Landman Season 2, set to premiere in November 2025 on Paramount+, builds on the gritty, high-stakes world of West Texas oilfields established in its debut season. Created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, the series continues to follow Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton), a crisis manager navigating the chaotic intersection of oil, power, and personal turmoil. With a stellar cast and Sheridan’s signature neo-Western flair, Season 2 promises to elevate the drama, though it faces the challenge of distinguishing itself in Sheridan’s crowded portfolio.
Strengths
The addition of Sam Elliott as a series regular is a major highlight, bringing gravitas and authenticity to the oil-soaked narrative. Elliott, a veteran of Sheridan’s 1883, is expected to embody a quintessential cowboy archetype, potentially as a mentor or rival to Tommy, amplifying the show’s rugged charm. Billy Bob Thornton remains the anchor, delivering a layered performance as the weathered yet resilient Tommy Norris, whose struggles with family and industry pressures resonate deeply. Demi Moore’s expanded role as Cami Miller, now second-billed, suggests a richer exploration of her character, addressing Season 1 critiques of her underutilization. The returning ensemble—Ali Larter, Andy Garcia, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, and others—adds depth, with Larter’s Angela Norris poised for a compelling arc as an “emotional tornado” seeking redemption.
The production’s swift turnaround, with filming beginning in April 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, reflects Paramount+’s confidence in the show’s appeal. Season 1’s record-breaking viewership (14.9 million households in four weeks) and Thornton’s Golden Globe nomination set a high bar, and Season 2’s focus on cartel dynamics, oil industry ethics, and personal betrayals promises to maintain the show’s visceral intensity. The Texas setting, rooted in the Boomtown podcast, continues to ground the series in a vivid, authentic backdrop, with sweeping vistas and gritty oilfield scenes.
Potential Weaknesses
Season 1’s 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and “mixed or average” Metacritic rating (60/100) highlighted criticisms of Sheridan’s formulaic tendencies, with some dialogue—like Tommy’s wind turbine rant—feeling heavy-handed. Season 2 risks falling into similar traps, especially as Sheridan juggles multiple projects (Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown). The rapid production timeline, while efficient, raises concerns about depth, as Thornton noted only half the scripts were ready during filming. Additionally, the loss of Jon Hamm’s character, Monty Miller, leaves a void in the high-wattage star power, and the show must work to keep its ensemble dynamic fresh without relying on repetitive Sheridan archetypes.
Expectations and Themes
Season 2 is likely to dive deeper into the cartel storyline introduced in Season 1’s finale, with Andy Garcia’s Gallino returning as a formidable force. The narrative may explore Tommy’s navigation of illegal and legitimate business dealings, alongside his mentorship of Cami in the oil world’s “street smarts.” Themes of environmental impact, class disparity, and ambition—core to Sheridan’s work—are expected to persist, potentially with sharper execution given the creative team’s awareness of Season 1 feedback. Ariana’s (Paulina Chávez) arc as a single mother could add emotional weight, especially with casting calls for a young child suggesting her story remains central.
Verdict
Landman Season 2 has the ingredients for another hit: a powerhouse cast, a timely setting, and Sheridan’s knack for blending raw drama with cultural commentary. While it must navigate the pitfalls of Sheridan’s overstretched empire, the addition of Elliott and Moore’s expanded role signal ambition. If it balances its sprawling ensemble and refines its dialogue, Season 2 could surpass its predecessor, delivering a gripping chapter in the oilfield saga. Fans of Yellowstone and neo-Westerns will likely find it a worthy successor, with enough Texas grit to keep them hooked.
