Fans of award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton have something big to look forward to in 2025. The long-awaited Billy Bob Thornton new show, titled “Landman,” is officially coming to Paramount+, and early buzz suggests it could be one of the biggest television releases of the year.
The series, created by Taylor Sheridan — the mastermind behind Yellowstone and Tulsa King — brings Thornton back to television in a powerful new role set deep in the oil fields of West Texas. With an A-list cast, cinematic visuals, and Sheridan’s signature storytelling style, Landman looks ready to strike oil with both critics and audiences.
The Story Behind “Landman”
Landman is inspired by the hit Texas Monthly podcast Boomtown, created by Christian Wallace. The podcast explored the lives of people chasing fortune and survival during the U.S. shale-oil boom.
In the series, Billy Bob Thornton plays Tommy Norris, a crisis manager for a major oil company. His job is to keep multi-million-dollar drilling operations running smoothly while dealing with volatile workers, billion-dollar investors, and environmental fallout.
The story captures the collision of ambition, greed, and morality in a modern boomtown where wealth can change hands overnight. It’s equal parts family drama, corporate thriller, and social commentary — classic Taylor Sheridan territory.
Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris
Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, is described as sharp, resilient, and deeply conflicted — a man who knows how to fix problems but can’t always fix himself.
“Tommy’s not a villain, but he’s not a hero either,” Thornton shared during an early press interview. “He’s just trying to survive in a world where every decision costs something.”
This kind of morally complex role fits perfectly into Thornton’s wheelhouse. From Sling Blade to Goliath, he’s made a career out of playing flawed, fascinating characters who walk the fine line between right and wrong.
Taylor Sheridan’s Expanding Universe
Creator Taylor Sheridan has become one of television’s most consistent hitmakers. His storytelling centers on modern American life — where hard work, danger, and moral gray areas meet.
With Landman, Sheridan moves from cowboys to oilmen, exploring how power and ambition shape today’s America. The show’s world is just as rugged as Yellowstone, but instead of horses and ranches, it’s filled with oil rigs, boardrooms, and billion-dollar stakes.
Sheridan co-created the series with journalist Christian Wallace, giving Landman an authentic foundation drawn directly from real-life stories in the Permian Basin.
“Energy is the new frontier,” Sheridan said during production. “It’s where the American dream and the American struggle collide.”
Filming and Production
Filming for Landman began in 2023 and wrapped in mid-2024. Most scenes were shot on location in Fort Worth, Midland, and other parts of West Texas to capture the authentic feel of oil country.
Sheridan’s productions are known for their cinematic realism, and Landman is no exception. Early previews feature sweeping desert landscapes, long shots of pumping rigs, and the glow of oil fires lighting the night sky — all paired with Sheridan’s trademark grit and emotion.
The first trailer, released in October 2024, gave audiences a glimpse of Thornton’s commanding presence. His character’s voiceover — “The ground’s got more secrets than people do” — instantly went viral among fans awaiting his return to TV.
The Cast: A Blend of Talent and Star Power
Landman boasts a powerhouse cast alongside Thornton:
- Ali Larter (Heroes, Final Destination) as Angela Norris, Tommy’s ex-wife who’s rebuilding her life after years of turmoil.
- Michelle Randolph (1923) as Ainsley Norris, their daughter caught between loyalty and independence.
- Jacob Lofland (Mud, The Son) as Cooper Norris, their rebellious son navigating life in the oil boom.
- Demi Moore as Cami Miller, a high-society power broker entangled in the industry’s darker dealings.
- James Jordan (Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown) as one of Tommy’s trusted but unpredictable colleagues.
Rumors also hint that Jon Hamm and Sam Worthington will appear in guest roles later in the season, though Paramount+ has yet to confirm those details.
Why Fans Are Excited
There’s plenty of buzz around Landman, and several reasons stand out:
- Thornton’s First TV Role Since Goliath
His last television appearance earned him a Golden Globe. Fans are eager to see how he’ll bring his signature mix of humor and intensity to this new story. - A Fresh Setting
The oil fields of Texas provide a modern backdrop rarely seen on television. It’s a world of roughnecks, investors, and families all chasing the American dream. - Taylor Sheridan’s Track Record
Every Sheridan project — from Yellowstone to Tulsa King — has been a hit. Viewers trust his ability to blend action, emotion, and authenticity. - Real-World Relevance
With energy, climate, and wealth inequality dominating today’s headlines, Landman feels timely and grounded in issues Americans care about.
Themes That Drive the Story
Beyond the drama and oil-rich setting, Landman tells a deeper story about America itself.
- Family vs. Fortune: Thornton’s character struggles to repair his family while managing a career that consumes him.
- Morality in Modern Business: The show questions whether success can exist without sacrifice.
- The Price of Progress: It explores how the pursuit of profit impacts both people and the planet.
These themes mirror the larger conversations happening across the country, giving Landman emotional weight beyond its action and suspense.
A Look at Thornton’s Career Comeback
At 70 years old, Billy Bob Thornton continues to prove that talent only deepens with age. His Oscar-winning performance in Sling Blade made him a household name, and roles in Monster’s Ball, Bad Santa, and Fargo cemented his reputation as one of America’s most versatile actors.
Thornton’s last major TV role in Goliath showed his mastery of long-form storytelling. With Landman, he’s diving into another layered character — one who’s flawed, driven, and distinctly human.
“TV lets you live with a character long enough to understand them,” Thornton said in a 2024 interview. “That’s what I love about it — you get to see the cracks beneath the surface.”
Release Date and How to Watch
Paramount+ has announced that Landman will premiere in March 2025, with 10 episodes airing weekly. The show will be available exclusively to Paramount+ subscribers in the United States, with international releases following later in the year.
Given Sheridan’s track record and Thornton’s star power, Landman is expected to be a major streaming event — potentially joining Yellowstone and Tulsa King among Paramount+’s most-watched titles.
Early Reactions and Industry Buzz
Even before its release, Landman has impressed insiders who previewed early footage. Critics praise the show’s realism, strong writing, and Thornton’s nuanced performance. Some have even called it “Goliath meets Yellowstone.”
Industry analysts predict Landman will appeal to both fans of Sheridan’s Western-style storytelling and those looking for more contemporary, socially conscious drama.
Billy Bob Thornton’s Life Beyond the Screen
When he’s not acting, Thornton continues to perform with his band The Boxmasters, balancing music with film and television work. He’s known for leading a quiet life with his wife, Connie Angland, and their daughter, Bella, focusing on creativity rather than celebrity.
That down-to-earth outlook reflects in his work — including Landman. Thornton has said that the show’s themes of working-class struggle and moral compromise feel personal to him, having grown up in a small Arkansas town surrounded by hardworking people.
Why “Landman” Matters in 2025
In a world facing economic uncertainty and environmental challenges, Landman captures a slice of modern America that’s rarely portrayed on television. It’s not just a story about oil — it’s about identity, ambition, and the price of progress.
By combining Thornton’s emotional range with Sheridan’s sharp writing, Landman offers a story that’s as human as it is cinematic. Whether you watch for the action, the drama, or the social relevance, this series promises to deliver on every level.
Are you excited to see Billy Bob Thornton’s new show “Landman”? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about this powerful new Paramount+ drama.