Tulsa King Fans Need to Watch These 10 Great Shows

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In the latest offering by prolific TV producer Taylor Sheridan, the series Tulsa King features Sylvester Stallone in his debut as the main character in a scripted television show. He portrays The General, a mafioso who, upon being released from prison, intends to establish a new criminal network in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As expected, his new team runs into adversaries they must outwit, including biker gangs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Sheridan is recognized for crafting series centered around gritty patriarchal characters who maneuver through a secluded and frequently hazardous segment of American society, such as Kevin Costner in Yellowstone, Jeremy Renner in Mayor of Kingstown, and Billy Bob Thornton in Landman. Tulsa King follows suit. If you’re drawn to shows like these, filling your streaming platform queue, we have a number of other recommendations that should catch your attention next. These series span from historical dramas to contemporary crime thrillers and provide an enticing portrayal of strong (and often violent) male leaders guiding their respective communities. Additionally, they are among the highest-rated shows of recent times.

10
Magic City (2012-2013)

Located in Miami, Florida during 1959, post the Cuban Revolution, the period drama Magic City unfolds around a hotel owner (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) who partners with a Jewish mobster (Danny Huston). Created and penned by Mitch Glazer, the series draws upon his experiences growing up in Miami Beach and working as a hotel cabana boy. It offers a gritty portrayal of the seedy side hidden beneath the city’s glossy facade, making it one of the lesser-acknowledged gangster TV shows. Magic City provides an immersive time-travel experience through its compelling acting, stunning visuals, and graphic depictions of violence and nudity, as fitting for a mafia series set in the former Cocaine Capital of the World.

9
Animal Kingdom (2016-2022)

The drama series “Animal Kingdom,” modeled after a 2010 Australian film and inspired by a true criminal group, revolves around the California-based crime family led by matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody (Ellen Barkin). Finn Cole portrays Joshua “J” Cody, Smurf’s distant grandson, who shifts to their household following his mother’s demise and must learn to cope with his relatives’ knack for orchestrating robberies. As a fresh addition to the show “Animal Kingdom,” J is one of the few characters who shows enough courage (or disregard for self-preservation) to challenge his grandmother.

The show, featuring flashbacks from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, delves into the story of Smurf constructing a criminal empire amidst her role as a mother of three. As tensions escalate and the enterprise is at risk of collapsing in the here-and-now, we follow this intricate narrative.

8
Yellowstone (2018-2024)

The popular TV show “Yellowstone” centers around the Dutton family, headed by John Dutton III (Kevin Costner), who manage the biggest ranch in Montana. Brimming with intrigue, the series underscores the challenges faced when working closely with kin, particularly in a demanding sector that demands sacrifice and allegiance.

Taylor Sheridan penned the series, drawing from his personal experiences as a rancher and his passion for maintaining the authentic portrayal of the American South. The show, known as Yellowstone, has garnered numerous awards, peaked at an unprecedented ratings high, and sparked several other productions – including prequels like 1883 and 1923, a sequel titled The Madison, and three additional spin-offs currently in development.

7
Daredevil (2015-2018)

The Netflix series “Daredevil” is centered around the Marvel character with the same name. Despite being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it deliberately steers clear of intertwining stories with other components of the franchise. Drawing inspiration from the original comics’ NYC backdrop, the mood of “Daredevil” is significantly darker compared to how other Marvel Cinematic Universe characters are portrayed on screen.

The storyline focuses on Matt Murdock, portrayed by Charlie Cox, who works as a lawyer during the day but transforms into Daredevil at night to combat crime using his exceptional abilities. Unlike other superheroes, Matt’s goal isn’t global salvation; instead, he focuses on shielding his local area from danger – a trait shared by many series in this collection. The narrative of Daredevil progresses with the nine-episode Disney+ series titled “Daredevil: Born Again,” which debuted in March 2025 and is brimming with Easter eggs related to the Marvel universe.

6
Godfather of Harlem (2019-present)

Titled “Godfather of Harlem,” this series features Forest Whitaker in a leading role, portraying Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson, a powerful mob boss who held sway over Harlem’s streets from the 1930s through the 1950s before being incarcerated. Beyond the tale of a drug lord, the program delves into a pivotal era in American history where criminal networks intertwined with the Civil Rights movement. Despite the grim aspects of Bumpy’s deeds, Whitaker skillfully brings forth the complexities of his character, revealing his yearning for family life as well.

