Taylor’s Sheridan has pumped out plenty of hits for Paramount+ in the last few years. Even with “Yellowstone” abruptly needing due to issues with star Kevin Costner, the Writer/Director has hardly missed a creative step in putting out edgy, compelling television that appears to viewers in some of the largest demographics in television. Paramount+ seems to be willing to greenlight anything with Sheridan’s name on it and according to Deadline, the Sheridan-Verse might be getting a little bigger.
“Tulsa King” first aired in late 2022 and actually beat out GoT sequel “House of the Dragon” in ratings to become “cable’s highest rated series debut” of the year. Critics also gave the show a solid 79% on RT. The second season premiere broke the Paramount+ record for most viewers in the first day and got a flawless 100% score on RT. The second outing also proved it had staying power as it landed on Nielsen’s top 10 streaming series for Q4 in 2024. Two of Sheridan’s other series, “Landman” and ‘Lioness’ also made the Nielsen top 10 last year, a feat usually only Netflix is able to accomplish – which only ups Sheridan’s reputation. Although the story for “Tulsa King” has been sometimes criticized, the show is undoubtedly a money maker for the studio and easily got a season 3 order.
Two of Sheridan’s other series, “Landman” and ‘Lioness’ also made the Nielsen top 10 last year,
a feat usually only Netflix is able to accomplish – which only ups Sheridan’s reputation.”
Looking to capitalize on the upcoming third season, Paramount is reportedly in talks to create a spin-off of “Tulsa King” called “NOLA King”. Samuel L. Jackson is being eyed to star in the series. With Tulsa King currently in production, Jackson is allegedly being courted to play a criminal character named Russell Lee Washington Jr. who will be featured in season 3 of “Tulsa King” and go head to head with Sylvester Stallone’s character, Dwight “The General” Manfredi. Allegedly after his appearance there, Jackson’s character will head down to New Orleans to set up shop.
Jackson is rumored to be filming his episodes for “Tulsa King” in July which would mean this series is pretty much a definite, barring some type of major scandal. The fact that he is already planned into a multiple episode arc of one of Paramount+’s most popular shows tells us that the behind the scenes deals are likely close to being signed and an announcement should be forthcoming in the next few weeks or months.
Dave Erickson, who is currently the Showrunner on season 3 of “Tulsa King”, is reportedly writing the new series. Erickson has also written for “Mayor of Kingstown” and previously worked as a writer for FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” as well as development on the AMC spin-off, “Fear the Walking Dead”.
Samuel L. Jackson is an icon in the film industry, although his TV resume is a lot more obscure, with appearances spanning decades but not many starring roles. Jackson recently starred in the Peacock miniseries, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” alongside Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle and Taraji P. Henson. As far as television starring roles for Jackson, those have been few and far between. After the actor took the lead in the well received Apple TV+ series “The Last Day of Ptolemy Grey”, Jackson went on to reprise his MCU role as Nick Fury in the critically and audience panned “Secret Invasion”. “NOLA King” is the highest profile show that Jackson will be starring in across all of his career, so hopefully Erickson’s writing skills are working their magic to make an unforgettable sieges in an underused Louisiana backdrop.
Although both actors have had long and storied careers, Jackson and Stallone have never worked onscreen together. “Tulsa King” season 3 is set to bring the heavyweight actors in a head to head competition that should get fans excited for “NOLA King” which, if everything goes according to plan, be released sometime in 2026 to compliment a fourth season of “Tulsa King” if the series is granted a renewal. “Tulsa King” season 3 premieres September 21st of this year and MTV/Paramount+ seem determined to maximize off of the popularity of the young show. Will franchise fever catch up to Sheridan here? Should the studio wait until after Jackson’s story arc airs on “Tulsa King”. Before giving a greenlight to a new series? With Jackson’s star power and acting ability (even with the taint of “Secret Invasion”), it does seem like a safe bet, but fans are fickle these days.What do you think? Will “NOLA King” be an inspired spin-off that can stand on it’s own two feet? Or is Paramount+ just milking their cash cow for every last drop? How will things go when Manfredi and Washington meet in Oklahoma?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
