Billy Bob Thornton Shines in Record-Breaking Landman as Season Three Gets Green Light

Billy Bob Thornton’s Career Renaissance

At 70 years old, Billy Bob Thornton is starring in the Paramount+ show ‘Landman,’ which gives viewers a peek behind the curtain of the Texas oil business. The Oscar-winning actor has experienced a significant career resurgence with this Taylor Sheridan-created drama, which explores the high-stakes world of West Texas oil operations.

Landman Breaks Streaming Records

The TV show, which stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, had more than 5 million viewers watch last year’s season premiere and broke streaming records. The success continued with the second season, as Season 2’s premiere holds the title of the biggest season or series premiere ever for Paramount+, with more than 9 million people viewing the first episode in the first few days. This remarkable achievement has led to the show’s renewal for a third season, scheduled for late 2026.

Authentic Portrayal Resonates with Industry Workers

One of the most notable responses to Landman has come from people who actually work in the oil business, and according to Thornton, those viewers have been among the show’s most enthusiastic supporters. The actor’s commitment to authenticity included extensive research into the oil field workers’ lives and experiences, helping him deliver a performance grounded in reality rather than stereotypes.

Thornton’s Dual Career Continues

Beyond his acting success, Thornton may be best known for his film career, which garnered him an Oscar for his Sling Blade screenplay and two acting nominations, but in tandem, he’s had a career in rock music, having released four solo albums and 19 records with his band, The Boxmasters. The multi-talented artist continues to balance both passions, recently opening for The Who during their summer tour.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The show’s success represents more than just entertainment value. It helped vault the modern oilfield into the pop culture spotlight, bringing attention to an industry rarely portrayed with such depth on television. With Billy Bob Thornton having signed on for four to five years, and the show’s impressive viewership numbers, Landman appears positioned to become another long-running success in the Taylor Sheridan universe, offering viewers compelling drama rooted in authentic American workplace culture.