Highly praised by experts within the field, the series Godfather of Harlem offers a distinctive dive into the complex power struggles of mid-century New York City. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s timing couldn’t be better as season four is slated to debut in April 2025.

5
Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

In another drama set in the 1920s, during the era of prohibition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, we find the series titled Boardwalk Empire. Steve Buscemi plays Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a character modeled after the real Enoch Johnson who held significant influence. With connections to organized crime networks in both New York and Chicago, Nucky’s days are filled with bootlegging alcohol, flaunting his opulent lifestyle, and skillfully manipulating those around him within his community.

Initially, “Boardwalk Empire” left an impressive mark with its remarkable $18M pilot episode directed by Martin Scorcese, which earned him an Emmy. This groundbreaking series set itself apart with its genuine visuals, gritty atmosphere, and exceptional acting performances that carried it through its five-season journey. The show soon garnered critical acclaim, with the first season receiving a staggering 18 Emmy Award nominations by itself, making it a must-see television experience.

4
Justified (2010-2015)

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that the gripping neo-Western crime drama, “Justified,” revolves around me, Raylan Givens, a Deputy U.S. Marshal who embodies an Old West lawman more than a contemporary peace officer. After a justified gunfight that claims a mob hitman’s life, I find myself reassigned to my hometown in Kentucky. In my relentless pursuit of dismantling Harlan County’s criminal underworld and crime syndicates, I’m compelled to confront my past. This includes my abusive father, a local menace, my ex-wife with whom I have lingering issues yet to resolve.

Givens, who goes against the rulebook by doing things his unique way, has been instrumental in keeping the show “Justified” thriving, and he’ll continue this role in the eight-episode follow-up titled “Justified: City Primeval”. The series came to an end after six seasons not due to network cancellation, but because actor Timothy Olyphant and showrunner Graham Yost felt they had completed telling the story they originally envisioned. A show that tells a complete story rather than dragging it out for no particular reason is definitely worth watching – as proven by “Justified”‘s consistently high ratings throughout its run.

3
Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014)

In simpler terms, the intense crime series titled “Sons of Anarchy” revolves around a motorcycle gang known as Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Originals (SAMCRO). Charlie Hunnam plays Jax Teller, the son of one of the club’s original founders who passed away and stepson of the current leader. As he manages the group’s power struggles, Jax is faced with the challenge of aligning his father’s aspirations for the club with the current situation he finds himself in.

In simpler terms, the group SAMCRO controls local businesses, traffics firearms, and seems to have influence over the town sheriff in Charming, California. However, they claim to keep drugs out of their community and essentially function as an unofficial law enforcement agency. They may be lethal, but only if you commit serious wrongdoings or pose a threat to them. Starring Katey Sagal, Ron Perlman, and an exceptionally gifted cast, Sons of Anarchy swiftly gained a devoted following and became a cult favorite, with Taylor Sheridan securing his acting breakthrough as the stern officer David Hale.

2
Peaky Blinders (2012-2022)

A post-World War I British crime series titled Peaky Blinders revolves around a notorious street gang called Peaky Blinders, who control the city of Birmingham under the leadership of crime kingpin Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy). The story is filled with an array of characters from the gang, their allies, and adversaries, encompassing law enforcement, rival gangs, and more. This series delivers a powerful narrative.

Peaky Blinders has garnered praise for its compelling storyline and cinematography, creating an exceptionally accurate depiction of 1920s working-class England, albeit with certain modifications to historical events and characters. It gained immense popularity in the UK before expanding further when Netflix acquired U.S. streaming rights in 2014. This boosted its global recognition significantly. The series will continue with the film The Immortal Man, and discussions for a possible TV spin-off are ongoing.

1
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

One of the most popular and widely discussed TV series of the 21st century, “Breaking Bad,” immediately hooked viewers from its premiere. The show features Bryan Cranston as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer who teams up with an ex-student, Jesse Pinkman (played by Aaron Paul), to manufacture meth. As they navigate through the unfamiliar criminal underworld, they encounter some very hazardous opponents. Initially intending to generate funds for his family’s future, Walter’s endeavor soon spirals into something much larger than he ever anticipated.

The main characters in the show “Breaking Bad” experience intriguing transformations, guided by themes of morality and pride. This television series improved significantly over its five seasons, earning 16 Primetime Emmys, two Golden Globes, two Peabody Awards, and numerous other awards. It gave rise to the spin-off “Better Call Saul” and is now widely recognized as one of the greatest TV series ever produced.

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2025-03-24 02:17