Quick Read
- Landman Season 2 premiered November 16, 2025 on Paramount+, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Sam Elliott.
- The season holds a 78% “fresh” critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, matching Season 1.
- Critics praise improved character development but are divided over the show’s direction and tone.
- Showrunner Christian Wallace and cast member Sam Elliott have hinted at plans for a potential Season 3, possibly filming in mid-2026.
- New episodes drop every Sunday until the finale on January 18, 2026.
Landman Season 2 Premieres: A High-Stakes Return in West Texas
The second season of Landman, Taylor Sheridan’s gritty oil drama set in the tumultuous boomtowns of West Texas, has landed on Paramount+, bringing back an ensemble cast led by Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, and Sam Elliott. With a premiere episode titled “Death and a Sunset,” the series plunges viewers once more into a world where ambition, power, and survival fuel more than just the oil rigs.
After making headlines as the most-watched global premiere in Paramount+ history with over 35 million viewers tuning in for its debut in 2024, expectations for Season 2 were as high as the West Texas oil derricks. As the new season unfolds, fans are eager to see whether Landman continues to strike it rich with audiences and critics alike.
Critics Weigh In: A Split Verdict
On Rotten Tomatoes, Landman Season 2 currently holds a 78% “fresh” score, mirroring the reception of its debut season. However, this number only tells part of the story. Early reviews reveal a clear divide among critics, with praise for improved character development countered by concerns over the show’s direction and tone.
J. Kelly Nestruck of The Globe and Mail notes a marked improvement in how female characters are portrayed, writing, “It was possible to overlook [the first season’s] shortcomings — namely the crassly caricatured supporting female characters. Season 2 begins with an improvement in that area.” This sentiment is echoed by Tim Glanfield of The Times (U.K.), who lauds the series for “drilling deep into a different perspective on American life.”
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Clint Worthington of RogerEbert.com offers a less favorable view, arguing that the show “struggles to find new reserves to plumb and veers off in some crazy directions.” Katie Doll of CBR is even more blunt, warning that those seeking nuanced business drama or progressive gender representation should “steer clear of the testosterone-fueled series.”
The 78% score, derived from just nine early reviews, stands neck-and-neck with Season 1’s rating, which was based on a broader pool of 37 critics. The audience’s verdict is still pending, with the Popcornmeter and user reviews yet to be updated.
What’s New in Season 2?
Season 2 picks up with Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) under mounting pressure from M-Tex Oil, Cami Miller (Demi Moore), and the shadow of family legacy. The official logline hints at secrets rising alongside oil: “Tommy Norris’s breaking point may be closer than he realizes. Survival in West Texas isn’t noble – it’s brutal. And sooner or later something’s got to break.”
The cast expands to include Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, and others. The narrative promises to dig deeper into the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices facing landmen negotiating between powerful energy companies and local landowners. The stakes are raised not just for the characters, but for the communities and environment that stand to gain or lose from the region’s relentless oil boom.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
For those eager to follow every twist and turn, Landman Season 2 airs new episodes every Sunday, with the finale scheduled for January 18. Here’s the full release lineup:
- Episode 1, “Death and a Sunset” — November 16
- Episode 2, “Sins of the Father” — November 23
- Episode 3, “Almost a Home” — November 30
- Episode 4, “Dancing Rainbows” — December 7
- Episode 5, “The Pirate Dinner” — December 14
- Episode 6, “Dark Night of the Soul” — December 21
- Episode 7, “Forever Is an Instant” — December 28
- Episode 8, “Handsome Touched Me” — January 4
- Episode 9, “Plans, Tears and Sirens” — January 11
- Episode 10, “Tragedy and Flies” — January 18
Landman is available exclusively on Paramount+, with subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month and a free trial for new users.
Behind the Scenes: Cast Hopes and the Future
The buzz surrounding Landman isn’t limited to what’s on screen. Sam Elliott, who joined the cast this season, has already teased the possibility of a third installment. In interviews, Elliott admitted, “I’m looking past Season 2 already. We’re here talking about Season 2, but it’s all been done. I’m thinking about what’s to come, and I’m excited about what’s to come.” He went on to say that the positive atmosphere on set, the return to filming in Texas, and working with an “incredible crew” make the project a “joy to go to work.”
Showrunner Christian Wallace echoed this optimism, telling Variety that there’s “a lot of runway” left for the series: “There are so many ways that this can go, and the world is so vast and big. So far we’re two seasons in, and we’ve barely skimmed the surface of what we can do and what we want to do.” Elliott even hinted that filming for Season 3 could begin as soon as April or May 2026.
The Sheridanverse Effect
Landman is the latest addition to Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding “Sheridanverse,” which began with the blockbuster success of Yellowstone and now includes a roster of crime dramas exploring the American heartland. Like its predecessors, Landman mixes personal ambition with sweeping social commentary, using the oil industry as a lens to examine the shifting landscape of power, wealth, and identity in 21st-century America.
The first season earned a similar 78% critics’ score and a 65% audience “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers crediting Thornton’s magnetic performance for elevating the material. Season 2 aims to build on this foundation, with a sharper focus on character depth and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Assessment: As Landman barrels through its sophomore season, it faces the familiar challenge of sustaining momentum while deepening its exploration of complex themes. Critics are split, but the show’s willingness to evolve—both in its portrayal of marginalized characters and its narrative ambition—signals a series still finding its voice amid the clamor of the oil fields. Whether it can strike a balance that satisfies both fans and detractors remains the central question as the season unfolds.