Why Tulsa King Season 3 Matters for Premium Entertainment
Tulsa King season 3 marks a pivotal moment in Paramount+’s crime drama series, bringing Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight Manfredi back for his biggest challenges yet. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Facts:
- Premiere Date: September 21, 2025
- Finale Date: November 23, 2025 (“Jesus Lizard”)
- Episodes: 10 total episodes
- Streaming: Paramount+ (weekly releases)
- Status: Renewed for Season 4
- Major Addition: Samuel L. Jackson debuts in Episode 9
The third season premiered to significant anticipation after Season 2’s record-breaking viewership—reaching 10 million households in just 35 days. Created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Stallone in his first major scripted TV role, the series follows a New York mafia capo rebuilding his empire in Tulsa after 25 years in prison.
Season 3 introduces the Dunmires as Dwight’s primary antagonists, shifting focus from marijuana to the bourbon business. New cast members include Robert Patrick, Beau Knapp, Kevin Pollak, and Bella Heathcote, expanding the show’s already impressive ensemble.
The season wrapped with mixed reception. While critics praised Stallone’s performance and the action sequences, many felt the finale lacked emotional depth and clear direction—a sentiment that echoed throughout Season 3’s run.
Production is already underway on Season 4, with Paramount+ confirming the renewal on September 17, 2025. A spinoff titled NOLA King, featuring Samuel L. Jackson’s character, is also in development.
Major Plot Points and Character Arcs in Tulsa King Season 3
In our world of high-stakes public relations and luxury storytelling, we know that a narrative is only as strong as its lead. In tulsa king season 3, Sylvester Stallone’s Dwight “The General” Manfredi continues to prove that reinvention is possible at any age, provided you have the grit to back it up. This season, we saw the General transition from the budding marijuana trade into the sophisticated, high-value world of bourbon.
The season kicked off with the episode “Blood and Bourbon,” setting a tone of corporate warfare mixed with old-school mob tactics. Dwight’s primary goal was securing a deal for the Montague Distillery, but as we often see in the upper echelons of power, growth invites scrutiny. He found himself squeezed between the Dixie Mafia and the prying eyes of federal law enforcement.
One of the most talked-about moments of the season occurred in Episode 9, titled “Dead Weight.” This episode featured the monumental debut of Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr. Jackson’s character, a high-level hitman, brought a new level of gravitas to the series. His arrival wasn’t just a guest spot; it served as a narrative bridge to the broader “Sheridan-verse,” specifically setting the stage for the New Orleans-based spinoff, NOLA King.
Character development this season was particularly focused on the “Tulsa Crew.” Tyson, played by Jay Will, steered a complex redemption arc, while Mitch continued to be the reliable backbone of the operation. We also watched Dwight steer his complicated relationship with his sister, Joanne, whose involvement in the Montague Distillery deal became the season’s emotional—and dangerous—focal point.
For those looking to dive deeper into the technical side of the production, the IMDb Cast and Crew Details provide a comprehensive look at the talent behind the camera that keeps this machine running.
New Faces in Tulsa King Season 3
To keep a series fresh, especially one led by an icon like Stallone, you need a supporting cast that can hold their own. Season 3 delivered an “epic” ensemble that felt right at home in a Taylor Sheridan production.
- Robert Patrick: Joining as Jeremiah Dunmire, Patrick played a powerful liquor mogul who served as the season’s primary “big bad.” His presence brought a chilling, calculated corporate villainy to the show.
- Beau Knapp: As Cole Dunmire, Knapp portrayed a character seeking redemption, providing a foil to his father’s ruthless nature.
- Kevin Pollak: Pollak stepped into the role of John Musso, an FBI agent who represented the persistent legal threat looming over Dwight’s bourbon empire.
- Bella Heathcote: Playing Cleo Montague, she was central to the distillery plot, representing the “old money” interests Dwight had to steer.
- James Russo: A veteran of the genre, Russo added another layer of authentic grit to the season’s criminal underworld.
Analyzing the “Jesus Lizard” Finale and Season Reception
The finale, titled “Jesus Lizard,” aired on November 23, 2025. In the PR world, we look for “the big moment”—the event that everyone will be talking about at dinner in the Hamptons or over drinks in Mayfair. While “Jesus Lizard” certainly had its fireworks, the consensus among critics and our own entertainment experts was that it felt a bit like a “quiet” conclusion to an otherwise loud season.
The plot centered on a high-stakes rescue mission. Jeremiah Dunmire, in a desperate bid for control, kidnapped Joanne Manfredi to force Dwight’s hand regarding the distillery. The episode featured an ’80s-style action sequence where Dwight and his crew, armed with a truckload of weapons provided by Mitch’s connections, tore through Dunmire’s estate.
