I have loved Tulsa King so far. I actually love everything Taylor Sheridan does so I knew this would be no different. This is fun crime show that knows exactly what it wants to be and you can tell the cast, led by Sylvester Stallone, are all having a blast making this. It's about a New York mafia boss named Dwight "The General" Manfredi (Stallone) who is released from prison after 25 years. He thinks he coming out to a hero's welcome but gets sent to Tulsa to run things instead. After not feeling the love from his gang like he feels he should he starts to build his own in Tulsa. Some of it may come off as a little silly but overall it's a really good show that's definitely worth watching. It's obviously doing well because it's already been renewed for a second season which is great news!
307 Reviews
Another Taylor Sheridan Hit
yooniverse28 November 2022
I figured this would be an entertaining show. We've grown accustomed to think that anything with Stallone in it nowadays would be a comedy, and Tulsa King does feature good amount of humor. But Taylor Sheridan isn't going to create a simple parody of a mob story and using Stallone as a joke and punchline.
The show has promising depth, despite the light-hearted premise of a former big shot mobster forced to make a new start in a new city after a long prison sentence. Some comedy ensues as a New York mobster finds his way around Tulsa to establish his turf using his "old world" ways.
Characters are genuinely likable across the board. While it's not unusual to root for a "bad" guy as the protagonist, his directness and old world commonsense values appeal to those of us looking for something refreshing amidst today's social nonsense. Irony in the message is that it takes a thug who bows down to no one to smash through and expose the shallow social hypocrisy. This is the same formula that made Yellowstone such a success, and Sheridan knows this is what so many of us want.
Stallone gives an excellent performance. Before he became a caricature from his later roles that drove Rocky and Rambo franchises into the ground, his acting and screen presence created those iconic roles. It's good to see him back on screen in a role that seems perfect for him, and leverage some of that cheeky persona to add depth to his character and the show, rather than undermine it.
Overall, highly entertaining show that I look forward to, and an excellent addition to Paramount+ portfolio.
The show has promising depth, despite the light-hearted premise of a former big shot mobster forced to make a new start in a new city after a long prison sentence. Some comedy ensues as a New York mobster finds his way around Tulsa to establish his turf using his "old world" ways.
Characters are genuinely likable across the board. While it's not unusual to root for a "bad" guy as the protagonist, his directness and old world commonsense values appeal to those of us looking for something refreshing amidst today's social nonsense. Irony in the message is that it takes a thug who bows down to no one to smash through and expose the shallow social hypocrisy. This is the same formula that made Yellowstone such a success, and Sheridan knows this is what so many of us want.
Stallone gives an excellent performance. Before he became a caricature from his later roles that drove Rocky and Rambo franchises into the ground, his acting and screen presence created those iconic roles. It's good to see him back on screen in a role that seems perfect for him, and leverage some of that cheeky persona to add depth to his character and the show, rather than undermine it.
Overall, highly entertaining show that I look forward to, and an excellent addition to Paramount+ portfolio.
Stallone's best role in years!
Supermanfan-1321 November 2022
Sylvester Stallone absolutely kills it in Tulsa King! For Stallone to do a tv show you knew it had to be a good script and of course it would be with Taylor Sheridan as the created. Sheridan continues to hit home run after home run. He is the best thing going on tv right now with incredible shows like Yellowstone, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, etc. And movies like Sicario, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Everything he touches turns to gold. Also, one of the other writers is Terence Winter who wrote shows like The Sopranos & Boardwalk Empire. I mean come on? There was no way this show was going to be bad with those two at the helm. It has everything you want in a good show...drama, violence, comedy, etc. Stallone plays a very likable tough guy to perfection.
Just the start
AfricanBro14 November 2022
I watched this out of curiosity, no high expectations, I was just surprised to see Stallone in a tv series. You feel the tension in the scenes, it also feels fairly realistic as far as the plot would demand it. Wouldn't say it's humorous but a couple funny scenes as a result of Dwight (Stallone) coming out of 25yr prison sentence and not fully integrated into the way the world works now; so I'm assuming the abrupt transition will offer some interesting hiccups for him down the line for us. I'm glad someone told him how to use an Uber, it was funny while it lasted.
