I’m one of those annoying people who *has* to check Rotten Tomatoes before I decide on my next watch. It’s not a foolproof method, but it helps separate the more elite TV shows from those that should get in the bin.
I recently stumbled upon a critically acclaimed TV show that’s smashing streaming records left, right and centre, and we don’t gatekeep things here! Tulsa King season two launched on September 16, and it has a cool 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Consider me sold.
The Sylvester Stallone-led show is an interesting twist on the mafia genre, focusing on the underdog rather than someone in power. If you haven’t heard of the Paramount+ show, it follows Stallone’s character Dwight Manfredi, who served 25 years in prison out of loyalty to his mob boss.
When he’s released, he expects to be revered or at least, you know, thanked for his service, but he’s hit with a hard reality. Instead of a warm welcome, Dwight is exiled to Tulsa in Oklahoma, where he begins to build a new crew.
Action star Stallone has been pulling in massive audience numbers for the streamer. Paramount Global revealed the premiere episode was watched by 5.4 million households in its first week, with two million global views coming on the first day. You can’t argue with fandom! If this many people are tuning in after season one, you just know the show is quality.
Stallone shared some updates on Instagram celebrating the show’s win, and sneakily dropped the info that season three has been greenlit.
“I am elated and so proud of our cast because our show has gone up 75 per cent over last year which is unheard of, and season two got 100 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes! Also it’s the second most popular show in the world across all streaming services! Thank you so much and we are working on the third season at this moment,” he wrote.
“Over five million viewers in the first week! To say I am grateful is an understatement.”
So, what makes Tulsa King *this* popular? Well, the man who came up with the concept of this show is no other than Taylor Sheridan, who has been pumping out hit after hit. I honestly don’t know where he gets the time, but hey, I’m not complaining.
Sheridan is most well known for creating Yellowstone along with prequels 1883 and 1923. He’s also the one responsible for Lioness, Mayor of Kingstown and the upcoming oil-drama Landman with Demi Moore.
Then you’ve got Sly Stallone. While he’s known as being a brash action star who had his heyday in the ‘80s, he’s proved a strong creative force over the last four decades. Stallone wrote the script for Rocky in just three days, and was nominated both for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay at The Oscars. He knows what works for the screen!
Interestingly, Sheridan actually wrote the original pilot before handing the reins to showrunner and writer Terence Winter, who says he relies on Stallone’s instincts.
“With him, you don’t only get an actor, you get a writer, a producer, a director, an editor, all of it. He’s incredibly detail-oriented and really invested in the show and the character,” Winter told TV Guide.
“What I love about him is he’s not the kind of actor that always tries to protect himself and make himself look good. He doesn’t mind being the butt of the joke, or being self-deprecating, or letting Dwight make the wrong decisions.”
If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy show filled with action, drama and comedy, this show will be right up your alley. It’s been described as a cross between Yellowstone and The Sopranos, which seems about right to me!
The first eight episodes of Tulsa King season two are now available to stream, only on Paramount+. There will be two more episodes released weekly on Monday, with the finale premiering on November 18.