Stephen King just put Landman back in the awards conversation.
On Thursday night (Oct. 8) ET, the novelist posted on X:
"I don't understand why LANDMAN didn't get nominated for Emmy awards. Particularly Billy Bob Thornton for best actor and Stephen Kay for best director. Is it politics, or what?"
As of early Friday morning ET (Oct. 9), the post had about 185,700 views, 2,788 likes, 400 replies and 117 reposts. That is not a quiet fan tweet. It is one of the best-known authors in the world backing a show many viewers already felt was overlooked.
What he actually said
King did not claim inside knowledge of the Television Academy. He asked the question Landman fans have been asking since the nominations were announced in July: how does a hit Taylor Sheridan drama with that lead performance miss the cut?
His post singled out two people:
- Billy Bob Thornton, who plays Tommy Norris
- Stephen Kay, who has directed episodes of the show
The snub he is talking about
Landman Season 2 received zero nominations when the 2026 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced on July 8, as Forbes reported. That included Outstanding Drama Series and Thornton in the lead actor race. Season 1 was shut out too. Other awards groups have been kinder: Thornton has picked up Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for the role.
Why it matters for Landman fans
Awards lists do not change what is on screen, but they do change how a show gets talked about between seasons. Landman Season 3 is already filming in Fort Worth, so King's post lands while the next batch of episodes is still being made.
The post drew hundreds of replies within hours.
Bottom line
King did not start a campaign. He asked a question loud enough that the timeline heard it. For Landman fans, that is the story: a major cultural voice saying the show belonged in the Emmy race, especially for Thornton and Kay.
Sources: Stephen King (@StephenKing) on X; Forbes, July 8, 2026.