Essential information for landmen: What every landsman should know about the role

The latest series hitting screens is causing some confusion among New Yorkers, especially those on the Upper West Side. A glance at the subway ad might lead you to think it’s called “Landsman,” hinting at something Jewish. But it’s actually “Landman,” a Paramount+ show delving into the world of oil rights negotiators, not synagogue buddies.

So, what exactly is a landman? Well, it’s someone who helps secure oil rights for gas companies, more like a real estate agent for drilling sites than a fellow worshiper. The name, like its Yiddish counterpart “landsman,” simply means a person of the land. In Yiddish, it refers to a fellow Jew or someone from the same area.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, known for his work in Westerns, Landman takes viewers into the intricate world of land rights and negotiations. While the title may sound Jewish, it’s actually a nod to the crucial role landmen play in the energy industry. So, next time you see that subway ad, remember, it’s not about landsmen, it’s all about landmen.