Taylor Sheridan is known for creating some of the most captivating neo-Western dramas in recent years. From the roaring success of Yellowstone to Tulsa King, and Lioness, Sheridan has made his mark as a master storyteller. Now, with the final season of Yellowstone on the horizon, fans are looking for a worthy successor to continue the legacy. Enter Landman, Sheridan’s latest Western series, which has already sparked comparisons to the iconic Yellowstone.
But is Landman truly the heir apparent to Yellowstone, or does it simply pale in comparison? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both series to understand what makes them tick, what they have in common, and what sets them apart.
The Leading Men: Billy Bob Thornton vs. Kevin Costner
One of the most significant similarities between Landman and Yellowstone is the role of the strong, male lead. In Yellowstone, Kevin Costner portrays John Dutton, a wealthy ranch owner with a fierce drive to protect his family’s land. He’s an uncompromising figure—stoic, tough, and fiercely proud. Similarly, in Landman, Billy Bob Thornton plays Tommy Norris, an oil company crisis manager with similar traits: pride, strength, and a willingness to bend the law if it benefits him and his family.
Although Tommy Norris is not as firmly established as John Dutton, it’s clear that both characters operate with a certain level of power and influence, even though their industries differ greatly—ranching vs. oil. In the second episode of Landman, Tommy faces off with a Texas cattle rancher, underscoring his role in the industry’s high-stakes negotiations. Both John and Tommy are emblematic of the lone, rugged American figure—men who are constantly battling threats, while still managing to maintain a sense of control.
However, it’s important to note that Landman is still in its early stages, so audiences haven’t spent as much time with Tommy Norris as they have with the more developed John Dutton. That being said, there’s a lot of potential for Thornton’s portrayal to evolve into something just as unforgettable.
Common Themes: The American Way of Life
Both Landman and Yellowstone explore themes central to the American experience: land, power, and the costs of ambition. Yellowstone dives deep into the Dutton family’s battle to hold onto their ranch, with themes like the changing face of the American West, family legacy, and corporate greed. Similarly, Landman explores similar terrain, but through the lens of the oil industry, shedding light on the high-stakes world of drilling and energy in Texas.
The setting of the Permian Basin in Landman reflects the real-world challenges of land ownership, corporate control, and the impact of oil production on communities. In this way, Landman mirrors Yellowstone’s exploration of the economy of land, wealth, and what it means to be “American” in today’s world. While Yellowstone examines the cowboy way of life, Landman brings a modern twist to the American ethos by showing the struggles of people in industries beyond ranching.
While Landman isn’t necessarily a “reboot” of Yellowstone, it’s easy to see how the two shows share common ground. Both series use their setting and the rugged American spirit to explore the complexities of living in a world where land, wealth, and power intersect.
Neo-Westerns: A Contemporary Take on Western Tropes
Both Landman and Yellowstone can be classified as neo-Westerns—modern-day stories that retain the classic themes of the genre. Classical Westerns typically featured cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen in a lawless frontier. In contrast, neo-Westerns like Yellowstone and Landman take these tropes and apply them to contemporary settings, blending modern-day conflicts with the rugged spirit of the Old West.
For example, in Yellowstone, John Dutton is a modern-day rancher, but he operates in a world where the old cowboy values still hold sway. Similarly, Tommy Norris may not be involved in traditional cowboy activities, but the conflict he faces—lawlessness, power struggles, and violent confrontations—mirrors the same issues that were prevalent in the Wild West.
The first episode of Landman introduces Norris to a tense standoff with cartel members over oil rights, showing that the stakes in this modern Western are just as high as any traditional shootout in a dusty town. Whether it’s cattle or oil, both series showcase characters who live on the edge, balancing business with power plays and occasional violence.
Character Depth: Yellowstone‘s Ensemble vs. Landman‘s Singular Focus
One of the biggest differences between Landman and Yellowstone is the focus on characters. Yellowstone boasts a massive ensemble cast, featuring a variety of characters ranging from John Dutton and his children (Beth, Kayce, and Jamie) to ranch hands and local politicians. Each of these characters has their own storyline, and over the course of the series, viewers have been able to watch their arcs evolve, for better or worse.
In contrast, Landman is, so far, a more focused affair. Billy Bob Thornton’s Tommy Norris dominates the screen in nearly every scene. While Landman does feature a strong supporting cast, including Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, and Ali Larter, these characters have yet to become central players in the story. It’s clear that Landman is currently positioned as a one-man show, which, while entertaining, might not be sustainable for the long haul.
In Yellowstone, the ensemble cast creates a world that feels rich with stories and motivations, allowing the show to explore various facets of the Western experience. It’s not just about John Dutton; it’s about his family, his ranch, his enemies, and his allies. Landman will need to expand its focus and give its supporting characters more depth if it hopes to compete with Yellowstone’s expansive narrative scope.
Opening Episodes: Landman Hits the Ground Running
In terms of first impressions, Landman has gotten off to a smoother start than Yellowstone did. While Yellowstone’s first season took some time to hit its stride, especially in its two-part opening episode, Landman has come out of the gate strong, with tightly written episodes and high production values.
Yellowstone’s early seasons were criticized for pacing issues and confusing plot points, and while it eventually found its footing, the early episodes were a tough sell for many viewers. Landman, on the other hand, has already established a clear direction for its characters, and its contemporary setting makes it easier to follow. The chemistry between Thornton’s Tommy Norris and the rest of the cast has made the first few episodes of Landman a compelling watch.
Can Landman Replace Yellowstone?
As Yellowstone enters its final chapters, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Landman can step up to the plate and become the new flagship series for Taylor Sheridan.
At this point, it’s still too early to say. While Landman shows a lot of promise, especially with its star power and strong lead performance by Billy Bob Thornton, it hasn’t yet proven that it can rival Yellowstone’s deep ensemble and extensive character development.
Yellowstone‘s staying power has been its ability to evolve season after season, giving audiences complex characters, gripping storylines, and a world that feels alive. Landman has the potential to replicate this success, but it needs more time and character development to fully prove itself.
Conclusion: Is Landman The Next Yellowstone?
Landman has the makings of something great—there’s no doubt about it. The show shares many similarities with Yellowstone, from its themes of land and power to its neo-Western sensibilities. Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, is reminiscent of John Dutton, and the show’s sharp, gritty tone suggests that it could become another Sheridan hit. However, the show still needs to expand its character base and explore more intricate relationships before it can claim to be the true successor to Yellowstone.
For now, Landman is definitely worth watching, but whether it can replace the Yellowstone empire remains to be seen.
