Taylor Sheridans Landman: Great Drama, But Not Exactly Reality
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Landman: A Realistic Look at the Oil and Gas Industry?
The hit television drama "Landman," created by Taylor Sheridan, has sparked debate within the oil and gas industry regarding its portrayal of the profession. While the show has garnered significant attention, industry professionals are questioning its accuracy. Kelly Coppins, an asset development land manager at Chevron, offers a real-world perspective on the role of a landman, contrasting it with the dramatic events depicted in the series.
Coppins, responsible for land operations in the Permian and Rockies, highlights the core responsibilities of a landman, which include managing both surface and subsurface aspects of operations. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with landowners, negotiating mineral rights deals, and ensuring environmental protection. The show, however, often exaggerates the dangers and conflicts associated with the job. Coppins notes that the opening scene, featuring violence and threats, is far from her experience.
The show's depiction of safety incidents, including a major well blowout, is also criticized for its sensationalism. Coppins emphasizes the industry's focus on safety and environmental protection, a stark contrast to the "wild west" image presented in "Landman."
Despite these discrepancies, Coppins acknowledges the show's positive aspects. She agrees that "Landman" offers a more balanced portrayal of the oil and gas business, moving away from the negative stereotypes often seen in media. The show accurately captures many aspects of the industry's role in the Permian Basin, including the general landscape and culture.
BNN's Perspective:
"Landman" appears to be a mixed bag. While the show may take liberties with reality for dramatic effect, it also offers a more nuanced view of the oil and gas industry. The show's success suggests a growing interest in the industry, and a more balanced portrayal is a welcome change.
Keywords: Landman, Taylor Sheridan, Chevron, Permian Basin, Oil and Gas, Kelly Coppins, Tommy Norris, Surface Landmen, Mineral Rights, Safety, Environmental Protection, Horizontal Wells.