The streaming world has no shortage of gritty crime thrillers, with Reacher and Guy Ritchie's MobLand currently reigning as critical and audience darlings. MobLand, in particular, has enjoyed immense success for Paramount+, with its second season earning some of the best reviews of Ritchie's career, praised for a newfound maturity complementing its signature style. Yet, a formidable new contender is on the horizon, backed by the creative force of Taylor Sheridan.
Frisco King is a highly anticipated spinoff of Sheridan's existing Paramount+ series, Tulsa King. The original show, which premiered in 2022 and is now in its third successful season, stars Sylvester Stallone as Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a New York mob capo exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to establish a new criminal enterprise. While Tulsa King might not always garner unanimous critical praise, its consistent popularity with audiences is undeniable. It distinguishes itself from some of Sheridan's other darker dramas, such as Mayor of Kingstown, by infusing its brutal action with a much-needed sense of humor and swagger. This unique blend has resonated strongly, with Tulsa King's season two premiere breaking Paramount+ viewership records.
Building on this success, Frisco King will see Samuel L. Jackson take on the lead role of Russell Lee Washington Jr., a mob hitman introduced in Tulsa King. Russell's decision to defy orders and spare Dwight's life in the parent series makes a return to his New York roots impossible. Consequently, Frisco King will follow Russell as he relocates to San Francisco, tasked with establishing his own criminal empire. This setup cleverly mirrors Tulsa King's "fish-out-of-water" premise, promising a fresh urban backdrop for a new iconic star to navigate the treacherous underworld.
Sheridan's history of successful franchise expansion bodes well for Frisco King. His flagship series, Yellowstone, has not only captivated audiences for multiple seasons but has also spawned a sprawling universe of prequels and sequels, including 1883, 1923, Dutton Ranch, and Marshals, with 1944 also in development. This impressive track record demonstrates Sheridan's ability to consistently deliver compelling narratives and attract top-tier talent, transforming initial successes into expansive, interconnected worlds.
With Frisco King set to premiere on December 8, 2026, on Paramount+, the stage is set for Samuel L. Jackson to lead a new chapter in Sheridan's growing crime empire. Given the creator's Midas touch with television, it would be unwise to bet against Frisco King as it prepares to challenge the current titans of streaming crime thrillers.