It's a pretty smart script but not in a forcefully witty way which bodes well. Of course Stallone is a huge presence but the rest of the cast seem pretty good.
The show literally feels like you took gangsters written for a movie from the early 90's and just threw them into 2022, makes for a good blend of humor and violence.
I thought it was just going to be a throwaway show as some of stallion's recent movies are; mostly just leaning on his name and performances but Taylor Sheridan does a good job here with writing worthy of Stallone's performances. I think it's gonna be fun to watch macho Stallone building a criminal empire from scratch, middle of nowhere Tulsa. I love how it has this western oater feel to it at times while still being mafia. I think the show could end up going under the radar, then get buzz later on with people asking how they never caught on to it earlier, because I haven't seen that much advertisement from Paramount.
I went in with no high expectations, but if the premier episode is anything to go by this could be a really fun watch. If it keeps on like this, great, if it gets better that'll be fantastic. I'll add a rating after more episodes release and update if anything changes drastically about the show.
It's a pretty smart script but not in a forcefully witty way which bodes well. Of course Stallone is a huge presence but the rest of the cast seem pretty good.
The show literally feels like you took gangsters written for a movie from the early 90's and just threw them into 2022, makes for a good blend of humor and violence.
I thought it was just going to be a throwaway show as some of stallion's recent movies are; mostly just leaning on his name and performances but Taylor Sheridan does a good job here with writing worthy of Stallone's performances. I think it's gonna be fun to watch macho Stallone building a criminal empire from scratch, middle of nowhere Tulsa. I love how it has this western oater feel to it at times while still being mafia. I think the show could end up going under the radar, then get buzz later on with people asking how they never caught on to it earlier, because I haven't seen that much advertisement from Paramount.
I went in with no high expectations, but if the premier episode is anything to go by this could be a really fun watch. If it keeps on like this, great, if it gets better that'll be fantastic. I'll add a rating after more episodes release and update if anything changes drastically about the show.
It held my attention because of Stallone
wrightinchicago-231-67184026 November 2022
I don't think any other actor could have played this role. Sly is bigger than the small screen and he's given the best lines in this show. I only saw the 1st ep on YT, I don't have Paramount, but if there's more being released on YT I would definitely see it.
His supporting cast is no-name, I didn't recognize any other actors. And filming in Tulsa gives the show "flavor" vs filming on a backlot in Hollywood. I think Stallone has reached his peak with the Creed movies and this TV show. Age does him well. Glad he's away from those action movies, which I think he outgrew. This is the fit for him.
His supporting cast is no-name, I didn't recognize any other actors. And filming in Tulsa gives the show "flavor" vs filming on a backlot in Hollywood. I think Stallone has reached his peak with the Creed movies and this TV show. Age does him well. Glad he's away from those action movies, which I think he outgrew. This is the fit for him.
Sly is back with a bang!
pedja-the20 November 2022
Sylvester Stallone 's Rocky, old school, hard a$$ acting style fits this show perfectly. From narrating to cruising through Tulsa it just shows that this role is perfect for him. Also acting as a guy his age and style definitely helps to blend in perfectly. As for the show, the buil up in first two episode was great and moving pretty quickly. It will be interesting with coming towards the end of the season how good and how big twist they have prepared. In the meantime if you are Sly's fan you definitely have to give this show a chance, even if you're not, I would still recommend it for the sake of gangster shows.
Stallone should have played a mob capo sooner
pagemaster728 December 2022
I've always liked Stallone, over the years, yes he's sequel addicted but has made some really enjoyable films scattering a few classics along the way. In Tulsa King could very well be his best work just from a acting perspective, he's just stone cold nailing the role of a mafia capo. The series itself has a interesting story, it's well written taking full advantage of the humor of a New York mobster in Tulsa Oklahoma without becoming silly at all, throw in a healthy dose of violence, good writing and dialogue, and a great cast of supporting actors and characters and they have a winner. Fun to watch, well worth a look.
