I firmly believe Taylor Sheridan not being involved in Tulsa King’s writing is a blessing in disguise: Here’s why

When Tulsa King was first announced, I was excited as Taylor Sheridan’s name was attached to it. The revered writer and director is the mind behind shows like Yellowstone, 1883, and Mayor of Kingstown.

His shows are known for being serious, dark, and intense, yet entertaining, with the stories mostly set in the American West. So when Tulsa King went into development with Sylvester Stallone as the lead, fans thought it would be another Sheridan-style drama.

However, it was later revealed that Sheridan only wrote the first version of the pilot and then handed the rest of the show over to co-creator Terence Winter. And honestly? That was the best thing that could have happened, as it made the show starkly different from Sheridan’s other works.

Why I think Taylor Sheridan not writing Tulsa King is actually a good thing

Taylor Sheridan has been credited as the creator of Tulsa King, which premiered on Paramount+ in 2022 and has so far aired two seasons. However, in a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, former showrunner Terence Winter revealed that Sheridan was not actively involved in the project, and only wrote the initial draft for the pilot episode:

“Taylor wrote the original version of the pilot, gave it to me, and said, “Take it and run with it.” And I did. I literally only met Taylor, in person, one time — and that was two-and-a-half years ago. We just went off and did the show with Sly and I hear Taylor likes it. He’s certainly got enough on his plate for him to worry about what we’re doing over in Tulsa.”

Tulsa King is about a mob boss from New York who gets sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after getting out of prison. I feel that kind of story needed a different and playful tone. Terence Winter, who worked on The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, was the perfect person for the job. He knows how to mix crime with humor and make characters realistic.

Because of Winter’s writing, the main character, Dwight Manfredi, stands out as Stallone plays him in a way that is both funny and serious. If Sheridan had written the whole series, the character might have been more intense with no scope ho humor, like his usual leads.

On the other hand, Dwight’s fun and bold personality makes the show easier to enjoy for people who might not like the darker style of Yellowstone. Another reason Sheridan not being involved is a good thing is because he already has a packed schedule.

From Yellowstone spin-offs to Landman and from Mayor of Kingstown to Lioness, he is working on so many shows at once. If he had taken control of Tulsa King as well, his focus might have shifted, which could have negatively affected his other projects.

The series now does not feel like just another part of the Sheridan universe. Instead, it has its own identity, and that is what makes it special. At the same time, even though Sheridan did not stick around for the show, his early ideas helped get the narrative started.

Trending

Also, streaming services like Paramount+ need to have different kinds of shows. Not everything on the platform should feel the same or be made by the same person. Hence, I believe Sheridan stepping back from Tulsa King gave the show a unique tone and style, which worked in the show's favor.

Tulsa King Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Paramount+.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback