It’s clear that Billy Bob Thornton sets the tone on the set of Landman.
Season 2 of the hit Paramount+ series premiered on November 16, landing almost exactly one year after the show’s debut season first aired in November 2024. With a stacked cast that includes Thornton, Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Sam Elliott, Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, and Michelle Randolph, the series wasted no time reclaiming its momentum—and then some.
In fact, the Season 2 premiere became the biggest season or series launch in Paramount+ history. More than 9 million viewers tuned in within the first few days, a figure that more than tripled the audience for the show’s original premiere.
A major reason for that success is the powerhouse ensemble at the center of the story. Thornton continues to anchor the oil-industry drama as Tommy Norris, and one of his co-stars, Jacob Lofland, is quick to praise him. Lofland portrays Cooper Norris, Tommy’s son, and viewers have already seen tensions escalate between the two characters—especially as Cooper makes increasingly questionable choices in Season 2, including working alongside Andy Garcia’s Gallino.
While the on-screen relationship is strained, the dynamic off camera couldn’t be more different. Lofland recently told Variety that Thornton has been a guiding presence on set, explaining that the veteran actor’s energy and professionalism shape the entire production.
“He makes it fun—he really does,” Lofland shared. “Billy is our Number One, and on any set, your Number One sets the pace and the attitude. He shows up every day ready to work and genuinely excited, and that energy spreads to everyone else.”
That kind of leadership, Lofland says, is invaluable—and exactly what you’d expect from someone with Thornton’s experience.
The 29-year-old actor also expressed how grateful he is to share scenes and screen time with Thornton and fellow newcomer Sam Elliott. According to Lofland, the lessons he’s learning aren’t coming from formal advice, but from simply watching how these seasoned actors carry themselves.
“It’s never really a conversation that teaches you,” he explained. “It’s being around people who’ve done this for decades—seeing how they work, how they prepare, their attitude and work ethic. That speaks louder than any advice.”
He added that both Thornton and Elliott are consistently prepared, punctual, and collaborative.
“You never wait on them. They’re never the reason we’re behind schedule. If something isn’t working in a scene, they’re happy to sit down and talk it through. It’s a team effort, and they’re incredibly good at that. That’s probably been the biggest takeaway for me.”
And it shows on screen.
Whenever Thornton and Lofland share a scene, the tension and authenticity feel elevated, with both actors operating at full throttle. Thornton brings decades of experience, while Lofland continues to grow into his role—clearly benefiting from the mentorship surrounding him.
By all accounts, the atmosphere on the Landman set is strong, supportive, and collaborative, with veteran cast members helping raise the bar for everyone involved. And if that continues, fans can expect even more growth—and complexity—from Jacob Lofland’s Cooper Norris as the season unfolds.