness.”

“Landman” offers a gritty, authentic look into the high-stakes world of West Texas oilfields, a setting perfectly aligned with Sheridan’s signature exploration of rugged American landscapes and the complex characters who inhabit them. The series stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a shrewd landman navigating the volatile oil patch for tycoon Monty Miller, played by Jon Hamm. Co-creator Christian Wallace highlighted the show’s unique appeal, noting its ambition to portray both the working-class and white-collar echelons of the oil industry, distinguishing it from predecessors like “Dallas.”

With Season 1 having concluded in January, anticipation for its continuation reached a fever pitch, and fans were not disappointed. “Landman” was officially renewed for a second season in March 2025, a testament to its status as Paramount+’s most popular original series debut. Thornton himself had expressed enthusiasm for a return, stating, “I had a fun time on this one and it’d be a nice one to do… You’d kind of like to at least do a couple of something to get people used to it.”

The first season’s finale left audiences reeling. Tommy Norris found himself at the helm of MTex Oil, as Monty Miller’s life hung by a thread due to a failing heart. Monty’s wife, Cami (Demi Moore), was also poised for a more prominent role, appointed to the board by Tommy. However, the season ended on a dark note when Tommy, while working with Cami on a lucrative “farm-out deal,” was abducted and tortured by Jimenez, a member of the Galino drug cartel. The cartel, enraged by Tommy’s involvement of the National Guard, sought revenge for a fallen member. Tommy’s salvation came unexpectedly from Galino himself (Andy Garcia), who, dissatisfied with Jimenez’s leadership, saw an opportunity to leverage Tommy for the cartel’s entry into the legitimate oil business. The episode concluded with the somber scene of Monty flatlining in the hospital, his family grieving his apparent death.

Monty’s demise, while surprising given Jon Hamm’s star power, opens up significant narrative possibilities for Season 2. Wallace confirmed Monty’s passing, explaining it as a catalyst for Cami’s expanded role. “I think Demi’s character in this first season was kind of playing a little bit of second fiddle to Monty,” Wallace noted, adding that Monty’s efforts to shield his family from stress ultimately contributed to his downfall. “His passing is kind of an incredible opportunity for Cami to play a bigger role in this world.”

Season 2 promises to delve into the complexities of Tommy’s new dual role as MTex president and a working landman. Thornton elaborated on the dynamic between Tommy and Cami, explaining, “Since she doesn’t really know the oil business that well, I’m there with her to show her how these people operate… I know how to deal with these people she’s going to have to deal with.” Furthermore, Tommy’s family life will face new strains, as he juggles executive responsibilities with the inherent dangers of the oil business. The lingering threat and strategic ambitions of the cartel, particularly Galino’s shrewd desire to integrate into the oil industry, will also be a central plot point. Wallace envisions a compelling dynamic between Galino, a “savvy, smart businessman” in an illegal enterprise, and Tommy, navigating the legitimate business world.

The cast for Season 2 sees the return of core players including Thornton, Moore, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, and Colm Feore. Ali Larter also reprises her role as Angela Norris, Tommy’s ex-wife, a character that drew both praise and critical discussion regarding its portrayal of women in the series. Larter, however, has defended her character, highlighting Taylor Sheridan’s commitment to writing compelling roles for mature women. A significant addition to the cast is Oscar and Emmy-nominated actor Sam Elliott, whose iconic Southern drawl makes him a natural fit for the West Texas setting. Elliott, who previously collaborated with Thornton on Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” prequel “1883,” brings a revered presence to the show. Thornton expressed his admiration for Elliott, describing him as a “mentor and a hero.” Andy Garcia’s Galino will also have a more substantial role, posing a new level of sophisticated challenge for Tommy. “Tommy’s dealing with someone now who is really smart,” Thornton hinted, setting the stage for a tense and complex relationship.

“Landman” Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on November 16, building on the foundation of a shared universe of storytelling that Taylor Sheridan has meticulously crafted. His strength lies in depicting American archetypes and the struggles for survival in unforgiving landscapes, themes that resonate profoundly across his entire body of work, most notably in the sprawling “Yellowstone” saga.

“Yellowstone,” the flagship series that launched Sheridan’s television empire, epitomizes his distinctive storytelling. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana, it chronicles the Dutton family’s relentless fight to protect their vast ranch, the largest in the United States, from external forces and internal conflicts. John Dutton, the patriarch portrayed by Kevin Costner, embodies the stubborn resolve of a man tied to his land, unwilling to yield to land developers, a nearby Native American reservation, or the machinations of state and federal governments. The series masterfully blends elements of the modern Western, family drama, and political intrigue, exploring themes of legacy, power, corruption, and the erosion of traditional American values.

Characters like Beth Dutton, the fiercely loyal and sharp-tongued daughter, and Rip Wheeler, the stoic ranch foreman, have become cultural touchstones, symbolizing the Dutton family’s unyielding grip on their way of life. “Yellowstone” has revitalized the Western genre, attracting a diverse audience with its high-stakes drama, stunning cinematography, and unflinching portrayal of violence and moral ambiguity. Its immense popularity paved the way for a rich tapestry of prequel series. “1883” delved into the origins of the Dutton family’s journey west, a poignant and brutal tale starring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott—the same Elliott who now joins “Landman,” creating a tangible link between Sheridan’s worlds. “1883” famously featured Billy Bob Thornton in a memorable guest role as Sheriff Jim Courtright, further intertwining the cast members within Sheridan’s expanding narrative. The subsequent prequel, “1923,” starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, explored another challenging period for the Duttons, battling drought, the Great Depression, and the harsh realities of the early 20th century.

These interconnected narratives demonstrate Sheridan’s unparalleled ability to craft compelling stories deeply rooted in American history and regional culture. Much like the Duttons’ fight for their ranch, the characters in “Landman” grapple with the powerful forces of industry, family legacy, and the illicit underworld, all while navigating the treacherous terrain of West Texas. Both series showcase characters driven by powerful, often primal, motivations: the desire for wealth, the protection of family, and the struggle for control over resources that define their existence.

The common thread is Sheridan’s vision: an exploration of the American spirit, its resilience, its flaws, and its enduring connection to the land. Whether it’s the sprawling cattle ranches of “Yellowstone” or the wildcat oilfields of “Landman,” his stories resonate with an authenticity that reflects the complex, often brutal, realities of the modern frontier. As “Landman” prepares for its second season, it stands as another testament to Taylor Sheridan’s expanding empire, promising more of the high-stakes drama and compelling character studies that have made his name synonymous with quality, gritty television.