Right on the money
jaimemedina-3628813 November 2022
Exactly what you're looking. Tulsa King delivers. Stallone hits the mark with a brooding no nonsense performance that blends humor and violence to near perfection.
The classic fish out of water scenario is well played. And the first episode does a great job at setting up what looks like a stellar cast. Right from the start the plot begins to weave together. Frankly I was pleasantly surprised.
We'll see how the season unfolds but so far it's a great change of pace from some other series debuts lately. There's no cgi to be sure. Just great characters, authentic dialogue, a smart story, and a first class cast.
The classic fish out of water scenario is well played. And the first episode does a great job at setting up what looks like a stellar cast. Right from the start the plot begins to weave together. Frankly I was pleasantly surprised.
We'll see how the season unfolds but so far it's a great change of pace from some other series debuts lately. There's no cgi to be sure. Just great characters, authentic dialogue, a smart story, and a first class cast.
Not bad if you keep your suspension of disbelief
wunnuy23 November 2022
The writing is good - Stallone's narration is well written. He's also good in this role. The show moves along and is entertaining. Problem is you have to believe that in today's world, someone would just show up to a town like Tulsa, start knocking people around and making demands and people would just fall in line and not call the police.
In reality, every incident in this show where he knocks someone around and gets what he wants wouldn't happen. Ever. The person would simply call the police, they'd come, see that he did in fact commit an assault, that's he's an ex con recently released from prison and he'd be in jail waiting a new trial.
But in this fantasy world from 1960 (that takes place today) he just makes demands and people does what he wants.
If you can accept that, you can enjoy the show.
In reality, every incident in this show where he knocks someone around and gets what he wants wouldn't happen. Ever. The person would simply call the police, they'd come, see that he did in fact commit an assault, that's he's an ex con recently released from prison and he'd be in jail waiting a new trial.
But in this fantasy world from 1960 (that takes place today) he just makes demands and people does what he wants.
If you can accept that, you can enjoy the show.
Eight for Now might be a 10
celt00714 November 2022
I really like this show . It's a bit unbelievable but mostly entertaining . The humour Stallone brings to the character ( of the writers ) evens out the bits that are absurd.
Stallone brings a nuanced performance of a recently released from prison monster. Who is given the opportunity to move to a south western state and earn for the bosses back home .
He makes the best of a situation he rather not be in .
A fish out of water no . A shark in a different ocean maybe more like it .
This looks like it's going to be a fantastic addition to a historical and legendary career of one of hollywoods greatest box office draws of all time .
Stallone is in his element and he delivers the goods .
Stallone brings a nuanced performance of a recently released from prison monster. Who is given the opportunity to move to a south western state and earn for the bosses back home .
He makes the best of a situation he rather not be in .
A fish out of water no . A shark in a different ocean maybe more like it .
This looks like it's going to be a fantastic addition to a historical and legendary career of one of hollywoods greatest box office draws of all time .
Stallone is in his element and he delivers the goods .
Pretty Enjoyable Series!
collectorofsorts20 November 2022
I didn't expect to like this when I watched the first episode last week because I'm not really a Stallone fan. Let's face it, his fame is from playing dumb angry guys and it's a different world we live in these days.
But I've been pleasantly surprised here. I've watched the first two episodes now and they're well thought out and well carried out.
I like the modern angles that they've thrown in, like the weed farm. And I also like that they didn't make Stallone's character woke which seems to be the trend in television these days.
I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how the season plays out!
EDIT: I just finished watching Episode 6. They're convoluting the story with too much family drama. Sometimes less is more and we don't need the plot going in a dozen different directions. I'm removing a star from my original rating because it's making the episodes slightly less enjoyable. If I wanted family drama, I'd watch a sitcom.
But I've been pleasantly surprised here. I've watched the first two episodes now and they're well thought out and well carried out.
I like the modern angles that they've thrown in, like the weed farm. And I also like that they didn't make Stallone's character woke which seems to be the trend in television these days.
I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how the season plays out!
EDIT: I just finished watching Episode 6. They're convoluting the story with too much family drama. Sometimes less is more and we don't need the plot going in a dozen different directions. I'm removing a star from my original rating because it's making the episodes slightly less enjoyable. If I wanted family drama, I'd watch a sitcom.
