Paramount+ has once again struck a rich vein, this time with the gripping Texas-set drama Landman. The series, which quickly garnered a massive global viewership of 35 million since its November 2024 debut, stands as a testament to the storytelling prowess of co-creator Taylor Sheridan. Known for his wildly popular series like Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and Lioness, Sheridan brings his signature blend of gritty realism, complex characters, and high-stakes drama to the tumultuous world of the oil industry.
Landman centers on Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, a shrewd and experienced landman navigating the cutthroat oil patches of West Texas. He operates under the formidable tycoon Monty Miller, played by Jon Hamm, whose presence anchored much of the first season. As co-creator Christian Wallace highlighted, Landman distinguishes itself from predecessors by vividly portraying both the working-class struggles and the high-stakes corporate machinations within the oil business, offering a nuanced look at an industry often romanticized or demonized.
The inaugural season of Landman concluded in January, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its return. Fortunately, Paramount+ confirmed a second season in March 2025, touting it as the streamer’s most popular original series debut. The renewal was a welcome development for Thornton, who had expressed his hopes for a continuation, noting the enjoyment he found in the project and the desire to build a lasting presence for the show.
Season 1’s finale was nothing short of explosive, with Tommy being thrust into the leadership role of MTex Oil. Monty Miller, whose health had been failing due to a critical heart condition, flatlined in the hospital, leaving his wife Cami (Demi Moore) and their daughters to mourn his passing. This pivotal event, which saw the departure of Emmy-winning actor Jon Hamm, was described by Wallace as a significant opportunity for Cami’s character to step into a more central and powerful role within the company. Monty’s efforts to shield his family from the immense stress of his business dealings ultimately contributed to his demise, paving the way for Cami to become a formidable player.
Beyond the corporate shake-up, Tommy’s personal ordeal reached a terrifying peak. While working with Cami to finalize a lucrative “farm-out deal,” he was brutally abducted by Jimenez, a member of the Galino drug cartel. The cartel sought retribution for Tommy’s actions, which had led to the National Guard’s intervention in the region and the death of one of their own. However, Tommy’s salvation came from an unexpected quarter: Galino himself, played by Andy Garcia. Dissatisfied with Jimenez’s territorial management, Galino saw an opportunity in Tommy, believing he could leverage the landman’s expertise to integrate the cartel into the legitimate oil business.
With Monty’s death and Tommy’s precarious new alliance with the cartel, Landman Season 2 is poised to delve into even deeper complexities. While an official plot synopsis remains under wraps, the lingering questions from the finale provide a clear roadmap. How will Tommy fare as the new president of MTex, a role that demands both corporate savvy and an understanding of the rough-and-tumble nature of the oilfields? Thornton elaborated on this challenge, explaining that Tommy’s job will become doubly difficult, balancing executive duties, his landman responsibilities, and his family life amidst a “tornado” of pressures.
His collaboration with Cami will be crucial. Thornton noted that Cami, while intellectually capable, lacks the “street smarts” necessary for the oil business. Tommy will act as her guide, teaching her how to navigate the intricate and often morally ambiguous world of high-stakes deals and formidable personalities. The dynamic between them, with Tommy showing her “how these people operate,” promises to be a central tension, especially as Cami steps into the vacuum left by Monty.
Equally compelling is the cartel’s persistent interest in using Tommy to infiltrate the oil industry. Wallace suggested that the upcoming season will explore the fascinating and perilous dynamic between Galino, a shrewd and intelligent businessman operating in an illegal realm, and Tommy, a seasoned professional in a legitimate yet equally cutthroat business. This partnership, fraught with both potential rewards and immense complications for both men, will test Tommy’s ethical boundaries and survival instincts.
The cast for Season 2 sees the return of many beloved faces, including Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, and Colm Feore. Ali Larter also returns as Angela Norris, Tommy’s chaotic ex-wife and the mother of his children. Larter’s character sparked considerable discussion in Season 1, with some critics pointing to what they perceived as “overt sexism” in the portrayal of female characters. Larter, however, has passionately defended Angela, emphasizing that she enjoys playing the character and appreciates Sheridan’s commitment to writing strong, complex roles for older women in their prime. She described the opportunity to portray such a character as a liberating experience, reflecting the reality of many vibrant women.
Adding significant gravitas to the ensemble is Oscar and Emmy-nominated actor Sam Elliott, whose deep Southern drawl and iconic presence are a natural fit for the West Texas setting. Elliott is no stranger to Taylor Sheridan’s universe, having delivered a memorable performance as Shea Brennan in the Yellowstone prequel 1883, where he also shared the screen with Thornton. Thornton expressed his profound admiration for Elliott, describing him as a mentor and hero, and cherishing their “real special relationship.” Larter also shared her excitement about working alongside Elliott, playfully captioning an Instagram post featuring herself, Elliott, and Michelle Randolph as “three crows cackling.”
Andy Garcia, whose character Galino made a impactful debut in the Season 1 finale, is set to play an even larger role. Thornton teased the complexities of Tommy’s relationship with Galino, highlighting the cartel leader’s intelligence and the potential for Tommy to be “tricked into” dangerous situations. This expanded role for Garcia promises to escalate the stakes and introduce a new layer of psychological warfare into the narrative.
Landman embodies Taylor Sheridan’s characteristic blend of stark realism and intense character-driven drama, much like the Dutton family’s fight for their ranch in Yellowstone. Both series explore the brutal realities of power, land, and legacy in specific American landscapes, peeling back the layers of industries often misunderstood. Landman delves into the environmental, economic, and human costs of the oil business, mirroring the themes of preservation and exploitation found in Yellowstone’s ranching world. The casting of actors like Sam Elliott and Billy Bob Thornton, who have deep roots in Sheridan’s narrative universe, further solidifies Landman’s place within this expanding tapestry of American sagas.
With its blend of corporate intrigue, cartel violence, and deeply personal struggles, Landman Season 2 is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s exploration of modern American frontiers. Fans can mark their calendars, as the highly anticipated second season of Landman is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on November 16.
