Set in the heart of West Texas, Landman (2024) is a gripping drama that delves into the high-stakes world of oil drilling, land rights, and the men and women who navigate this dangerous and lucrative industry. Created by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone, Sicario) and Christian Wallace, and based on the popular podcast Boomtown, the series follows the lives of roughnecks, landmen, and oil tycoons as they compete for power, fortune, and survival in a rapidly changing landscape. Starring Billy Bob Thornton as the lead, the series promises to explore the brutal reality behind the modern oil rush, where billionaires are made overnight, and lives are destroyed just as quickly.
The story revolves around the character played by Billy Bob Thornton, a veteran landman whose job is to negotiate drilling rights on behalf of powerful oil corporations. As the West Texas oil boom surges, he finds himself caught between his personal morality and the cutthroat world of big oil, where backroom deals, corporate greed, and environmental destruction go hand in hand. Alongside him are a cast of ambitious and desperate individuals, from young rig workers hoping for a better future to ruthless investors willing to do whatever it takes to control the market. The show paints a vivid picture of the stark contrasts within this industry—where some strike it rich, while others are left in the dust.
Through Thornton’s character, Landman explores the ethical dilemmas faced by those who operate in this high-pressure environment. He is a man who has spent decades working in the industry, witnessing firsthand the devastation it brings to both people and the land itself. Torn between the need to secure deals and the realization that his work may be contributing to environmental and social collapse, he must navigate a treacherous path filled with betrayal, unexpected alliances, and the ever-present threat of failure. His journey is both personal and professional, as he struggles with the ghosts of his past and the uncertain future of the industry he has dedicated his life to.
Beyond the financial and political drama, the show also highlights the human cost of the oil boom. Families are uprooted, friendships are tested, and entire communities are transformed overnight as wealth and poverty collide. Some characters see the oil rush as an opportunity for prosperity, while others view it as a destructive force that erodes their way of life. Conflicts arise between landowners who seek to preserve their heritage and those who are willing to sell their land for a sH๏τ at wealth. This tension fuels much of the show’s drama, showcasing the emotional weight of these high-stakes decisions.
Filming for the first season began on February 6, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, near Taylor Sheridan’s famous Four Sixes Ranch, a location well known for its connection to Yellowstone. The production aimed to capture the vast, unforgiving beauty of the West Texas landscape, emphasizing its role as both a land of opportunity and a battlefield where fortunes are won and lost. With cinematography that highlights the desolate oil fields, dusty plains, and imposing drilling rigs, Landman presents a visually striking and immersive experience that places viewers right in the heart of the action. The season wrapped filming on June 25, 2024, with reports indicating that a second season is already being planned for early 2025.
At its core, Landman is more than just a story about oil—it is a deep exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and the choices people make in pursuit of success. The series raises thought-provoking questions about the true cost of wealth, the impact of industry on both the environment and society, and the morality of those who profit from resources that shape the world. With a compelling lead performance from Billy Bob Thornton, a gritty and realistic portrayal of the oil industry, and the signature storytelling style of Taylor Sheridan, Landman is poised to be a powerful and unforgettable addition to the modern television landscape.
