'Landman' takes on ultra-processed foods, smoking and stress. How Taylor Sheridan's latest show tackles health-related plotlines.

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A lot happens on a grand scale in this show - think massive oil rigs, dramatic explosions, and even larger-than-life egos. But amidst all the action, some significant health topics are also explored, often with characters holding strong and sometimes divisive opinions. Several issues have roots in cultural changes in how Americans view food, while others might be misleading or even unhealthy attitudes.

Here's what's happening with health and wellness in the latest trend to hit the Sheridan universe.

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He rebukes his nearly grown-up roommate Nathan (Colm Feore) for eating a Pop-Tart for breakfast, telling him the packaged pastry is "gonna kill" him.

Reporter Kurt Pellecchia and his daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) are all about achieving their fitness goals, which includes a diet that excludes ultra-processed foods and loads of protein.

, too.

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Smoking: A Complicated Issue the I'mhappy to assist with a paraphrasing task, but I don't see any text to work with. Please provide the text you'd like me to paraphrase.

Sheridan's show steps into some pretty touchy subject matter, and theories about what causes illness are no exception.

After Norris starts scolding Nathan about the Pop-Tart, Nathan responds by referencing Norris's cigarette habit, saying, "A 'two-pack-a-day smoker' like him doesn't have a right to give advice. Norris fires back, highlighting that smoking rates are high in countries like Japan, China, and Italy, where lung cancer is not typically a leading cause of death. Norris argues that sugar-rich foods like the Pop-Tart are what really pose a health risk, rather than cigarettes.

According to the World Health Organization.

And, as previously mentioned, "sugar and feces" are prime suspects

A neurosurgeon who works as a TV show consultant told Yahoo Life, "The character is identifying people we see who live long lives and don't get cancer, and smoke." He notes that if the character were a doctor or nurse, he would want their statements to be medically accurate, that he works as a consultant. Otherwise, characters can have opinions, even incorrect ones, which can make them more believable.

director of the nonprofit Hollywood, Health & Society, says to Yahoo Life.

The crux of the issue: Work is a significant health hazard

(Spoiler alerts!)

The company's CEO, Monty Miller (played by Jon Hamm), is a prime example of the conflict at hand. His wife, Cami, played by Demi Moore, constantly reminds him to take his statins and exercise regularly to protect his heart and reduce stress. Like most of the other male characters, who all work in oil and have a tendency to put work first, Monty keeps prioritizing his job. During a particularly stressful phone call, he suffers a heart attack, and it's understood that this is not the first time it's happened to him.

Another significant risk factor.

Individuals living near areas where fracking, a drilling method used by the fictional company Miller's operation, takes place experience higher risks of heart attack compared to others. “Most likely, [heart disease risks] are a crucial aspect of the true experience of being a landman, so it needed to be included in the story.” suggests Folb.