There's a familiar playbook in television: a show that didn't quite break through in its original run gets a second chance on a streaming platform, and suddenly, it's a hit. AMC did it with Breaking Bad by putting early seasons on Netflix, and now Paramount+ is trying the same trick with one of Taylor Sheridan's biggest series. The show in question is Mayor of Kingstown, a gritty crime drama starring Jeremy Renner, and it's already making waves on Netflix.
With the fifth and final season on the horizon, Paramount+ has licensed the first season of Mayor of Kingstown to Netflix in a bid to attract new viewers. The strategy seems to be working. According to Netflix's latest viewership report, covering the week of October 5 to October 11, the show pulled in 2.7 million views and 23 million hours watched. That's a solid debut, even if it trailed some other recent streaming hits like Josh Hartnett's Below and the Disney+ series Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
For those unfamiliar, Mayor of Kingstown follows the McLusky family, power brokers in a Michigan town where the only industry is incarceration. Jeremy Renner plays Mike McLusky, the unofficial mayor who tries to keep the peace between the police, the prison system, and the criminals who run the streets. The show has been a mainstay on Paramount+ since its 2021 debut, and it's one of Sheridan's longest-running series, alongside his flagship Yellowstone.
Critics have been mixed on the show overall, with a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score, but the reception has improved over time. Collider's own Jeff Ewing called Season 4 "the most tense and emotional installment to date." That's high praise for a series that has often been overshadowed by Sheridan's other hits like Tulsa King and Landman. But with the final season coming, Mayor of Kingstown is getting its moment in the spotlight.
The Netflix effect is real, and it's not just for Breaking Bad. Earlier this year, TNT's The Last Ship found a massive audience on streaming years after it ended. Now, Mayor of Kingstown is following that pattern, and it's a smart move by Paramount+ to get the show in front of as many eyes as possible before the finale.
If you're new to the series, the first season on Netflix is a perfect entry point. It sets up the world and the characters, and if you get hooked, you can catch up on the rest on Paramount+. And with the final season expected to premiere in the winter, there's plenty of time to binge before the end.
For fans of Sheridan's other work, there's no shortage of content. Tulsa King is currently airing its fourth season, and Lioness just wrapped its third. CBS is also airing the second season of the Yellowstone spin-off Marshals. But if you're looking for something with a darker edge, Mayor of Kingstown is worth your time.
As the final season approaches, it's clear that Mayor of Kingstown is getting the recognition it deserves. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, there's never been a better time to dive in. And if you're in the mood for more psychological thrillers, check out our list of eight miniseries that nail the landing.