Solid entertainer
geister_faust4 December 2022
Likeable and relatively deep characters, plausible plot, tolerable pacing are the driving forces behind this show. Stallone is good being the main protagonist, but I like Andrea Savage and her character a lot, very nice performance. I respected a lot that Stallone is not trying to look younger when his character Dwight honestly mentions his age and how it could affect his relationships with younger woman.
Cinematography and music are nothing to write home about, both are good enough to help keep the show entertaining, but not really adding value and not standing out. My review make the show look pretty average, yet I'm rating it at 8/10 because it is a solid entertainer, not a TV/ Cinema masterpiece or tour de force.
Cinematography and music are nothing to write home about, both are good enough to help keep the show entertaining, but not really adding value and not standing out. My review make the show look pretty average, yet I'm rating it at 8/10 because it is a solid entertainer, not a TV/ Cinema masterpiece or tour de force.
Redneck Lilyhammer
dannalynn-7066920 November 2022
Don't get me wrong, I really like this series and I've always loved Stallone. That being said, I also believe "old dude" Stallone is much more interesting than "younger, hot" Stallone. The only thing I don't like about Tulsa King is that it reminds me so much of Lilyhammer, I think Steve Van Zandt should be mentioned in the credits. Lilyhammer is on my list of all-time favorite shows. I love everything about it and I've watched it several times. So many, in fact, that it seems like I've already watched Tulsa King, as well. So far (2 eps in) it's like a scene by scene recreation. Good thing I needed a new series to obsess over, the bad thing is, I've already seen it. Hopefully, future episodes will be a little more original.
Reality check, please.
smroberson25 November 2022
I live in Tulsa. While Stallone's character is entertaining, as is most of the cast, the writing is more out of touch with reality than Stallone's character is. You can't just walk into a dispensary and say "It's okay - I'm just looking around" when they ask for your MM I. D. card. You wouldn't have to supply the dispensary with a security camera - they already have lots of them. A loaded Lincoln Navigator costs more than 50k. In almost every situation he's in, the police would have been called within seconds. I've only seen the first episode, but the "wrongness" of this show just goes on and on. But it's moderately entertaining.
I never make reviews but...
turdymac13 November 2022
I didn't know anything about this. I found out by accident. Look, I am a Stallone fan. Have been since Rocky, Rambo, Cobra. Even M. A. S. H. (1970...yeah I'm dated now). Stallone, in my eyes, deserves the upmost respect for his craft. When I was a kid he was a talking point for humor from my peers. Fast forward to today, this man has weathered the hollywierd storm. He has outlasted his peers and become something so much more. Ahnold? Willis? This man is a gem. Imagine, 75 and going strong. Great actor, good eye for a dying business and very, very good start to his first adventure into streaming tv. I take me hat off for you sir.
This series was made for Stallone!! Worth the subscription!
rwilsonncsu26 November 2022
So I have always been a fan of Sylvester. Yes, he has gotten older (as we all do) but we MUST stop comparing his Rocky and Rambo movies to his latest works. I will admit, I was guilty of this and as a result, I ended up thinking that his latest movie (the Samaritan) was not up to snuff and truly, the movie was probably a B at best. I am not sure that was entirely because of Stallone though. In any case, THIS new series (Tulsa King) is ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT, worth the subscription price you may or may not have to pay. The part of Dwight "The General" Manfredi was 100% made for nobody but Stallone. He plays the part so smoothly and you actually believe that he really is part of the mafia....and with such humor that I find myself laughing many times throughout each episode. I actually have an alarm set on my phone to remind me that a new episode is about to drop (on Sundays) and I get excited (as I do with Yellowstone). I truly hope people will give this a chance and let this series be the series that Stallone can come back with and allow him to ride off into the sunset (hopefully years from now :) :)
My only beef is the fact that only one episode is released each week (yes.... I know that this is how series are...but still I find myself feening for more). LOL)
My only beef is the fact that only one episode is released each week (yes.... I know that this is how series are...but still I find myself feening for more). LOL)
Worth it
phredator30 November 2022
I've watched the first three episodes and frankly after the first one I was hooked. This is interesting. I want to see what happens next. I see a man who was knocked down, picking himself back up. And although there is adversity along the way he seems to be making progress.
