10 Shows and Movies Like Tulsa King (2022)

Description: As with 'Tulsa King', 'The Sopranos' centers on a crime boss dealing with the challenges of leadership, family, and loyalty. Both shows explore the psychological toll of a life of crime and the tension between personal desires and professional obligations. The blend of brutal violence with dark comedy and deep character studies is a key similarity.

Fact: 'The Sopranos' is often credited with ushering in the 'Golden Age of Television'. James Gandolfini's performance as Tony Soprano is considered one of the greatest in TV history. The show's famous finale sparked widespread debate and analysis.

Description: 'The Shield' and 'Tulsa King' both focus on morally ambiguous protagonists who operate outside the law to achieve their goals. Both shows explore the thin line between justice and corruption, with a gritty, realistic tone. The intense, fast-paced storytelling and complex character arcs are shared traits.

Fact: Michael Chiklis's performance as Vic Mackey earned him an Emmy Award. The show was groundbreaking for its handheld camera work and documentary-style realism. 'The Shield' was one of the first original series to put FX on the map as a serious drama network.

Description: 'The Wire' and 'Tulsa King' both offer a nuanced, multi-layered portrayal of crime and its impact on society. While 'The Wire' is more ensemble-driven, both shows feature complex characters navigating the intersections of law enforcement, politics, and the criminal underworld. The realistic dialogue and social commentary are key similarities.

Fact: 'The Wire' was created by David Simon, a former police reporter. The show is often cited as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Many of the actors were non-professionals or had real-life experience in the worlds they portrayed.

Description: 'Breaking Bad' and 'Tulsa King' both follow the transformation of a protagonist into a criminal kingpin, exploring themes of power, morality, and consequence. Both shows feature a mix of intense drama and dark humor, with a focus on the protagonist's strategic mind and ability to navigate dangerous situations. The descent into the criminal underworld is a central narrative arc in both.

Fact: Bryan Cranston's performance as Walter White earned him four Emmy Awards. The show's iconic catchphrase, 'I am the one who knocks,' was improvised by Cranston. 'Breaking Bad' has been praised for its meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy.

Description: 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Tulsa King' both depict the rise of a criminal empire in a specific historical context (Prohibition-era Atlantic City vs. modern-day Tulsa). Both shows feature a charismatic leader navigating political corruption, rival gangs, and personal betrayals. The lavish production design and attention to period detail are notable in both.

Fact: 'Boardwalk Empire' was created by Terence Winter, a writer for 'The Sopranos'. The show's pilot was directed by Martin Scorsese. Steve Buscemi's performance as Nucky Thompson earned him a Golden Globe.

Description: Like 'Tulsa King', 'Sons of Anarchy' delves into the world of outlaw culture and organized crime, with a focus on brotherhood and loyalty. Both shows feature protagonists who are trying to balance their criminal enterprises with personal relationships and moral dilemmas. The raw, violent, and often darkly humorous tone is a shared characteristic.

Fact: Kurt Sutter, the creator of 'Sons of Anarchy', originally envisioned the show as a modern-day retelling of 'Hamlet'. The show's iconic motorcycle club, SAMCRO, stands for 'Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original'. Charlie Hunnam, who played Jax Teller, was almost cast as Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

Description: 'Justified' shares with 'Tulsa King' a focus on a charismatic antihero navigating the criminal underworld, with a strong sense of place (rural Kentucky vs. Tulsa). Both shows blend crime drama with dark humor and feature protagonists who operate outside the law but have their own moral code. The witty dialogue and tense standoffs are hallmarks of both series.

Fact: 'Justified' is based on Elmore Leonard's short story 'Fire in the Hole'. Timothy Olyphant's portrayal of Raylan Givens earned him an Emmy nomination. The show was praised for its authentic depiction of Appalachian culture.

Description: Similar to 'Tulsa King', 'Ray Donovan' features a fixer who operates in the gray areas of the law, dealing with criminals, corrupt officials, and personal demons. Both shows explore themes of redemption, family loyalty, and the cost of a life of crime. The gritty, urban setting and complex character dynamics are shared elements.

Fact: Liev Schreiber's portrayal of Ray Donovan earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The show was originally set in Los Angeles but later moved to New York. 'Ray Donovan' was revived for a movie after its cancellation to wrap up the story.

Description: Like 'Tulsa King', 'Peaky Blinders' follows a cunning and ruthless leader building a criminal empire while dealing with family and external threats. Both shows blend historical elements with modern storytelling techniques, featuring stylish visuals and a strong sense of place. The themes of power, loyalty, and ambition are central to both narratives.

Fact: The show's title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into their caps. Cillian Murphy's performance as Tommy Shelby has been widely acclaimed. The show's soundtrack features modern music, including songs by Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys.

Description: Similar to 'Tulsa King', 'Yellowstone' explores themes of power, family loyalty, and the struggle to maintain control in a changing world. Both shows feature a strong, morally complex protagonist navigating a criminal underworld while trying to protect their family and legacy. The gritty, realistic portrayal of violence and the tension between old-school values and modern challenges are central to both narratives.

Fact: 'Yellowstone' was created by Taylor Sheridan, who also co-created 'Tulsa King'. The show has spawned several spin-offs, including '1883' and '1923'. Kevin Costner's performance as John Dutton earned him a Golden Globe nomination.