In case you did not know, Landman is a new American drama television series that premiered in November 2024, on Paramount+.
The series was created by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace and is based on the podcast Boomtown, which explores the oil boom in West Texas’ Permian Basin.
Landman features notable actors including Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore, contributing to its appeal and drawing in viewers. Other actors who have role in the show include Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chavez, Kayla Wallace and James Jordan.
The series follows Tommy Norris, portrayed by Thornton, who is a landman working for an oil company. Set against the backdrop of West Texas, it delves into the high-stakes world of oil drilling, revealing the dynamics between roughnecks and billionaires.
The narrative addresses themes such as climate impact, economic shifts, and geopolitical ramifications resulting from the oil boom.
What is a Landman exactly?
A Landman, at least one who works in the petroleum industry, will act as the middleman between the exploration companies and the landowners. Typically, a landman’s job is to negotiate and finalize contracts with landowners with mineral rights to lease those rights to the company they represent.
Essentially, they manage the land and secure the leases, so they can drill oil and gas. Like a foreman on a construction site, they build out roads , workers living quarters (man-camp), oversee excavation machinery assembly and drilling of the well site itself especially in remote locations. They are also, part Fixer, Problem Solver and Facilitator as well.
There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about this series, but today my aim is to change that…
Here are 11 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about the Landman TV Series
1. The series was primarily shot in and around Fort Worth, Texas.
2. The show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the oil industry, with Taylor Sheridan’s signature storytelling style blending drama with factual elements derived from real-life events related to the oil boom.
3. Landman highlights the perils of working in oilfields, including accidents that can lead to fatalities. Between 2014 and 2019, there were approximately 219 reported deaths of roughnecks in Texas due to various incidents.
4. There has been speculation about potential crossovers with Sheridan’s other successful series, although such decisions are typically beyond the control of individual creators like Wallace.
5. Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore filmed some of their scenes in Weatherford, Texas in May of 2024. Weatherford, is also the town in which executive producer Taylor Sheridan resides, as well as the two ranches owned by him, Bosque Rach and the Four Sixes.
6. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 79% approval rating based on 28 critic reviews, with an average score of 6.1/10.
The critics’ consensus states, “Landman explores familiar themes found in other Taylor Sheridan creations, but Billy Bob Thornton’s performance transforms this Texas drama into captivating entertainment.”
7. Billy Bob Thornton has already been nominated for a Golden Globe Award for this show.
8. Some viewers with firsthand experience in the oil industry have criticized specific technical aspects portrayed in Landman, claiming inaccuracies in scenes involving equipment and procedures. For example, there were comments about improper use of tools during accident scenes that do not align with real-world practice.
9. The series is set against the backdrop of the Permian Basin, which became one of the most profitable oil regions in the United States during the 20th century.
The show reflects the rapid development and economic transformation that occurred due to oil strikes in this area, portraying both the opportunities and dangers that arose during this boom.
10. Landman incorporates authentic job lingo and work culture derived from real experiences in the oil industry. Co-creator Christian Wallace (who hosted Boomtown) infused his firsthand knowledge into the show, ensuring that many elements resonate with actual practices within oilfields.
11. Landman was renewed for a second season and will start streaming on Paramount+ in November 2025.
Well, there you have it, 11 Interesting Facts you might not have known about the Landman TV show. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.
Check out the trailer for the first season below:
The show is available to stream on Paramount+ in the US. Sadly it’s not available to stream on South African streaming services yet.
Watch this space for updates in the Facts category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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