**‘Tulsa King’ Surges on Streaming as Sheridan’s Mob Drama Rivals ‘The Sopranos’**
Key Takeaways:
- ‘Tulsa King,’ created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Sylvester Stallone, dominates global streaming charts.
- The show’s third season concluded recently, leading to heightened interest and trending discussions.
- Behind-the-scenes conflicts, including the firing of the showrunner, have added to the show’s media buzz.
Los Angeles, CA — Taylor Sheridan’s modern crime drama “Tulsa King”, often dubbed as a contemporary answer to “The Sopranos”, is trending globally following its third season finale. Data from FlixPatrol confirms that the Sylvester Stallone-led series is currently one of the most watched television shows on streaming platforms both in the U.S. and internationally.
Streaming Surge Pushes ‘Tulsa King’ to the Top
The third season of “Tulsa King” wrapped up amid increasing fan engagement and critical comparisons to HBO’s iconic mob series “The Sopranos”. According to FlixPatrol, the show consistently ranks in the top 10 across several territories, notably placing sixth on Paramount+ among all shows in the Americas. It also performs strongly on regional platforms where available, especially in countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
The show stars Sylvester Stallone as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a former New York mob boss sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to restart his criminal life after a 25-year prison sentence. Stallone’s portrayal of an old-school capo trying to navigate a modern world adds depth and humor, resonating well with global audiences.
Despite concerns about the series losing momentum by its third season, strong streaming numbers and viral social media reactions have propelled the show into the trending spotlight. Fans and critics have praised the show’s ensemble cast, storyline evolution, and Stallone’s commanding lead performance.
Showrunner Shake-Up and Production Drama
Interest in “Tulsa King” is also fueled by high-profile backstage turmoil. During preparations for Season 4, reports emerged that the studio behind the show fired 26 crew members, including the original showrunner. Controversy escalated with claims that the studio intended to replace the showrunner with corporate oversight rather than an experienced writer—an unusual if not unprecedented move in major TV production.
Assuming interim control is Scott Stone, an executive at 101 Studios, now serving as the de-facto showrunner. The production team continues work in Atlanta, but the dramatic reshuffling has led to tension within the cast and crew. Still, Paramount+ insists the upcoming season will stay on track, with a release expected later this year.
Adding to fan anticipation, Season 4 introduces Gretchen Mol, who reunites with co-star Vincent Piazza following their work on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”. This casting news has added an extra layer of excitement for audiences familiar with mob-centric dramas.
Why ‘Tulsa King’ Is Being Compared to ‘The Sopranos’
Comparisons to “The Sopranos” are not accidental. While Sheridan’s earlier works like “Yellowstone” and “1883” focused on Western narratives, “Tulsa King” taps into the nostalgia and grit of Italian-American crime family dramas made famous by David Chase’s Sopranos. However, Manfredi’s fish-out-of-water journey in a Midwestern outpost makes the storytelling more accessible and fresh to modern audiences.
Critics note that the show combines old mafia codes with today’s digital enterprise models—from crypto schemes to online cannabis delivery. Supporting characters like Martin Starr’s Bodhi and Jay Will’s Tyson help bridge generational gaps, modernizing the mobster trope without losing its roots.
What’s Next for the Mob Drama and Paramount+
With production of Season 4 in progress, albeit entangled in labor issues and staffing uncertainties, “Tulsa King” remains a crucial asset for Paramount+. The streamer, which has suffered from subscriber slowdown compared to competitors like Netflix and Disney+, sees Sheridan’s crime series as part of its “flagship content” strategy.
The fourth season may determine the show’s long-term viability. If viewership momentum sustains or improves, it could signal major investment into further spin-offs or universe expansion—something Sheridan has done effectively with the “Yellowstone” franchise. Meanwhile, the ensemble cast continues to grow, signaling ambitious plans for deeper arcs and higher stakes in upcoming episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is ‘The Sopranos’ trending?
A: The buzz stems from comparisons between the classic HBO series and Taylor Sheridan’s hit show ‘Tulsa King,’ which just wrapped up its third season and is surging on streaming platforms.
Q: What happens next?
A: Production of ‘Tulsa King’ Season 4 is underway in Atlanta, set to release later in 2024, pending no further behind-the-scenes delays.
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