I like this show what can I tell you.
I've watched the first three episodes and frankly after the first one I was hooked. This is interesting. I want to see what happens next. I see a man who was knocked down, picking himself back up. And although there is adversity along the way he seems to be making progress.
I like this show what can I tell you.
I like this show what can I tell you.
I've watched the first three episodes and frankly after the first one I was hooked. This is interesting. I want to see what happens next. I see a man who was knocked down, picking himself back up. And although there is adversity along the way he seems to be making progress.
I like this show what can I tell you.
Sly at it's best
danielcereto13 November 2022
The series is promising if you know what are you going to find from an actor like Stallone. The script is Ok, settings are great including real Tulsa locations and cast is acceptable.
The series starts great because Stallone fits on the character perfectly even he is actually 76 years old. Still credible and some scenes made me think to Clint Eastwood in Grand Torino. I'm not going to spoil anything saying both are great actors in his most repeated and common roles. The series starts strong. Sly interpretation is great and it can become better. So, overall, the series has potential, so let's give it a try. Why not?
The series starts great because Stallone fits on the character perfectly even he is actually 76 years old. Still credible and some scenes made me think to Clint Eastwood in Grand Torino. I'm not going to spoil anything saying both are great actors in his most repeated and common roles. The series starts strong. Sly interpretation is great and it can become better. So, overall, the series has potential, so let's give it a try. Why not?
Great series for Stallone and all involved!
GCM_Gentry12 December 2022
This is a great series with heavy drama and moments of real-life comedy mixed together. One of Stallone's best roles ever (this character will more than likely become iconic, like Rocky and Rambo). The writing, the direction, the acting -- every element comes together perfectly, and ends each episode with a strong cliffhanger to make you want to come back the following week to see more.
At a time in life when most people are winding down their careers to take it easy, Stallone defies tradition and pushes forward with what I expect will be an awards contender come awards season!
Taylor Sheridan and the production team hit another home run with this one. Highly recommended!
At a time in life when most people are winding down their careers to take it easy, Stallone defies tradition and pushes forward with what I expect will be an awards contender come awards season!
Taylor Sheridan and the production team hit another home run with this one. Highly recommended!
BIt of a 'LIllehammer' rip off
rolandet18 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Just walk up and threaten to hurt a man, and he'll gladly give you thousands of dollars a week, in stead of alerting the authorities
sure...............
Very lazy writing, and basically copied off the Lillehammer concept.
Mobster is new in town where mobsters aren't around, takes control through (the threat of) violence.
Stallone has never been accused of being a proper actor, and is carrying this comedy on his name.
A few flimpsy storylines not withstanding, I can't see this series going anywhere anytime soon.
Sure, it give me a few giggles, but imho that's not enough to carry a show for longer.
Very lazy writing, and basically copied off the Lillehammer concept.
Mobster is new in town where mobsters aren't around, takes control through (the threat of) violence.
Stallone has never been accused of being a proper actor, and is carrying this comedy on his name.
A few flimpsy storylines not withstanding, I can't see this series going anywhere anytime soon.
Sure, it give me a few giggles, but imho that's not enough to carry a show for longer.
Lilyhammer
wrenchmebollix28 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An almost direct copy of a wonderful Norwegian series. Steven Van Zandt's Portrayal of the fish out of the water mobster in a small provincial town in Norway is almost identical.
Even the storyline is the same. I'm hoping that it's acknowledged somewhere down the line. Stallone is magnificent in this. I guess it's a good thing when you take something simple and wonderful and move on to another level with it. It will be interesting to see where the story arc goes. Steven Van Zandt's Gangster moves in, buys everything in cash, bribes the local pervert, has a kid, opens a bar and employs all of the locals including two brothers.
Anyway was delighted to see this interpretation of the story and seeing Stallone in probably his best role since Copland.
