Stephen King Thinks A Beloved Taylor Sheridan Drama Was Snubbed By The Emmys

If you’ve ever wondered what Stephen King does between writing I can tell you: watch TV and movies. The man’s social media is basically a recommendation machine at this point, with the master of horror handing out suggestions for new shows and films to watch on an almost daily basis. King recently recommended the perfect horror miniseries on Netflix, and previously gave his fans pause when he suggested a forgotten action movie with a 28% Rotten Tomatoes score. Now, he’s back to deliver his take on Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” being snubbed by the Emmys.

Sheridan has never been an awards darling, but his oil drama should have finally broken his Emmy curse. The Billy Bob Thornton-led series is easily one of the best shows the “Yellowstone” creator has made, and with its combination of soapy melodrama and relatable family dynamics, has delivered something so watchable it’s honestly sort of concerning. Alas, the show — which debuted back in November 2024 — has been overlooked by the Television Academy throughout its three-season run.

King, who is evidently a fan, doesn’t think that’s right, and felt compelled to say as much on his Twitter/X account. “I don’t understand why ‘LANDMAN’ didn’t get nominated for Emmy awards,” wrote the author. “Particularly Billy Bob Thornton for best actor and Stephen Kay for best director. Is it politics, or what?” King raises a good point. Regardless of how you feel about Sheridan’s brand of soap-meets-realistic-drama entertainment, there is absolutely no doubting Thornton’s performance as oil man Tommy Norris. Likewise, the overall quality of the production, including the direction, hasn’t ever been in question. Like many, then, King is confused as to why the show hasn’t received any recognition whatsoever from the Emmys.

“Landman” is probably the best Taylor Sheridan show. With this series, the prolific writer seems to have perfected his formula for over-the-top nonsense tempered by some of the most strikingly moving scenes you’ll ever see. Meanwhile he has an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, with Billy Bob Thornton already having been recognized for his portrayal of Tommy Norris with Golden Globe, Satellite Award, and Critics Choice Award nominations. Thus far, however, neither he nor his oil drama have received any Emmy nods, despite a significant Emmys campaign for “Landman” Season 2 in 2026.

This issue is bigger than “Landman,” however. Aside from the fact his shows have typically been associated with right-leaning politics, Sheridan hasn’t minced words when it comes to critics and generally sees himself as somewhat anti-Hollywood (he previously described “Yellowstone” to Gold Derby as “a punk rock, rebellious teenage, both middle fingers at TV and at Hollywood” project). Throughout its five-season run, “Yellowstone” only received a single Emmy nomination for production design, and Sheridan’s other shows have secured technical and stunt coordination nominations. Otherwise, the Television Academy has been reluctant to acknowledge any lead actors, Sheridan’s writing, or directors of his shows.

Sheridan himself claims to be unbothered, telling The Bill Simmons Podcast (via The Hollywood Reporter) “You’re not going to win no Emmys with me, but I’m not trying to win Emmys. That’s not my goal. My goal is to sit somebody on their couch and move them.” I think it’s fair to say he’s done that. Certain scenes in “Landman” are some of the most poignant of the last decade, and the show’s absence from the Emmy nominations is starting to become extremely conspicuous to those paying attention.

It’s interesting to note that Stephen King highlighted Stephen Kay in his social media post about “Landman.” Most discussions about the show’s lack of Emmy recognition focus on Taylor Sheridan or Billy Bob Thornton, but Kay has been a quiet force behind the scenes of not only “Landman” but a raft of Sheridan shows that have all been well-received.

Sure, the director is responsible for Sylvester Stallone’s big crime flop with an 11% Rotten Tomatoes score “Get Carter.” But he has more than proved himself on the small screen. After overseeing 15 episodes of “Yellowstone,” Kay helmed the final four episodes of “Lioness” Season 4. The second season of the Zoe Saldaña-led spy thriller ended with a gripping shootout in the Iranian desert, and its final episode stands as one of the most memorable season finales of recent years. Yet neither Kay, nor anyone else involved in “Landman” has even been nominated for an Emmy.

Since then, Kay has directed the entirety of “Landman” Season 2 (as well as overseeing most of Season 1). Once again, however, he has yet to be recognized by the Television Academy. You can argue that Sheridan’s ostensible politics being voiced by Thornton’s character is the reason neither of them have been nominated. But as King highlights, Kay’s absence points to something else going on behind the scenes, and it’s starting to get weird. If nothing else, at least take King’s recommendation and check out “Landman” for some absolutely ridiculous yet somehow deeply moving entertainment.