Landman Smashes Streaming Records on Paramount+

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 Boomtown podcast by Christian Wallace, Landman has quickly become one of the most anticipated new shows in 2024.

With star power from Billy Bob Thornton and a talented ensemble cast, Landman has 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.

A Record-Breaking Premiere on Paramount+

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 Landman was 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, Landman saw an increase in its viewership, with Day 1 of the second week reaching 2.4 million households in the U.S. alone, a 60% rise from its first-week numbers of 1.5 million households.

These numbers confirm that Landman is 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 Landman is 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.

The Show’s Setting: A Glimpse into West Texas Oil Fields

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, Norris navigates through complex moral and legal landscapes. Often, his job requires him to engage in ethically questionable practices to achieve his goals.

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The setting of West Texas oil fields adds 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. Landman explores 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.

A Star-Studded Cast

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’s involvement 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.

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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’s rough-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 Impact of Streaming: Paramount+ and the Future of Landman

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 Landman to 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 Landman further enhances the show’s appeal. As the co-creator of Yellowstone, which has become a cultural phenomenon, Sheridan is 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 Landman proves 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 Landman join the ranks of other hit series like Yellowstone and 1883, which have garnered massive followings and critical acclaim. To explore how Landman compares to Taylor Sheridan’s other shows in terms of plot, check out this Quora discussion.

Comparison of Key Cast Members

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.

As shown in the table, each of these actors has had a significant impact on television and film, with Billy Bob Thornton being a household name due to his acclaimed performances in comedy and drama.

Jon Hamm, best known for his role as Don Draper in Mad Men, brings a sharp and calculating energy to the show, while Ali Larter, known for her versatility, adds depth to the series.

Conclusion

• Landman has made a record-breaking impact on Paramount+ with its debut, drawing millions of viewers and setting new standards for streaming premieres.
• The show’s unique setting in the West Texas oil fields and its morally complex characters make it stand out in the crowded drama genre.
• The cast, led by Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Ali Larter, delivers standout performances that contribute significantly to the show’s success.
• As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Landman is poised to be a key player in the future of television, with the potential for continued success if it remains on its current trajectory.

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