Tulsa King

After 25 years behind bars, New York mafia capo Dwight "The General" Manfredi walks out of prison with his organization deciding exile is his punishment. Sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dwight is supposed to set up operations far from the city that raised him, but he quickly realizes loyalty from his old crew might be conditional. He moves slowly and deliberately, recruiting a mismatched group of helpers, learning local rhythms, and trying to translate his old-school authority to a place that runs by different rules. The show mixes crime, dry humor, and character beats as Dwight adapts while guarding his own survival and influence.

The series premiered on Paramount+ in 2022 and was created by Taylor Sheridan. Sylvester Stallone headlines as Dwight Manfredi, supported by Martin Starr, Annabella Sciorra, Neal McDonough, and others. It was developed as an original TV project rather than an adaptation, with production aimed at showcasing a grounded, character-driven crime story.

It didn’t become a major awards contender, though Stallone’s move to television and the show’s polished production earned attention in industry coverage. Any awards recognition has been limited, with most of the conversation centering on performances and Sheridan’s continued expansion of high-profile dramatic TV.

Stallone’s presence on a prestige streaming series made headlines, and the show helped prompt conversations about Tulsa as an unconventional setting for mob drama. Its mix of straight crime plotting and wry, often deadpan humor gave it a distinct tone that viewers referenced in social media and interviews, and it contributed to wider interest in Sheridan’s TV projects.

Critics and audiences have leaned positive, reflected in a user vote average around 8.3 out of 10 from several thousand votes. Reviewers noted the balance between genre familiarity and personality-driven scenes, highlighting themes like aging into new roles, questions of loyalty, identity after long absence, and the clash between urban crime instincts and small-city life. The tone shifts between tense and oddly funny, keeping focus on character choices over flashy spectacle.