Taylor Sheridan has another monster hit to his name with ‘Landman’.

Basic information:

• Streaming platform: Paramount+
• Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Michael Peña
• Plot Description: Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, LANDMAN is a modern story about seeking fortune in the world of oil rigs. Based on the remarkable 11-part podcast “Boomtown” from Imperative Entertainment and Texas Monthly, the series is an up-and-down story of losers and wild billionaires fueling a boom so big it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics. shapes.
• Number of episodes: 10
• Premiere date: November 17

I’ve been incredibly excited about “Landman” since I first became aware of the series starring Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm.

Then the trailer arrived and my expectations skyrocketed. A series about rough and gritty people in the Texas oil industry? Yes, say no more. I’m sold, but like anything you just don’t know if it will live up to the hype until you get a chance to see it.

I’m happy to report that “Landman” exceeds all expectations.

Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” is excellent television.

The good folks at Paramount+ gave me the opportunity to see a significant portion of “Landman” early on, and I was blown away by what I saw unfold over the course of several episodes.

The series follows oil fixer/crisis manager Tommy Norris (Thornton) as he navigates the violent, ruthless and sometimes deadly world of the Texas oil industry.

People hoping for a lot of uplifting moments and smiles in “Landman” are in for a huge disappointment. This show is about the carnage and pain that comes with the boom and bust of the oil industry, and the incredibly raw numbers involved. The series is downright brutal at times and ruthless at all times.

Is Norris a good man? Certainly not, but he’s exactly what oil executive Monty Miller (Hamm) needs to ensure his company thrives.

Taylor Sheridan’s new series ‘Landman’. (Credit: Paramount+)

The only positive spot in the series is Norris’ daughter Ainsley, and even her moments of clarity are few and far between. His son Copper (Lofland) – a bright young man who has dropped out of college – is desperate to make a name for himself in the oil sector, and this is where the show really shines.

The reality is that most viewers have no idea what the heck is going on in the oil sector. We learn through Copper’s eyes and development. The character not only serves as a great way to advance the plot, but also to inform the audience. Sheridan’s creativity shines through in this character.

There is also a lot of pain and heartbreak associated with Copper’s trial by fire, but I can’t say much more than that. You know it when you see it.

Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris in ‘Landman’. (Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

“Landman” has many similarities to Sheridan’s previous work. Viewers are sure to see elements familiar from ‘Leeuwin’, ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ and ‘Yellowstone’.

Is it his darkest show? No, but it’s definitely up there. It’s incredibly impressive how grainy the sound of “Landman” is at all times, and that’s what makes it so captivating.

“Landman” is the latest series from Taylor Sheridan and airs on Paramount+. (Credit: Paramount+)

There’s a serious argument to be made that ‘Lioness’ is the best show on TV right now, but I think fans will absolutely debate whether it’s a 1A/1B situation now that ‘Landman’ arrives on Sunday. At this point I think most viewers will agree that both are better than “Yellowstone” – which of course I still love – and I look forward to the debate over which of Sheridan’s productions deserves the top spot. Either way, you should watch Landman because it’s a masterclass in great television. Make sure you let me know your thoughts as soon as you do [email protected].