Popular TV shows showcasing the Permian Basin are nothing new.  In the past, there have been plenty of networks that have developed shows based in or around the region.  The Paramount + show Landman which aired its inaugural season on November 17, 2024, is the latest depiction of Hollywood showing love to our small corner of West Texas.

"Landman" | SAG Nom Comm Screening In Los Angeles
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Loved it or hate it, the show was met with an almost instant success.  Starring Bill Bob Thorton and a myriad of other successful and well-known actors, the show is based on Tommy Norris as he experiences the trials and tribulations of being an Operations VP at a major oil company.

Once the show got into full swing, there was no shortage on social media from real roughnecks and oilfield professionals who nit-picked just about every aspect of the show.  However, one thing was seemingly obvious- the show's filming locations!

Portions of the show were indeed filmed in the Permian Basin, however much of it was filmed in Fort Worth and Los Angeles among others.  This brings up the question of why?  If the show is based on the region, one would think that it should be mainly filmed in the region.  Right?!?!

In the end, the portions of the show that were filmed in or around Midland-Odessa were exceedingly noticeable to locals.  However, the producers of the show likely felt that Fort Worth had more accessible locations that could better capture a more realistic depiction of West Texas and oilfield life overall.  While this may come off as unfortunate, realistically it is what it is.  It is not uncommon for television and movies to have filming locations in other parts of the world all while pretending to represent a specific city or state.

Still, the show is a huge hit among residents who will likely remain fans of the series regardless of where it is filmed.

'Landman': Who Is Ali Larter, AKA Angela Norris

Ali Larter says she wanted the role of Angela Norris on Landman because the character is so colorful. She expresses all her emotions with volume but has a big heart beneath it all.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

'Landman': Who Is Jacob Lofland, AKA Cooper Norris? [Pictures]

Jacob Lofland plays Cooper Norris on Landman, now streaming on Paramount+.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes



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