Well, well, well… looks like the streaming wars just got a whole lot more interesting — and considerably more gravel-voiced. Sam Elliott, that walking masterclass in weathered charm, is joining forces with Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman,” proving that 2025’s television lineup isn’t messing around when it comes to star power.
Elliott — whose mustache has probably seen more drama than most actors’ entire careers — is set to share the small screen with Billy Bob Thornton. The duo’s previous collaborations in “Tombstone” and “1883” practically guarantee the kind of electric chemistry that makes network executives weak in the knees. Though the specifics of Elliott’s role remain more closely guarded than Fort Knox, his addition to the cast speaks volumes about Paramount+’s ambitions.
Speaking of ambitious projects, Prime Video’s throwing their hat into the ring with “Countdown,” starring Jensen Ackles. (Remember when streaming services used to be the underdogs? Those days feel like ancient history.) The series, set to premiere June 25th, promises to deliver the kind of edge-of-your-seat tension that makes viewers forget about their ever-growing stack of streaming subscriptions.
“Countdown” follows LAPD detective Mark Meachum through what might be the worst Wednesday in Los Angeles history — and that’s saying something. Derek Haas, the mastermind behind the “Chicago” franchise, brings his signature style to this high-stakes drama that feels refreshingly different from the usual cop show fare.
Meanwhile, back in the dusty heart of Texas, “Landman” continues assembling what might be the most impressive ensemble cast this side of the Mississippi. Demi Moore brings her timeless sophistication, Ali Larter adds her magnetic presence, and Andy Garcia… well, Garcia could read a phone book and make it Emmy-worthy. Based on the “Boomtown” podcast, the series dives deep into West Texas oil country, where fortunes rise and fall faster than a roughneck’s temper.
Both shows exemplify streaming services’ ongoing obsession with what we’re calling “elevated entertainment” these days — though that term feels about as authentic as a Hollywood cowboy’s accent. “Countdown” will follow the now-standard release pattern: three episodes up front, then weekly drops until its September 3 finale. Because apparently, that’s just how we watch TV now.
As subscription fees keep climbing (seriously, how many services are we up to now?), these star-studded additions to Paramount+ and Prime Video suggest the streaming giants aren’t backing down from their content arms race. With talent like Elliott, Thornton, and Ackles leading the charge, viewers might actually forget they’re paying the equivalent of a car payment for their monthly entertainment fix.
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