Even the storyline is the same. I'm hoping that it's acknowledged somewhere down the line. Stallone is magnificent in this. I guess it's a good thing when you take something simple and wonderful and move on to another level with it. It will be interesting to see where the story arc goes. Steven Van Zandt's Gangster moves in, buys everything in cash, bribes the local pervert, has a kid, opens a bar and employs all of the locals including two brothers.
Anyway was delighted to see this interpretation of the story and seeing Stallone in probably his best role since Copland.
A not great, but decent show.
bgonzal-959349 January 2023
I am sure you read the premise in other reviews and no spoilers here. It is generally a good show and for me personally what made me give this a 7 was mostly the writing and the finally was a bit of a let down. No real surprises and I think 9 episodes wasn't enough so it just seemed like they tried to cram too much into the last episode of the season.
The season has quick emotional swings in a number of Dwight's relationships that were all predictable and often rushed. The emotional development on a number of characters was too quick and dramatic as well. This goes both ways in either their loss of inner strength or going from someone that will faint from a sneeze to a stone cold killer. The changes are almost instant and would have been better if it was done over time versus rushed.
Overall, if you like Stallone you will enjoy the show.
The season has quick emotional swings in a number of Dwight's relationships that were all predictable and often rushed. The emotional development on a number of characters was too quick and dramatic as well. This goes both ways in either their loss of inner strength or going from someone that will faint from a sneeze to a stone cold killer. The changes are almost instant and would have been better if it was done over time versus rushed.
Overall, if you like Stallone you will enjoy the show.
Awesome series!
dmach-6124724 November 2022
This is a really great show. It has the potential to be the next Sopranos or Breaking Bad. Hope they are not messing it up. Great build up in the first two episodes and a lot of comedic elements which work great. Exactly the show I was waiting for featuring Sly. Schwarzenegger should take a close look on how this kind of "old man" show can work and be so good. I waited years for King Conan to happen... and know it will never BUT Arnold, please!!! Bitte mach eine Serie, wie Sly! Eine Serie, wo Du den Bösen spielst und anderen eins aufs Dach gibst! Please Arnold make a series like Sly! It is never to late... and Silvester Stallone is showing it!
A refreshing dark comedy from Taylor Sheridan carried by Sylvester Stallone
julieshotmail8 January 2023
"Tulsa King" has an old, tired premise, with many contrived moments so you have to suspend disbelief. This is another installment from Taylor Sheridan showcasing rural America and sweeping horse ranches. This time, though, it is more of a comedy, thanks to Sylvester Stallone's endearing mix of self-deprecation and smugness. Although the large cast of characters is mostly likable, it is Stallone's "it factor" that evidently carries the show. Without him, this would just be comprised of a string of unfunny skits. I stay on week after week mostly looking forward to all of the Stallone scenes with his sidekicks, especially Martin Starr as Bodhi, Max Casella as Armand, and Jay Will as Tyson. "Tulsa King" is a fun, relaxing watch if you don't nitpick the logistics too much.
Turn off your brain!
theguy25 November 2022
I was really looking forward to Tulsa King - but it gets SO many things wrong, it's just not watchable. Whoever wrote the script has no idea what happens in Tulsa, or how pot farms work, or how pot stores work, or how the banks and federal government are involved. Whoever wrote the script has no idea who Oklahoma people are, or how we behave, or what we do.
On the flip side, a lone gangster from New York wouldn't last very long in Oklahoma. While most Oklahomans are welcoming and friendly, there is a "militia" element that would "disappear" (or "redneck justice") a lone New York gangster very quickly and efficiently - which would make a much better story than what was written for Tulsa King.
In summary, if you like Tulsa King, you have absolutely no idea what really goes on in Oklahoma!
On the flip side, a lone gangster from New York wouldn't last very long in Oklahoma. While most Oklahomans are welcoming and friendly, there is a "militia" element that would "disappear" (or "redneck justice") a lone New York gangster very quickly and efficiently - which would make a much better story than what was written for Tulsa King.
In summary, if you like Tulsa King, you have absolutely no idea what really goes on in Oklahoma!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
