Crime stories have been a television staple for decades, from The Sopranos to The Wire, and it's tough to find a fresh angle. Yet Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, pulled it off with Tulsa King. Instead of another gritty, power-hungry mob saga like MobLand, Sheridan dropped a New York gangster into the heartland of Oklahoma, creating a fish-out-of-water tale that's as funny as it is violent.
With Samuel L. Jackson's spin-off Frisco King set to premiere on Paramount+ on December 18, there's no better time to revisit the series that started it all. Tulsa King follows Sylvester Stallone's Dwight Manfredi, a mafia capo who, after 25 years in prison, is exiled to Tulsa by his younger, dismissive boss. Instead of sulking, Dwight builds his own mini-empire, complete with a crew of unlikely locals and a legal marijuana shop that doubles as a money-laundering front.
A Fresh Take on the Mob Genre
What sets Tulsa King apart is its humor. Dwight's old-school, no-nonsense approach clashes hilariously with the laid-back, law-abiding residents of Tulsa. Characters like Bodhi (Martin Starr) and Grace (McKenna Quigley Harrington) are initially shocked by Dwight's disregard for rules, but they slowly warm to his methods. Meanwhile, young Tyson (Jay Will) sees Dwight as an escape from suburban boredom, creating a mentor-mentee dynamic that adds depth to the series.
The show also keeps the tension high with enemies from both New York and Tulsa. Neal McDonough's Cal and Frank Grillo's Bill in later seasons bring strategic and physical threats that keep Dwight on his toes. It's a classic mob narrative, but with a modern, self-aware twist that makes it feel fresh.
Stallone's Star Power Shines
At 78, Stallone proves he's still got it. His deep, gravelly voice and effortless charm give Dwight a gravitas that anchors the show. Quips like "when I play my hand, you won't see it coming" remind us that Stallone is more than just a muscle-bound action hero—he's a seasoned actor who can deliver both punchlines and punches. The show even pokes fun at his age, with characters noting he's "no spring chicken," which only makes his heroics more endearing.
Tulsa King might not be the deepest crime drama on TV, but it doesn't need to be. It's a guilty pleasure that invites you to root for a guy who, despite his criminal past, is just trying to make a life for himself. It's the kind of show that makes you want to binge episode after episode, and by the end, you might just believe you can be a king too.
As you gear up for Samuel L. Jackson's spin-off, don't miss the original. And if you're a fan of crime dramas, check out Charlie Cox's Kin or the classic opening line of Goodfellas that still defines the genre. For more Sheridan, his Yellowstone universe continues to expand, but Tulsa King remains his most entertaining crime saga.
