The success of the Paramount+ series Landman has been one of the biggest television stories, but its star, Billy Bob Thornton, admits the show’s global reach caught the entire team off guard. Thornton, who leads the Taylor Sheridan-created drama about the West Texas oil industry, expected the series to have a more limited, regional appeal. Instead, it has become a major international hit, breaking records for the streaming service and attracting a diverse audience from around the world.
Billy Bob Thornton’s Reaction to the Show’s Broad Appeal
In a recent interview, Thornton openly discussed his surprise. He revealed that the creators thought Landman would primarily resonate with viewers in Middle America. The complex world of oil leases and Texas-set drama seemed tailored for a specific audience. The actual response was completely different.
“We were very surprised it became an international hit,” Thornton said. “We thought it was going to appeal to Middle America, maybe not even the coasts. Now we have fans from Africa, South America, Canada, Australia, England, wherever it is”.
Thornton suggested that the show’s blunt characters and unfiltered storytelling might be key to its broad popularity. “I think a lot of it is because the characters are unabashedly who they are,” he offered. “I think people like it that we just say and do whatever we do. There’s no walking on eggshells… I think sometimes people like to see that freedom if they don’t have it in their own lives”.
Thornton Sets Record Straight on AI-Generated Exit Rumors
Following the Season 2 finale that aired in January 2026, rumors circulated online suggesting Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, was written out of the show. These rumors were amplified by a viral, AI-generated video. Thornton has directly and forcefully addressed these claims.
The actor labeled the reports “AI-generated crap” and stated they have “nothing to do with reality”. He confirmed his commitment to the series, which has already been renewed for a third season.
“I’ll be there,” Thornton stated about the upcoming season. “I’ll be here as long as it plays out. If it’s five years, great. If it’s six, I’m there”.
The Season 2 finale saw Tommy Norris fired as president of M-Tex Oil by owner Cami Miller, played by Demi Moore. Instead of leaving the story, the episode ended with Norris founding his own company, CTT Oil Exploration and Cattle, setting the stage for a new rivalry in Season 3. Thornton also dismissed a separate AI rumor claiming he and Moore were a couple in real life.
Landman’s Record-Breaking Performance and Season 3 Plans
The data supports the talk of success. Landman has become the number one Paramount+ original series of all time. The Season 2 premiere set a platform record with 9.2 million views in its first two days. Over a five-week period, the show averaged 15.8 million viewers.
Paramount+ officially announced the show’s renewal for a third season in December 2025. Production is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026. The new season will explore the fallout from Tommy Norris creating his own company and likely feature a direct business clash with his former boss, Cami Miller.
Thornton has expressed particular enjoyment working with Sam Elliott, who joined the cast in Season 2 as Tommy’s father, T.L. Norris. Elliott’s role is expected to be central to the multi-season storyline.
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Fan Reactions and Discussion of Key Season 2 Moments
The second season sparked significant conversation among viewers. A survey following the Season 2 finale indicated that over 90% of responding fans had a positive opinion of the episode. Comments from fans described the finale as “awesome,” “EPIC,” and expressed obsession with the show.
One particular scene involving Thornton’s character in Episode 7 generated widespread discussion online for its unexpected and bold humor. Thornton addressed the scene, noting it was in the script and was intended to be “absurdly funny.” He mentioned that parts of the original scene were edited out, leading to a slightly different tone than initially filmed.
Another storyline that prompted debate involved Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph) and her nonbinary college roommate, Paigyn, played by Bobbi Salvör Menuez. Some viewers criticized the portrayal as “rage bait,” while others saw it as a reflection of contemporary dynamics. Menuez, who is nonbinary, stated the interaction was “a true representation of contemporary reality” and that their job was to perform the character authentically.
Also Read: Billy Bob Thornton Confirms He Will Return for Landman Season 3 and Dismisses AI Rumors
