Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman’ is great TV | REVIEW

Taylor Sheridan has another monster hit on his hands with “Landman.”

Basic information:

• Streaming platform: Paramount+
• Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Michael Peña
• Plot description: LANDMAN takes place in the well-known boomtowns of West Texas and is a modern tale of finding fortune in the world of oil rigs. Based on the remarkable 11-part podcast “Boomtown” from Imperative Entertainment and Texas Monthly, the series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wild billionaires fueling a boom so big it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics.
• Number of episodes: 10
• Premiere date: November 17

I’ve been incredibly excited for “Landman” ever since I first caught the series starring Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm.

Then the trailer arrived and my expectations went through the roof. A series about rough and tumble people in the Texas oil business? Yes, say no more. I’m sold, but as with anything, you simply don’t know if it lives up to the hype until you get a chance to see it.

I am happy to report that “Landman” exceeds all expectations.

“Landman” from Taylor Sheridan is excellent television.

The good folks at Paramount+ gave me the opportunity to watch a significant portion of “Landman” early on, and I was blown away by what I saw unfold over the course of several episodes.

The series follows oil fixer/crisis manager Tommy Norris (Thornton) as he navigates the violent, brutal and sometimes deadly world of the oil business in Texas.

People hoping for lots of uplifting moments and smiles in “Landman” are in for a massive disappointment. This show is about the carnage and pain associated with the booms and busts of the oil industry, and the incredibly gross numbers involved. The series is at times downright brutal, and at all times unforgivable.

Is Norris a good man? Certainly not, but he’s exactly what oil executive Monty Miller (Hamm) needs to ensure his business thrives.

Taylor Sheridan’s new series “Landman”. (Credit: Paramount+)

The only bright spot in the series is Norris’ daughter Ainsley, and even her moments of brilliance are few and far between. His son Copper (Lofland) – a bright young man who dropped out of college – desperately wants to make a name for himself in the oil business, and this is where the show really shines.

The reality is that most viewers have no idea what the hell is going on in the oil business. We learn through Copper’s eyes and development. The character serves not only as a good way to advance the plot, but also to educate the audience. Sheridan’s creativity shines through with this character.

There’s also plenty of pain and heartache associated with Copper’s trial by fire, but I can’t say much more than that. You know it when you see it.

Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris in “Landman”. (Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

“Landman” has a lot of similar vibes to it Sheridan’s previous work. Viewers will definitely see elements familiar to “Lionesse,” “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Yellowstone.”

Is it his darkest show? No, but it’s definitely up there. It’s incredibly impressive how gritty the sound of “Landman” is at all times, and that’s what makes it so captivating.

“Landman” is Taylor Sheridan’s latest series and it airs on Paramount+. (Credit: Paramount+)

There’s a serious argument to be made that “Lionesse” is the best show on TV right now, but I think fans will definitely debate whether or not it’s a 1A/1B situation now that “Landman” arrives on Sunday. At this point, I think most viewers will agree that both are better than “Yellowstone” — which of course I still love — and I look forward to the debate over which of Sheridan’s productions deserves the top spot. Either way, you need to see “Landman” because it’s a masterclass in great television. Be sure to let me know your thoughts when you do at [email protected].