Essential Insights into 'Landman,' Taylor Sheridan's Latest Gritty Texas Oil Industry Series

Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed western saga "Yellowstone" might be nearing its curtain call, yet his latest venture, "Landman," could very well step into its shoes.

"Landman," featuring Billy Bob Thornton, dives deep into the perilous world of oil in the bustling towns of West Texas. The narrative draws inspiration from the "Boomtown" podcast, which delved into the historic oil surge in the Permian Basin.

Paramount+ unveiled the initial pair of episodes on Sunday. Here's a closer look at what's unfolding.

Thornton takes on the role of Tommy Norris, a tough and unapologetic oil executive whose mission is to secure land and mineral rights, ensuring the continuous flow of oil. Jon Hamm portrays his superior, Monty Miller.

Angela Norris, Tommy's spouse, is brought to life by Ali Larter, while Demi Moore assumes the role of Cami, Hamm's wife. Guest appearances by Andy Garcia and Michael Peña add to the star-studded ensemble. Fans of "Yellowstone" might recognize James Jordan, known for his guest appearances on the show from 2019 to 2022. Michelle Randolph from "1923" completes the cast.

The plot trails Norris as he navigates the oil-rich boomtowns of West Texas, with the multibillion-dollar oil and gas sector as its backdrop.

The immense wealth anchoring this saga ensures constant high stakes and palpable danger. According to a synopsis, it’s an "upstairs/downstairs saga of roughnecks and audacious billionaires propelling a boom so vast, it's reshaping our climate, economy, and geopolitics."

Sheridan teamed up with Texas journalist and screenwriter Christian Wallace, who hosted the "Boomtown" podcast for Texas Monthly in 2019. The podcast, which chronicled the real-world oil boom in the Permian Basin, inspired "Landman's" storyline.

During the boom, fracking transformed the Permian Basin into one of the globe's most bountiful oil fields, disrupting the once tranquil West Texas region.

In a Daily Beast interview shared on Sunday, Thornton reflects on the series, stating it offers "a glimpse into that realm" and the experiences of its inhabitants.

"This show delves into relationships and their impact," he elaborated. "It examines those in the oil industry and their families—how it influences everyone involved."

The debut episodes are available on Paramount+, with subsequent episodes releasing on Sundays.