Kingdom

In Venice, California, Kingdom revolves around Alvey Kulina, the hardnosed owner of Navy St. MMA who tries to keep his gym and its fighters afloat by any means necessary. Alvey coaches a roster that mixes hopeful prospects and damaged veterans, and his determination to protect those fighters often crosses ethical lines and creates fallout. Lisa Prince helps run the gym and steadies some chaos, while Alvey's two sons, Jay and Nate, clash with their roles in the family and the sport. Jay struggles with addiction and an explosive temper, Nate searches for identity inside and outside the ring, and their strained bonds drive the emotional core without offering neat resolutions.

Kingdom premiered in 2014 on DirecTV's Audience Network, created by Byron Balasco and Scott Wilson. Frank Grillo headlines the cast, supported by Jonathan Tucker, Nick Jonas, Matt Lauria and Kiele Sanchez.

The series didn't collect major industry awards, but it earned steady praise for performances, especially Grillo's, and for its authentic fight staging. It cultivated a dedicated audience rather than sweeping prize seasons, and its technical work in choreography and production kept it on critics' radar even when broader recognition was limited.

Kingdom brought a more unvarnished version of MMA culture to television, portraying gym life, training, and the aftermath of fights with uncommon attention. Its gritty aesthetic and focus on the toll of combat helped influence later sports dramas and made the show a reference point for realistic fight sequences and the emotional cost of that world.

Viewer response was mixed to positive, reflected in an average rating near 6.9 from audience votes. Reviewers often praised the acting and the show's atmosphere, while noting uneven plotting at times. Major themes include loyalty, masculinity, sacrifice and the consequences of ambition, with the ring serving as a mirror for family tensions and personal trauma.