Taylor Sheridan, known for his success with Western dramas like Yellowstone, is now expanding his influence into crime television through the Taylor Sheridan Tulsa King Franchise. This development, which includes the launch of the upcoming spinoff Frisco King, is set to transform Tulsa King into a major franchise vehicle, offering viewers a rich, interconnected world of crime and power.
Frisco King Launches Tulsa King’s Expansion into a Franchise
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, the new series Frisco King builds on the storylines established in Tulsa King by following Russell Lee Washington Jr., a character introduced in Tulsa King season 3. The show focuses on Russell’s efforts to develop his own criminal enterprise, intricately linked with Dwight Manfredi’s past during his prison time. This connection ensures an invested audience base and provides a strong foundation for the spinoff’s narrative.
Though Dwight Manfredi and Russell Lee Washington Jr. operate their criminal organizations separately, their shared history keeps the Tulsa King universe tightly connected. This format allows for occasional crossovers while maintaining distinct storylines, benefiting both series. Paramount+’s commitment is further evidenced by recent changes behind the scenes, including showrunner Dave Erickson’s departure and Taylor Sheridan assuming full writing control for Frisco King’s first season.
Sheridan’s involvement, from scripting all eight episodes to renaming the series from NOLA King to Frisco King and relocating its setting, demonstrates his dedication to ensuring the spinoff remains a genuine extension of Tulsa King rather than a loosely related project. This strategic approach echoes the successful pattern adopted with Yellowstone’s shared television universe and bodes well for Tulsa King’s future.
Tulsa King’s Potential to Outgrow Yellowstone’s Franchise Model
Yellowstone established a strong franchise model by branching into companion series like 1883 and 1923, which explored different generations of the Dutton family. This approach deepened the mythology without prolonging the original storyline indefinitely. Tulsa King, however, may surpass Yellowstone in franchise possibilities due to its crime drama framework focused on an expansive network of criminal factions rather than a single family dynasty.
The interconnected nature of mob families, rival crime organizations, and multiple cities creates a fertile environment for multiple spinoffs, as seen with Frisco King’s premise extending beyond Tulsa. Actors associated with Tulsa King often appear in other Taylor Sheridan projects, strengthening the potential for a shared crime universe. Every supporting player introduced in Tulsa King could anchor a new series, constructing a sprawling narrative web centered on Dwight’s extensive criminal ties.
Russell Lee Washington Jr.’s link to Dwight’s 25-year incarceration alone gives the franchise a wealth of untapped stories, both contemporary and prequel-oriented. Characters from this era could develop their own operations, providing fresh angles for future installments while maintaining ties to the original series. This storytelling strategy mirrors Yellowstone’s formula of exploring various timelines and geographical settings, offering viewers continuous engagement and depth.
Crime-focused franchises also enjoy a rich tradition of success, from classic gangster sagas to contemporary mob dramas, consistently drawing audience interest. Paramount+ executives have openly acknowledged the expansive storytelling opportunities Tulsa King presents. Tanya Giles, Paramount+’s chief programming officer, noted in a 2023 IndieWire interview,
“take this valuable IP and turn anything into a franchise because we believe there’s a world of storytelling to be told.”
—Tanya Giles, Paramount+ Chief Programming Officer
Why Tulsa King Stands Out Among Taylor Sheridan’s Other Projects
While Taylor Sheridan has created several series beyond Yellowstone, Tulsa King uniquely suits franchise expansion. Mayor of Kingstown, featuring Jeremy Renner, explores the dynamics of a prison town in Michigan and the McLusky family’s mediating role between law enforcement, criminal organizations, and prison systems. This narrative’s heavy focus on its singular setting makes spinoffs challenging and, with Paramount canceling Mayor of Kingstown after season 5, its future is limited.
Tulsa King, conversely, secured approval for a fourth season and centers on Dwight Manfredi, a mob boss whose influence spans multiple cities and criminal circles. This geographic and narrative flexibility enables the story to extend naturally into various directions, suiting franchise-building efforts in a way Mayor of Kingstown cannot. Furthermore, Tulsa King has achieved a stronger audience reception, offering a robust foundation for growth.
The tonal distinction between the two shows also plays a role. Mayor of Kingstown’s gritty examination of systemic corruption and incarceration creates an intense atmosphere that may limit broad franchising appeal. Tulsa King balances its crime drama with a lighter tone, incorporating fish-out-of-water humor and charismatic performances, particularly Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Dwight Manfredi, which adds charm and accessibility.
This blend of wit and mob storytelling has quickly made Tulsa King one of Paramount+’s flagship originals. By introducing Russell Lee Washington Jr. through the main series, Sheridan crafted a seamless narrative bridge to Frisco King, expanding the storyline beyond Tulsa and deepening fan engagement. Should Frisco King succeed, it will validate the model for Tulsa King’s broadened franchise, much like Yellowstone’s multi-series universe.
Tulsa King’s evolving crime universe promises multiple series intersecting occasionally, enriching viewers’ experience while giving Paramount+ a sustainable franchise anchored in familiar characters and themes. This approach reflects Taylor Sheridan’s commitment to creating immersive worlds that captivate audiences across genres. With its unique position and strategic development, Tulsa King is well on track to become Sheridan’s next major television franchise.
