Landman Season 2 Episode 5: Tommy’s Viral Joke About The View Explained

A quick phone call in the latest episode of Landman has sparked widespread conversation. During Season 2 Episode 5, titled “The Pirate Dinner,” Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, delivers a biting description of the long-running ABC talk show The View that has gone viral. The joke, written by series co-creator Taylor Sheridan, offers a rare real-world pop culture reference in the typically insular West Texas drama.

The episode premiered on Paramount+ on Sunday, December 14, 2025. It is part of the show’s second season, which began on November 16, 2025, and quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched shows.

The Viral Conversation Between Tommy and T.L.

The moment occurs about halfway through the episode. Tommy is driving when he receives a call from his father, T.L., played by Sam Elliott. T.L., who is staying at Tommy’s house, is locked out and bored, asking his son for suggestions on how to pass the time.

Tommy casually recommends watching television, specifically mentioning daytime talk shows like The View. When T.L. asks what the show is, Tommy launches into his now-famous description.

“A bunch of pissed off millionaires bitching about how much they hate millionaires and Trump and men and you and me and everybody else they got a bee up their ass about. It’s pretty funny.”

T.L., unimpressed, deadpans back, “Don’t sound funny.” Tommy clarifies his idea of humor, saying, “Well, it ain’t joke funny. It’s like fart in church funny. You know what I mean?” After another skeptical retort from his father, Tommy concludes, “Well, depends on your proximity to the fart.”

Why the Joke Resonates with Audiences

The scene has connected with viewers for several reasons. First, it is unusual for Landman, a show deeply focused on the specific world of Texas oil, to make such a direct reference to a real-world television program. Taylor Sheridan, who has the sole writing credit on all episodes, typically uses characters like Tommy to opine on broader topics like energy or culture, but not often on specific pop culture entities.

Second, the description fits Tommy Norris’s character perfectly. He is portrayed as a blunt, blue-collar fixer who navigates a world of billionaires while maintaining a deep skepticism toward institutions he sees as out of touch. The joke feels like a natural, unfiltered thought from such a character.

Billy Bob Thornton himself has acknowledged that Sheridan often uses Tommy as a mouthpiece. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Thornton stated, “Taylor uses me in this show to say a lot of things that he wants to say. And I’m proud of that. Tommy’s monologues are absolutely how Taylor talks.”

The Context of Tommy’s Visit to The View

Adding an ironic layer to the joke is the fact that Billy Bob Thornton appeared on The View in November 2024 to promote the first season of Landman. His appearance was described as charming and lively, successfully winning over the hosts and the studio audience.

The hosts of The View, currently in the show’s 29th season, include Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin. As of now, there has been no official public response from ABC or the hosts of The View regarding the joke aired on Landman.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Response

The joke quickly spread beyond the show’s usual audience. A post about the scene on Variety’s official Facebook page garnered hundreds of reactions and comments. Fan reactions were mixed, with many seeing the humor in the blunt description.

One social media user commented on the realism of the moment, noting, “I don’t know if I would call it slamming. It was a realistic description from someone like Tommy who btw said he still watched it.” Another user saw it as a refreshing change, writing, “What do I hear here? The sweet whining when for once a TV show mocks progressives vs singing their praises. I may watch this now!”

Other viewers pointed out the show’s broad appeal despite its specific perspectives. One comment read, “We’re as liberal as they come and we thoroughly enjoy Landman. It’s entertainment and it’s quite ok to have a differing opinion from others.”

Where to Watch Landman Season 2

New episodes of Landman are released weekly. Season 2 Episode 5, “The Pirate Dinner,” is available to stream now on Paramount+. The series features an ensemble cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, and Jon Hamm. Sam Elliott joined the cast for the second season as Tommy’s father, T.L..

The show is co-created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace and is inspired by Wallace’s podcast, Boomtown, which explores the realities of oil boomtowns.

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