Genre: Crime / Drama
Created by: Taylor Sheridan
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Domenick Lombardozzi
Tulsa King marks a bold, charismatic entry into television for action legend Sylvester Stallone, in his first scripted TV series lead. Created by Taylor Sheridan (known for Yellowstone and Sicario), the show blends mobster grit with fish-out-of-water charm, resulting in an engaging mix of crime drama, dry humor, and personal reinvention.
Stallone plays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a seasoned New York mob capo who, after serving 25 years in prison without flipping, expects a hero’s welcome and a powerful post. Instead, his reward is exile: he’s sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma to establish new territory for his crime family. What follows is a surprising, often humorous clash between big-city mob culture and small-town America.
In unfamiliar territory, Dwight wastes no time setting up his empire—befriending a local weed dealer (played hilariously by Martin Starr), recruiting unlikely associates, and adapting old-school mob tactics to the digital age. But as he builds his operation, he finds himself increasingly at odds with both local authorities and his own mafia bosses back in New York.
Stallone brings undeniable star power and presence to the role. His portrayal of Dwight is both tough and likable, combining his classic gruff persona with subtle comedic timing and moments of introspective depth. The supporting cast adds texture—Andrea Savage as a conflicted ATF agent and Garrett Hedlund as a Tulsa bartender add emotional and narrative layers.
The writing by Sheridan and Terence Winter (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire) smartly balances the tension of organized crime with a humorous take on generational shifts and personal redemption. Visually, Tulsa King captures the dusty charm of its Oklahoma setting, contrasting Dwight’s polished mobster style with the town’s laid-back Americana vibe.
While the show treads familiar ground in terms of mob themes—loyalty, power, betrayal—it stands out thanks to its offbeat setting and strong central performance. It’s not just about crime; it’s about starting over, questioning the past, and carving a new path in an unlikely place.
Tulsa King succeeds as a stylish, character-driven drama with a fresh twist on the mob genre. It’s compelling, often funny, and surprisingly heartfelt—an entertaining ride that gives Stallone a new kind of role to dominate.
