Tulsa King is an American comedy-crime drama television series that premiered on Paramount+ on November 13, 2022.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show stars Sylvester Stallone in his first leading role in a scripted television series, portraying Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a Mafia capo recently released from prison after 25 years. Upon his release, Dwight is exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attempts to establish a new criminal empire with a group of unlikely characters.
The series explores Dwight's challenges as he navigates the unfamiliar landscape of Tulsa while trying to build his organization. He quickly realizes that his mob family may not have his best interests at heart, leading him to recruit a diverse crew to help him assert his influence in the city. The cast includes Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, and Domenick Lombardozzi, among others.
Tulsa King has received generally positive reviews from critics, who have praised Stallone's performance and the show's engaging mix of humor and crime drama. However, some critiques have pointed out weaknesses in the dialogue and overall story arc. The first season consists of ten episodes and concluded on January 8, 2023. Following its success, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on September 15, 2024.
Filming for the first season took place primarily in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with production concluding in August 2022. Due to complaints about extreme temperatures during filming, the second season was relocated to Atlanta.
Overall, Tulsa King stands out as a unique addition to the crime drama genre, combining elements of comedy with traditional mob storytelling while showcasing Stallone's return to television. The series has also contributed positively to Paramount+'s viewership and subscription growth since its release.