FORT WORTH, Texas – Taylor Sheridan’s highly anticipated series “Landman” is making waves not only for its captivating storyline but also for its backdrop, featuring the fictional cafe, The Patch. Despite looking like a bustling greasy spoon where oil industry fixer Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton, enjoys meals, this enticing eatery is merely a set near Fort Worth that has drawn in countless fans eager to catch a glimpse.
On a hot July day, admirers calmly hovered by The Patch, snapping pictures as Thornton, now 70, reminisced about the show’s early days. “The very first scene we shot was right in this room,” he noted, reflecting on the creativity involved in transforming an old tire store into a notable filming location. “Now it’s crazy because we get actual tourists and people coming who think it’s a real cafe. It’s like you’re a part of a place’s history.”
Set to debut its second season on Paramount+ on November 16, “Landman” quickly found its footing after the inaugural episode made history with a record 35 million global streaming viewers. Following in the successful wake of “Yellowstone,” this series, featuring a star-studded cast including Jon Hamm and Demi Moore, has become a significant player in Sheridan’s repertoire.
In its first season, the narrative saw Tommy navigate explosive challenges in the oil industry, including rivalries and personal struggles such as remarrying his ex-wife, Angela, played by Ali Larter. Jacob Lofland, who portrays Tommy’s son, Cooper, humorously recounted how the show’s popularity unexpectedly shifted his everyday experiences, transforming a simple shopping trip into a two-hour fan interaction following the show’s premiere.
Critically, “Landman” has gained traction with a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering a niche yet fervent fan base. Notably, podcast host Bill Simmons ranks it among his favorite series, celebrating Thornton’s portrayal as one that redefines authenticity in the role of a land boss.
Reflecting on the show’s unexpected success, Thornton remarked, “This is kind of a phenomenon,” acknowledging that while he has enjoyed a successful career, “Landman” has taken his celebrity to previously unseen heights.
The second season is poised for exciting developments, bringing new characters into the fray, including “1883” star Sam Elliott as Tommy’s father, TL, and Andy Garcia, who will reprise his role as cartel boss Gallino. Meanwhile, Moore’s character, Cami Miller, is expected to play a more central role following the dramatic shifts in plot from Season 1.
With a strong narrative foundation loosely modeled on the West Texas oil industry podcast “Boomtown,” Sheridan crafted the character of Tommy Norris specifically for Thornton after his impressive cameo in “1883.” “Taylor said, ‘I’m writing this show around you about the oil business, and I’m going to write in your voice,’” Thornton shared.
As the show progresses, fans can expect more of Tommy’s colorful rants on a myriad of subjects and his engaging banter with characters like Barney, the bar tender, showcasing an intriguing blend of humor and authenticity.
Thornton, who continues to enjoy music and perform with his band The Boxmasters, is committed to “Landman” for the long haul, expressing a desire to remain with the show “for as long as they’ll have me.” He humorously added that he requested some adjustments to his wardrobe for Season 2, preferring a tighter fit in his jeans this time around.
As “Landman” gears up for an exciting second season, the series promises to explore deep character arcs and thrilling storylines, all while anchoring itself within the vibrant culture of the oil industry and captivating its audiences with rich storytelling.