Taylor Sheridan's "Frisco King": A New Chapter for the "Tulsa King" Franchise

The upcoming spinoff of Taylor Sheridan's "Tulsa King," originally titled "NOLA King," has undergone a significant transformation. Paramount+ announced that the series will now be set in Texas, specifically Fort Worth, and will be renamed "Frisco King." This change comes after the departure of Dave Erickson, who was initially set to serve as the showrunner. Taylor Sheridan will write all eight episodes of the first season, focusing on the character Russell Lee Washington Jr., portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, who was first introduced in the third season of "Tulsa King."

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Production for "Frisco King" is scheduled to begin in late March 2026, coinciding with the establishment of a new production campus by Sheridan and his collaborator David C. Glasser in Fort Worth. The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios, with Sheridan, Jackson, and Sylvester Stallone among the executive producers. Other notable executive producers include Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Alexandra Voros, Michael Friedman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Keith Cox.

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Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios, expressed enthusiasm for Sheridan's involvement, stating, “We are honored to have Taylor Sheridan write the first season of Frisco King and bring to life Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character.” Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ambition of Sheridan's storytelling and the significance of Jackson's role in the series.

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While the announcement has been met with excitement, some industry observers have raised concerns about the abrupt change in setting and leadership. The lack of a named showrunner following Erickson's exit has led to questions about the series' direction and creative consistency. Critics argue that such shifts can impact the overall quality and coherence of the narrative.

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As production approaches, fans of "Tulsa King" and new viewers alike are eager to see how "Frisco King" will unfold under Sheridan's direction. The series marks a new chapter for the franchise, and its success will likely influence future projects within the Sheridan universe.

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• “We are honored to have Taylor Sheridan write the first season of Frisco King and bring to life Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character,” — Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios

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• “Taylor Sheridan continues to build worlds that attract some of the most iconic talent working today, and Frisco King is no exception,” — Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals at Paramount+

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