A scene from Landman is suddenly back in the spotlight—this time not for its drama, but for its breakdown of gas prices, as viewers across social media point to the show for helping explain why fuel costs are climbing again.
According to Reuters, the renewed attention comes as global oil prices surge toward the $100-per-barrel mark, driven in part by supply disruptions tied to conflict in the Middle East and reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil. As prices rise, everyday consumers are feeling the impact at the pump, with national averages hovering around $3.60 to $3.70 per gallon—numbers that fluctuate depending on region, taxes, and refinery access.
At the center of the viral moment is a Season 1 scene featuring Billy Bob Thornton’s character, Tommy Norris, who lays out the economics of oil pricing in plain terms. “You want oil to live above $60, but below $90,” Norris explains in the episode. “If it’s $100, every product in America has to readjust its price.”
Created by Taylor Sheridan, Landman has built its reputation on dramatizing the inner workings of the oil industry, following the Norris family as they navigate the volatile business of drilling, production, and corporate dealmaking in West Texas.
The series draws inspiration from the podcast Boomtown, and blends character-driven storytelling with explanations of how oil markets shape everyday life.
The show has tackled boom-and-bust cycles as well, with characters describing how sudden drops in oil prices can trigger layoffs, bankruptcies, and widespread economic strain.
In one scene, Tommy reflects on the 2020 crash, saying, “Nobody’s immune. Kids have to quit college. Trucks get sold or repo-ed. Houses, too.”
This comes as Landman gears up for its third season, which is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in November 2026. The upcoming installment will continue Tommy Norris’ story following a major reset at the end of Season 2, with a new oil venture taking shape.
