Taylor Sheridan’s Landman Season 2 Breaks Streaming Records but Faces Backlash Over Female Characters
Taylor Sheridan’s oilfield drama Landman has returned to Paramount+ with a record-breaking second season — but not without controversy. Despite dominating the platform’s streaming charts since its premiere on November 16, a growing wave of audience complaints is beginning to drag down the show’s Rotten Tomatoes score.
Landman Season 2 Dominates Paramount+ Charts
After its long-anticipated debut, Landman Season 2 quickly surged to the top of Paramount+’s most-watched list, solidifying Sheridan’s reputation as one of television’s most reliable hitmakers. The series’ success follows in the footsteps of his other projects, including Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923.
Season 1 of Landman had already set record viewership numbers upon its release in 2024, surpassing even 1923’s streaming performance at the time. Unsurprisingly, Season 2’s premiere saw a similar explosion in audience interest, with fans rewatching earlier episodes to prepare for the new installment.
However, while the viewership remains strong, critical and audience reactions have been more divided.
Mixed Reviews and Rotten Tomatoes Controversy
On Rotten Tomatoes, both seasons of Landman currently hold a 78% critics score, maintaining a “Fresh” rating. But the show’s audience score tells a different story. As of now, the second season’s early audience reviews — only seven in total — reflect a split reaction, with just three positive responses and several sharply negative ones.
The controversy centers on the portrayal of the show’s female characters, particularly Angela Norris (played by Ali Larter) and Ainsley Norris (Michelle Randolph). Some viewers have described their storylines as unnecessary or distracting.
“Please drop the mother and daughter. They drag the show down immensely,” one reviewer wrote. “Nice eye candy, but their contribution is net zero.”
Another viewer echoed that sentiment:
“The mother/daughter parts are so annoying. I skipped all of it, leaving 10 minutes of decent actual content. The first episode is more Jerry Springer than quality drama.”
Fans Divided Over Sheridan’s Creative Direction
Sheridan’s shows have often attracted polarized reactions for their unapologetic portrayals of traditional masculinity, rugged Americana, and blue-collar life. While some fans appreciate the “old-school” Western aesthetic, others have criticized the lack of balance or depth in how women are depicted.
Interestingly, not all feedback on the Landman women has been negative. Some fans praised Larter and Randolph’s performances and their presence within the male-dominated world of the oil industry.
“I love Landman. It’s extremely accurate, and I love the mother/daughter. They’re gorgeous,” one viewer posted in defense of the characters.
Even critics who gave Landman Season 2 positive reviews admitted that, while the show had improved in certain aspects, it “goes frustratingly backward in others.”
A Record-Breaking Return Despite Controversy
Despite the criticism, there’s no denying Landman’s commercial success. The show’s sophomore season has already secured its place among Paramount+’s top titles for 2025, and Sheridan’s storytelling continues to draw massive audiences.
With Landman exploring the volatile intersection of oil, money, and power in modern-day Texas, its themes of ambition, loyalty, and greed continue to resonate with viewers — even if its character dynamics spark debate.
As long as viewers keep tuning in, Landman’s future remains secure. Sheridan’s proven ability to build worlds that capture both admiration and criticism may just be the secret behind his enduring success.
Landman Season 2 is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
What do you think about the controversy surrounding Landman’s female characters? Share your thoughts in the comments on InvestRecords.com.
