by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: December 6, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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The debut of Landman on Paramount+ has been nothing short of remarkable. Within its first week, the show shattered records for the streaming platform, signaling a massive success and capturing the attention of critics and viewers alike.
Created by Taylor Sheridan , the co-creator of the hit series Yellowstone, and based on the Boomtownpodcast by Christian Wallace, Landmanhas quickly become one of the most anticipated new shows in 2024.
With star power from Billy Bob Thorntonand a talented ensemble cast, Landmanhas made waves in terms of its viewership and storytelling, direction, and production.
In this article, we will explore the numbers behind the success of Landman, examine its early reception, compare the career milestones of the actors involved, and explore what makes this show so compelling.
When Landman premiered on November 17, 2024, it quickly set a new standard for streaming premieres on Paramount+. According to Paramount’s official press release, the show garnered a stunning 14.6 million viewers in its first seven days across both Paramount+ and linear previews.
This achievement not only marked a personal best for the show but also established it as the biggest global premiere week ever for a Paramount+original series.
The numbers are impressive, especially considering that Landmanwas entering a highly competitive market with multiple popular shows vying for audience attention.
The excitement surrounding the premiere seems to have only grown with time. By Week 2, Landmansaw an increase in its viewership, with Day 1of the second week reaching 2.4 million householdsin the U.S.alone, a 60% rise from its first-week numbers of 1.5 million households.
These numbers confirm that Landmanis not just a one-hit wonder, but rather a show that continues to build momentum as more viewers discover it.
This level of success is impressive, especially when considering that Landmanis a niche drama focused on the morally complex world of West Texas oil fields, a world that can be hard to relate to for many viewers.
However, the combination of a strong lead performance from Billy Bob Thornton, a sharp script by Sheridan, and a high-stakes setting has resonated deeply with audiences, leading to a remarkable surge in viewership.
Landman revolves around the character of Tommy Norris, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton, who works for a major oil company. His job involves obtaining mineral rights and managing the people involved in the company’s pumping projects.
In a landscape of oil exploration and extraction, Norrisnavigates through complex moral and legal landscapes. Often, his job requires him to engage in ethically questionable practices to achieve his goals.
The setting of West Texas oil fieldsadds a layer of grit and tension to the story. The vast, arid landscapes metaphorize the harsh, unforgiving world that the characters must navigate. The oil business is presented as a morally ambiguous environment where power, greed, and survival are ever-present forces.
One of the show’s unique features is its exploration of the human cost of oil extraction. Landmanexplores the lives of the people impacted by the oil industry, highlighting the often-overlooked consequences of drilling and resource extraction on the local population.
The tension between economic growth and environmental responsibility plays a significant role throughout the series, making it more than just a typical business drama. For more insights on Landman‘s viewership and streaming success, check out this Reddit discussion .
At the heart of Landman is its cast, with Billy Bob Thornton taking center stage as Tommy Norris. Known for his diverse range of roles, Thornton brings a raw and compelling energy to his portrayal of a morally ambiguous character.
His nuanced performance draws the viewer in, making it easy to sympathize with a character who may not always make the most ethical choices.
Thornton’sinvolvement in the show has undoubtedly played a major role in its early success, as his long-standing reputation in Hollywood adds a layer of credibility to the project.
The cast is further bolstered by the talent of Ali Larter, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Michelle Randolph, Kayla Wallace, and James Jordan, among others. Each of these actors brings depth to their respective roles, creating a rich tapestry of characters that populate the oil fields of West Texas.
Ali Larter, known for her roles in television and film, plays a crucial role in the show as a character who finds herself caught in the web of corporate dealings and moral dilemmas.
Jon Hamm, famed for his role in Mad Men, adds gravitas to the series with his sharp performance , which contrasts perfectly with Thornton’srough-edged portrayal of Norris.
Together, the ensemble cast elevates Landman, making it more than just a story about oil. It becomes a story about people, ambition, and the lengths to which individuals will go to survive and succeed.
The success of Landman on Paramount+ is a testament to the changing landscape of television. As traditional networks see fluctuating ratings and viewership numbers, streaming platforms like Paramount+ have become the dominant force in the industry.
The flexibility of streaming allows shows like Landmanto find their audience without the constraints of time slots and commercial interruptions, giving creators more freedom to tell their stories.
Taylor Sheridan’s involvement in Landmanfurther enhances the show’s appeal. As the co-creator of Yellowstone , which has become a cultural phenomenon, Sheridanis a name that carries significant weight in the television world.
His ability to craft gripping, character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of the American West has made him a favorite among audiences.
The success of Landmanproves that Sheridan’s formula blending complex characters with high-stakes drama translates well to streaming audiences, just as it did for Yellowstone.
If the show continues to build on its momentum, we may see Landmanjoin the ranks of other hit series like Yellowstoneand 1883, which have garnered massive followings and critical acclaim. To explore how Landmancompares to Taylor Sheridan’sother shows in terms of plot, check out this Quora discussion.
To better understand the significance of Landman’s success, it’s helpful to look at the careers of the main cast members and how their involvement in the show compares to their previous work.
Actor | Notable Work | Career Milestones | Role in Landman |
---|---|---|---|
Billy Bob Thornton
|
Fargo (1996), Bad Santa (2003) | Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, Golden Globe Awards | Tommy Norris– A morally ambiguous oil executive |
Jon Hamm
|
Mad Men (2007-2015) | Golden Globe Award for Mad Men , multiple Emmy nominations | A key character in the series, bringing gravitas |
Ali Larter
|
Heroes (2006-2010), Final Destination (2000) | A major TV star known for her action-packed roles | Plays a character entangled in corporate dealings |
As shown in the table, each of these actors has had a significant impact on television and film, with Billy Bob Thorntonbeing a household name due to his acclaimed performances in comedy and drama.
Jon Hamm, best known for his role as Don Draperin Mad Men, brings a sharp and calculating energy to the show, while Ali Larter, known for her versatility, adds depth to the series.
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