If you've been searching for a show that captures the same gritty, family-driven tension as Tulsa King, look no further than Kin. This Irish crime saga, starring Charlie Cox, has been flying under the radar for too long. With two gripping seasons already available and a third confirmed for 2027, it's the perfect binge for fans of loyalty, betrayal, and the messy aftermath of prison life.
Set in Dublin, Kin centers on the Kinsella family, a crime syndicate torn apart by internal strife. Charlie Cox, best known for his role as Daredevil, plays Michael Kinsella, a man freshly released from prison who just wants to reconnect with his estranged daughter. But as he quickly learns, leaving the criminal world behind is easier said than done. The show explores the same themes that make Tulsa King so compelling—fractured loyalties, shifting power, and the impossible quest for a fresh start—but with a darker, more visceral edge.
Charlie Cox Shines as a Conflicted Hitman
Cox brings a fascinating duality to Michael. On the surface, he's a gentle, soft-spoken man, but beneath that calm exterior simmers a violent rage. Fans of his work in Daredevil will recognize this pattern—the quiet gentleman who can turn deadly in an instant. In Kin, Michael's past is revealed to be even more complicated: he's the family's most effective hitman, and he went to prison for killing his own wife, Anna's mother. This revelation makes him both sympathetic and deeply flawed, as he struggles to protect his family while trying to be a father to a daughter who wants nothing to do with him.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
While Cox is the anchor, Kin boasts a phenomenal ensemble. Aidan Gillen plays Frank, the current head of the family, who's seen as too passive. Sam Keeley is his impulsive son, Eric, and Francis Magee is Bren, a violent thug returning from prison to challenge the family's leadership. Clare Dunne delivers a standout performance as Amanda, the sharpest mind in the clan, trying to steer the chaotic syndicate. Emmett J. Scanlan rounds out the cast as Jimmy, Bren's son and Amanda's husband, a character reminiscent of Fredo from The Godfather—too innocent for this world and desperate for acceptance.
The Kinsellas' greatest threats often come from within, as their polar opposite personalities create more conflict than any outside enemy. This internal drama is what makes Kin so compelling—it's a family saga where the blood ties are both a lifeline and a curse.
Season 3 Is Finally Happening
After years of uncertainty, Kin fans got the news they'd been hoping for: the show will return for a third season in 2027. The confirmation came from RTÉ in July 2026, following a long period of speculation. Scheduling conflicts and expired contracts had put the future in doubt, but a reported "bidding war" and the cast's enthusiasm—Cox himself said he'd "jump at the chance" to return—paved the way for revival. Co-creator Ciaran Donnelly has even hinted that the story was always meant to span five seasons, so there's plenty more to come.
While you wait for the new episodes, the first two seasons are available to stream. If you're a fan of Tulsa King's political power plays, you'll find Kin's family dynamics just as gripping. And if you're looking for more crime dramas, check out our list of perfectly plotted psychological thrillers.
Kin is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates complex characters, moral ambiguity, and the brutal consequences of family loyalty. With its stellar cast and a third season on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive in.
