From Podcast to Primetime: How Boomtown Inspired the Series Landman

Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton as oil field fixer Tommy Norris, has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on Paramount+. Set in the oil boomtowns of West Texas, the series dives into the high-stakes world of Big Oil, showcasing both the immense wealth and the harsh realities of the industry. But what many fans might not realize is that Landman owes its roots to the acclaimed podcast Boomtown, created by Christian Wallace and produced by Texas Monthly and Imperative Entertainment.

 

What is Boomtown?

 

The Boomtown podcast launched in December 2019, offering a compelling blend of investigative journalism and vivid storytelling. Hosted by Christian Wallace, a West Texas native and former roughneck, the podcast chronicles the human stories behind the oil boom in the Permian Basin—America’s most productive oil field.

 

Wallace’s personal connection to the region is evident throughout the series. Drawing from his childhood in Andrews, Texas, and his own experiences working in the oil fields, Wallace introduces listeners to the people and places that make up this fascinating world. “Few places stoke the imagination like West Texas,” writes Texas Monthly. “It’s a land of mesquite-studded prairies, drifting tumbleweeds, and wide-open vistas. It’s also home to America’s most productive oil field.”

 

Colorful Characters and Real-Life Stories

 

In the first episode, Wallace brings listeners into the heart of West Texas through a cast of colorful local characters, including his own uncle, Skeet Wallace, a 30-year veteran of the oil patch. Uncle Skeet’s rough-and-tumble anecdotes offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of those who make their living in the oil fields.

 

The podcast doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the industry. It examines how the Permian Basin’s black gold rush has brought both incredible opportunity and significant challenges, from environmental destruction to economic inequality. Wallace explores a range of perspectives, from oil tycoons like Midland’s David Arrington to a stripper-turned-journalist with her own unique insights into the boomtown culture.

 

From Podcast to Paramount+

 

The transition from podcast to TV series was a natural fit, thanks to the podcast’s rich storytelling and Sheridan’s knack for bringing complex narratives to life. Wallace, who co-created Landman, credits Sheridan’s deep understanding of the modern American West as the key to adapting Boomtown into a compelling drama. “Taylor Sheridan was the only person I had in mind to adapt Boomtown,” Wallace said. “His extensive knowledge only strengthens his writing and storytelling.”

 

Why You Should Listen

 

If you love Landman, Boomtown offers an even deeper dive into the world that inspired the show. Through gripping interviews, investigative reporting, and Wallace’s personal storytelling, the podcast brings the oil industry’s boom-and-bust cycle to life. It’s a story of ambition, risk, and resilience—a perfect companion to the gritty drama unfolding on your screen.

 

So, whether you’re a fan of Landman or just curious about the history and impact of the West Texas oil industry, give Boomtown a listen. As Wallace puts it, the podcast is about “people and families living in an extraordinary place under extraordinary circumstances,” a theme that resonates in both the podcast and the show.

 

Find Boomtown wherever you listen to podcasts and get ready to immerse yourself in the untold stories of the Permian Basin.