Billy Bob Thornton explains why working-class audiences connect with 'Landman'

Billy Bob Thornton believes the success of Landman lies in its ability to reflect the realities faced by everyday working people, helping the Taylor Sheridan drama become a global hit.

Speaking at the Newport Beach TV Fest with Fox News Digital, Thornton said audiences from all walks of life have embraced the Paramount+ series, but noted that working-class viewers particularly identify with the challenges portrayed on screen.

Billy Bob Thornton says working people see themselves in the show

Thornton, who stars as crisis manager Tommy Norris in the series, said many viewers recognise the hardships experienced by the characters and the communities connected to the oil industry.

“Working people, I think, really relate to the struggles that the family goes through and the people who work in this industry,” Thornton said.

The actor suggested that the show's grounded portrayal of family, work and economic pressures has helped it connect with audiences far beyond its Texas setting.

Taylor Sheridan credited for understanding audiences

Thornton also praised series creator Taylor Sheridan, saying the writer's ability to understand a broad range of people has been key to the show's international success.

“What’s unique about Taylor is that he seems to understand all people because this is an international hit,” Thornton explained.

According to the actor, Landman stands out because it refuses to fit neatly into a single genre.

“‘Landman’ is a worldwide phenomenon, and I think what’s different about this show is that most of the shows stick to what they are,” he said.

Thornton added that the series combines “emotion and drama and humor and absurdity and danger,” creating a mix that appeals to a wide audience.

Inside the world of 'Landman'

Based on the podcast Boomtown, Landman explores the oil boom that transformed the Permian Basin region of West Texas during the early 2010s.

At the centre of the story is Tommy Norris, a landman tasked with handling crises and negotiating deals for oil company M-Tex. The cast also features Ali Larter, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Michelle Randolph and Andy Garcia.

The series has become one of Paramount+'s most talked-about dramas since its debut, earning praise for its portrayal of the energy industry and the people whose lives are shaped by it.

Andy Garcia praises Sheridan’s storytelling

Co-star Andy Garcia also credited Sheridan's writing for the show's popularity, describing the creator's approach to storytelling as the foundation of its success.

“Well, it starts with the quality of the writing and the ensemble that he’s chosen to execute his words,” Garcia said.

He added that the series benefits from strong direction, cinematography and production values, but argued that Sheridan's scripts remain the driving force behind its appeal.

“It all starts from the storytelling and Taylor’s words and the way he builds a season,” Garcia said.

Season 3 officially on the way

The future of Landman appears secure, with Paramount+ already confirming a third season of the drama.

The renewal comes as the series continues to attract viewers worldwide, with Thornton convinced that its focus on relatable struggles and authentic characters remains at the heart of its success.