‘Landman’ and Its Deep Connections to ‘Yellowstone’ & Taylor Sheridan’s Universe
Taylor Sheridan has become a household name in television, crafting gripping dramas that capture the American frontier spirit. With Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and Mayor of Kingstown under his belt, Sheridan has carved out his own genre—a mix of rugged storytelling, moral dilemmas, and powerful characters navigating high-stakes conflicts.
Now, with Landman on the horizon, fans are eager to see how this new show fits into Sheridan’s established universe. While it introduces fresh themes centered around the oil industry, Landman undeniably carries the DNA of Yellowstone and his other hit series. Here’s a look at eight ways Landman echoes Sheridan’s signature storytelling style.
1. A Rugged, High-Stakes Setting
Like Yellowstone‘s sweeping Montana landscapes and 1883‘s treacherous frontier, Landman places its characters in a tough, unforgiving world—this time, the Texas oil fields. Instead of cattle ranching and land disputes, the central conflict revolves around the oil boom, corporate greed, and environmental consequences. Yet, the essence remains the same: a struggle for power in a world shaped by ruthless ambition.
2. Strong, Complex Male Protagonists
One of Sheridan’s hallmarks is crafting powerful, morally gray male leads. From John Dutton (Yellowstone) to Jacob Dutton (1923) and Mike McLusky (Mayor of Kingstown), his protagonists are often hardened men navigating ethical dilemmas.
Landman is no exception. Billy Bob Thornton takes the lead as a crisis manager in the oil industry—a man tasked with cleaning up the messes of powerful corporations. Like John Dutton, his character will likely be a force to be reckoned with, balancing moral compromises with a deep-rooted personal code.
3. Themes of Power, Greed, and Survival
Sheridan’s stories often explore power dynamics and the lengths people will go to maintain control. In Yellowstone, this plays out through land battles, politics, and family loyalty. In Landman, the stakes are just as high, but the battleground shifts to the oil business—where money, corruption, and environmental issues collide.
Much like how Yellowstone portrays the fight to protect a legacy, Landman will highlight the cost of power in an industry that shapes modern America, for better or worse.
4. Family and Loyalty at the Heart of the Story
While Landman is centered on corporate America and the oil empire, Sheridan rarely tells a story without a strong sense of family. Whether biological or chosen, his characters are bound by loyalty and personal connections that drive their motivations.
In Yellowstone, family legacy dictates every decision. In 1883 and 1923, survival hinges on unity. Though Landman might not revolve around a ranching dynasty, expect themes of loyalty, betrayal, and generational conflicts to play a major role.
5. A Gritty, Realistic Portrayal of a Specific Industry
One of Sheridan’s greatest strengths is his ability to immerse audiences in worlds they might not know much about. Just as Yellowstone pulled back the curtain on the modern ranching industry and Mayor of Kingstown exposed the prison system, Landman will provide an unflinching look at the oil industry—its triumphs, corruption, and impact on everyday lives.
With Sheridan’s attention to authenticity and real-world issues, Landman will likely showcase the human cost of oil wealth, much like how Yellowstone reveals the sacrifices behind running a ranch.
6. A Cast Packed with Heavy-Hitters
Sheridan’s shows have attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest names, from Kevin Costner (Yellowstone) to Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren (1923). Landman is no exception, with Billy Bob Thornton leading the charge.
Thornton, known for his gritty performances, is the perfect choice for a Sheridan lead—bringing both charisma and a world-weariness that fits the tone of Landman. His involvement signals that the show will have the same level of dramatic intensity that has made Sheridan’s other works so compelling.
7. Sharp Dialogue and No-Nonsense Storytelling
Sheridan’s writing style is unmistakable—characters don’t waste words, and dialogue is often laced with sharp wit, tough truths, and brutal honesty. Whether it’s John Dutton delivering a scathing takedown or a Dutton ancestor navigating the brutal West, Sheridan’s scripts cut deep.
Fans can expect Landman to feature the same brand of hard-hitting dialogue. In the world of oil barons, corporate lawyers, and blue-collar workers, words carry weight—and Sheridan will undoubtedly use them to full effect.
8. Moral Ambiguity and Antiheroes
In Sheridan’s world, there are no purely good or bad characters—only people trying to survive in a tough environment. John Dutton isn’t a perfect hero; he makes ruthless decisions to protect his land. The McLusky family in Mayor of Kingstown operates in a morally gray space, balancing law and crime.
Landman will likely follow suit, offering characters who aren’t traditional heroes. Instead, we’ll see men and women making hard choices in an industry where ethical lines are blurred. It won’t be a simple good-versus-evil story but rather a nuanced exploration of ambition, greed, and survival.
Final Thoughts: ‘Landman’ as the Next Big Sheridan Hit?
Taylor Sheridan has already proven that his unique brand of storytelling resonates with audiences. Yellowstone became a cultural phenomenon, and its spin-offs have further solidified his reputation.
With Landman, Sheridan is expanding his universe yet again—this time into the high-stakes world of oil, a modern frontier just as complex and dangerous as the Duttons’ Montana empire. While it might not have cowboys on horseback, it has all the makings of another must-watch Sheridan drama: power struggles, morally complex characters, and an unforgiving landscape where only the toughest survive.
Whether you’re a die-hard Yellowstone fan or just love a good drama, Landman is shaping up to be the next big hit. Sheridan has mastered the art of telling rugged American stories, and Landman is set to continue that legacy—this time, with oil fields instead of open ranges.
