Crime stories are everywhere, but it's rare to find one that feels genuinely fresh. Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, has done just that with Tulsa King, a series that takes a classic mob formula and gives it a hilarious, fish-out-of-water twist. By transplanting a New York mafia capo to the heart of Oklahoma, Sheridan has created what might be the best crime dramedy on Paramount+.
What's 'Tulsa King' About?
The show follows Sylvester Stallone's Dwight Manfredi, a mafia veteran released after a long prison sentence. Expecting a hero's welcome, he's instead exiled to Tulsa by the new, younger mob boss Chickie (Domenick Lombardozzi), who sees Dwight as a relic. But Dwight turns the tables, building his own crew and a legal marijuana store as a front. Over three seasons and 30 episodes, he transforms Tulsa into his own mini-empire.
The comedy comes from the clash between Dwight's old-school criminal mindset and the laid-back, law-abiding lives of Tulsans. Characters like Bodhi (Martin Starr) and Grace (McKenna Quigley Harrington) are shocked by his brazenness, while young Tyson (Jay Will) eagerly joins the rebellion. This dynamic keeps the show fresh, blending mob tension with suburban absurdity.
Stallone's Star Power
Stallone brings decades of gravitas to the role, playing Dwight as a man who's always the coolest in the room. His deep voice and sharp quips—like "when I play my hand, you won't see it coming"—showcase his intelligence, while action scenes let him flex his Rocky muscles. The show even winks at his age, making his invincibility feel like a fun inside joke.
With antagonists like Neal McDonough's Cal and Frank Grillo's Bill in later seasons, the stakes stay high. Tulsa King isn't the deepest crime drama, but it doesn't need to be. It's a guilty pleasure that invites you to enjoy watching a man take control of his life. For fans of Sheridan's work or anyone who loves a good mob story with a laugh, this is a binge-worthy gem.
If you're looking for more crime content, check out Netflix's 'Narcos' legacy or crime thrillers that outshine 'Seven'. And for more Sheridan-style drama, see how 'Dutton Ranch' risks repeating 'Yellowstone's' mistake.
