Fans have been eagerly waiting for the Billy Bob Thornton new show, and the wait is almost over. The Oscar-winning actor is returning to television in “Landman,” a modern-day drama series created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and 1883.
Set to premiere on Paramount+ in early 2025, Landman promises high-stakes storytelling, powerhouse performances, and a sharp look at the changing landscape of America’s energy industry. It’s one of the most talked-about upcoming series of the year — and for good reason.
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What Is “Landman” About?
Landman is based on the hit Texas Monthly podcast Boomtown by Christian Wallace, which explored the wild and unpredictable lives of people working in the West Texas oil fields. The series adapts that real-world chaos into a gripping television drama filled with ambition, conflict, and moral tension.
Billy Bob Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for an oil company navigating the high-pressure world of energy production. His job is to solve problems — financial, environmental, and personal — that arise in the booming oil industry. But as Thornton’s character soon learns, not every problem can be fixed with power or money.
Paramount+ describes the show as “a story about roughnecks and billionaires shaping the world’s energy future.” It’s both a gritty workplace drama and a human story about family, loyalty, and survival.
Why “Landman” Is Generating Buzz
There’s no denying that Landman has become one of the most anticipated shows of 2025. Several key factors are driving excitement among fans and critics alike:
- Billy Bob Thornton’s Return to Television
After his award-winning performance in Goliath, Thornton hasn’t appeared in a major series for several years. His return marks a big moment for TV drama fans. - Taylor Sheridan’s Proven Track Record
Sheridan has built a television empire around authentic, character-driven American storytelling. His work on Yellowstone and its spin-offs has shown his ability to turn ordinary people and real-world issues into riveting television. - A Realistic Story About Modern America
Unlike Sheridan’s cowboy sagas, Landman focuses on the oil industry — a modern version of the American frontier, where ambition meets consequence. The story blends moral conflict with drama, much like Yellowstone, but in a world fueled by oil instead of cattle.
Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris
In Landman, Billy Bob Thornton takes on one of his most complex roles yet. As Tommy Norris, he plays a man caught between worlds — working for billion-dollar corporations while managing the lives and livelihoods of roughnecks on the ground.
Thornton’s character must balance business, politics, and morality as the oil industry faces increasing public and environmental scrutiny. The role perfectly fits Thornton’s trademark intensity and emotional depth, traits that have defined his career in films like Sling Blade and shows like Fargo.
Thornton recently described the role as one of his most challenging yet:
“Tommy’s a guy who’s seen the best and worst of humanity,” Thornton said in a Paramount+ featurette. “He’s smart, but he’s stuck between doing what’s right and what pays the bills. That’s what makes him human.”
The Cast: Familiar Faces and Fresh Talent
Alongside Billy Bob Thornton, Landman features an impressive ensemble of actors:
- Ali Larter (Heroes, Final Destination) as Angela Norris, Tommy’s ex-wife.
- Michelle Randolph (1923) as Ainsley Norris, their daughter.
- Jacob Lofland (Mud, The Son) as Cooper Norris, their son.
- Demi Moore in a major recurring role as Cami Miller, a powerful figure in the Texas oil business.
- James Jordan (Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown) as an industry insider with ties to Thornton’s character.
Each cast member brings depth to the drama, making Landman a true ensemble story about family, work, and power.
Behind the Scenes: Sheridan’s Growing Universe
Landman is part of Taylor Sheridan’s expanding television universe, which already includes Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Special Ops: Lioness.
Sheridan’s work often explores themes of moral grayness — good people making tough choices in unforgiving worlds. Landman continues that tradition, trading cowboy hats for hard hats and ranches for oil rigs.
Production took place primarily in Fort Worth and Midland, Texas, beginning in 2023 and wrapping in mid-2024. The on-location shooting gives the show an authentic, cinematic look that fans of Sheridan’s other series will instantly recognize.
When and Where to Watch
Paramount+ has confirmed that “Landman” will premiere in early 2025, likely in March or April. The first season will include 10 episodes, released weekly on the streaming platform — the same format used for Sheridan’s other hits.
Episodes will be available exclusively to Paramount+ subscribers in the United States, with international rollout expected later in 2025.
Early trailers and teaser clips released in late 2024 showcased stunning visuals of the Texas landscape and hinted at the show’s blend of tension, drama, and realism.
Thornton’s Return to a Familiar Kind of Role
While Landman is a new story, the role of Tommy Norris feels like a natural evolution for Billy Bob Thornton. Fans of Goliath will recognize his sharp wit, moral complexity, and understated charisma — but Landman takes those qualities and drops them into a bigger, more dangerous world.
Thornton has said he’s drawn to roles that feel real — men who struggle, make mistakes, and keep moving forward. Tommy Norris fits that mold perfectly.
“I like characters that aren’t clean-cut heroes,” Thornton explained. “Life’s messy, and I think audiences want to see that on screen.”
Given Thornton’s reputation for authenticity, critics expect Landman to deliver one of his most compelling performances to date.
Why “Landman” Feels So Relevant Today
Beyond the drama and action, Landman taps into some of the biggest questions facing modern society: How far should we go for success? What does progress really cost?
By exploring the oil industry through human stories, Landman sheds light on the real people behind America’s energy machine — workers, executives, and families all tied to an industry that fuels both prosperity and conflict.
It’s a timely story, especially as the world continues to balance energy demands with environmental responsibility. Sheridan’s grounded writing ensures that Landman will feel both entertaining and thought-provoking.
What’s Next for Billy Bob Thornton
At 70, Billy Bob Thornton continues to evolve as one of Hollywood’s most consistent and respected actors. After Landman, he plans to return to music with his band The Boxmasters, which tours nationwide each year.
But for now, Thornton is fully focused on Landman, describing it as “one of the most powerful projects” of his career.
Fans of Yellowstone-style storytelling, complex characters, and modern American drama are already calling Landman a must-watch for 2025.
Are you excited for Billy Bob Thornton’s new show “Landman”? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion about one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025.