Billy Bob Thornton says the success of Landman has transported him into uncharted territory. The actor describes his career reaching “a different world” since the show’s explosive popularity. Season 2 arrives on Paramount+ on November 16, 2025. Thornton, 70, feels the phenomenon in ways his 35-year career never prepared him for.
Pluto TV’s Hidden Movie Section Rivals Premium Services
Korean Netflix Has 200+ Shows US Version Doesn’t Stream
🔥 Quick Facts:
- 35 million viewers watched the Season 1 premiere globally on Paramount+
- Landman beat all other Taylor Sheridan shows in viewership numbers
- Sam Elliott joins as Tommy’s father in Season 2, premiering Nov. 16
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 78% with passionate fan base and critical acclaim
- New episodes drop weekly on Sundays through January 18, 2026
Thornton Experiences Success at New Heights
Billy Bob Thornton has never felt fame like this before. He won an Oscar in 1997 for writing Sling Blade. He starred in Fargo‘s acclaimed season. He anchored Goliath for four seasons. Yet Landman surpasses all of them in sheer scale.
Netflix reveals economics behind 3-season cancellations as viewership metrics drop
YouTube Premium Originals Nobody Talks About Are Award-Winning
“I’ve been famous for like 35 years or whatever, but it’s gone to another level,” says Thornton. “I didn’t know there’d be another level for me.” The actor walked into a Bass Pro Shop and couldn’t leave quietly. Fans detained Jacob Lofland for two hours while shopping after the premiere.
“My shows were popular, but this is entering a different world. This is kind of a phenomenon.”
Landman premiered in November 2024 and grabbed 35 million viewers globally. That shattered Paramount+ records. The show became the streamer’s most-watched original series. Within four weeks, it secured 14.9 million viewers. Industry experts rank it as the biggest hit since Yellowstone.
Season 2 Brings Major Cast Changes and Character Growth
Season 2 adds Sam Elliott as Tommy’s father. The legendary actor joins an already stacked cast. Jon Hamm died in the Season 1 finale, but Andy Garcia returns as cartel boss Gallino. Demi Moore gets expanded screen time as Cami Miller takes the helm at M-Tex.
Tommy Norris ascends to M-Tex president in the new season. Thornton insisted on one costume tweak: tighter jeans. “The first season, my jeans were so baggy,” he reveals. “I’ve got birdlegs, so it looked like clown pants.” The costume department obliged with tailored alternatives.
The show centers on Thornton delivering rants on breakfast, wind power, and industry rivals. His sparring matches with Barney the bartender electrify every episode. “We get into it all the time,” Thornton says. “It’s a friendly rivalry.”
Creator Taylor Sheridan wrote the series specifically for Thornton‘s voice. “I’m writing this show around you,” Sheridan told him. The fit feels tailor-made and authentic to Thornton‘s unfiltered personality.
Critical Reception and Industry Impact
Landman splits critics but dominates with audiences. Rotten Tomatoes awards it 78% approval. Bill Simmons ranks it as his third all-time favorite series and calls it the “greatest show of this decade.” The American Association of Professional Landmen launched a superfan podcast celebrating the show.
| Metric | Season 1 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Global Premiere Viewers | 35 Million | Paramount+ record |
| Four-Week Viewership | 14.9 Million | Strong retention |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 78% | Critical approval |
| Nielsen Ranking | Top 10 | Beat Sheridan competition |
The show attracted mainstream audiences during peak streaming season. Landman topped Nielsen charts repeatedly in January 2025. It competed against Netflix and Amazon blockbusters and won consistently.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
- 10 episodes drop weekly on Sundays through January 18, 2026
- Tommy leads M-Tex with new power and responsibility struggles
- Sam Elliott brings gravitas playing Tommy’s demanding father
- Demi Moore emerges as major player after underuse in Season 1
- Oil industry conflicts escalate with cartels and rivals closing in
Thornton signed on for “four or five years” and wants to stay longer. “I want to stay on the show for as long as they’ll have me,” he confirms. At 70, he continues touring with his rock band The Boxmasters, which opened for The Who’s farewell tour in August.
Can this Texas oil drama maintain its incredible momentum?
Landman entered phenomenon territory faster than almost any recent streaming drama. The question now: can Season 2 sustain that magic? Paramount+ needs Landman to keep ratings high as competition intensifies.
Thornton‘s role remains the engine driving everything. His swagger, zingers, and Texas authenticity define the show’s identity. Critics questioned gender portrayals and plot excess, but audiences voted with their remotes. 35 million viewers don’t lie.
Watch the Season 2 trailer and behind-the-scenes content:
The real test arrives November 16 when new episodes premiere. Will casual viewers return? Does Sam Elliott elevate the material? Does Demi Moore finally get worthy storylines? The answers shape 2026 streaming wars.
Sources
- USA TODAY – Billy Bob Thornton exclusive interview from The Patch set about Landman success and Season 2 changes
- Variety – Landman premiere viewership numbers and Rotten Tomatoes critical reception data
- Screen Rant – Nielsen ratings analysis showing Landman beating all Taylor Sheridan shows
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.