Highlights of the Season 3 Finale:
- The Rescue: Dwight successfully saves Joanne, reinforcing the theme of family loyalty.
- The Confrontation: The final showdown between Dwight and Jeremiah Dunmire was surprisingly brief. Dwight punches him out before setting him on fire—a poetic, if somewhat rushed, retribution for Dunmire’s previous actions.
- Cal Thresher’s Fate: The subplot involving Cal Thresher (Neal McDonough) saw a resolution that hinted at his political downfall, predicted to be a “landslide” loss.
- Musical Cues: The use of needle drops during the estate raid gave the episode a nostalgic, cinematic feel that resonated with long-time Stallone fans.
Despite these moments, the reception was tinged with a sense of “unrealized potential.” Critics noted that the episode was 36 minutes long, but the actual showdown didn’t begin until the 20-minute mark, leaving little room for the emotional payoff many viewers were craving.
Criticisms of the Narrative
We believe in transparency, and even a “King” has his flaws. The primary criticism leveled against tulsa king season 3 was a perceived lack of direction. At times, the season felt like it was wandering, with an over-reliance on exposition and planning rather than the visceral tension that defined Season 1.
Common Critiques Included:
- Pacing: Several episodes were criticized for being “fine” but lacking the punch required to move the needle in a crowded streaming landscape.
- Dialogue: While Stallone’s charisma carries the show, some critics found the writing to be slightly formulaic, occasionally leaning too heavily on mob tropes without adding new depth.
- Emotional Stakes: The relationship between Dwight and Joanne had the potential for a deep emotional beat, but many felt the finale prioritized checking plot boxes over exploring their bond.
However, the numbers don’t lie. Even with these narrative problems, the show remains a powerhouse for Paramount+, maintaining a loyal audience that appreciates the “Grumpy Old Grand Theft Auto” vibe that Stallone brings to the screen.
The Future of the Franchise Beyond the Third Season
The good news for fans in Los Angeles and New York is that the Manfredi empire isn’t going anywhere. Paramount+ has officially greenlit Season 4, ensuring that Dwight’s journey continues.
One of the most exciting updates for the upcoming season is the Gretchen Mol Season 4 Casting News, which confirms her as a series regular. Her character, Amanda, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the power structure in Tulsa.
Furthermore, the “Tulsa King Universe” is expanding. The introduction of Samuel L. Jackson has paved the way for NOLA King, a spinoff set in New Orleans. This expansion mirrors the successful strategy Taylor Sheridan used with Yellowstone, creating a sprawling, interconnected world of modern outlaws.
To understand the show’s trajectory, let’s look at the growth between the last two seasons:
| Metric | Season 2 | Season 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere Viewership | 5.4M Households (7 days) | 6.5M Households (Projected) |
| Episode Count | 10 | 10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% | ~82% (Audience/Critic Average) |
| Primary Focus | Marijuana/Legal Battles | Bourbon/Dixie Mafia |
What to Expect After Tulsa King Season 3
As we look toward the future, production for Season 4 is already a major topic of discussion in the industry. There has been some behind-the-scenes movement, including showrunner changes. Terence Winter returned as head writer for Season 4, while Dave Erickson departed due to scheduling conflicts with the NOLA King project.
Anticipated Developments for Season 4:
- Release Window: Based on previous cycles, we expect a late 2026 premiere.
- Setting: While the show is titled Tulsa King, filming has shifted between Oklahoma and Atlanta. We expect this dual-location strategy to continue.
- The Informant Plot: Season 3 introduced the idea of Dwight being coerced by the FBI. This “G and the OG” dynamic is ripe for exploration in the next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Series
When did the Tulsa King Season 3 finale air?
The finale of tulsa king season 3, titled “Jesus Lizard,” officially premiered on Paramount+ on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Who is the new antagonist in Season 3?
The primary antagonists this season were the Dunmire family, specifically Jeremiah Dunmire (played by Robert Patrick), a ruthless liquor businessman, and his son Cole (Beau Knapp).
Is Tulsa King renewed for Season 4?
Yes! Paramount+ confirmed the renewal on September 17, 2025, even before the third season had finished its run. Sylvester Stallone also celebrated the news on social media, telling fans he’s “just getting started.”
Conclusion
At R. Couri Hay Creative Public Relations, we specialize in the intersection of luxury, power, and storytelling. Tulsa King season 3 is a masterclass in how a legendary star can pivot into the streaming era, creating a brand that resonates from the penthouses of Manhattan to the estates of Palm Beach.
While the third season had its share of narrative growing pains, the sheer magnetic pull of Sylvester Stallone and the expansion into the NOLA King spinoff ensure that this franchise remains a crown jewel of premium entertainment. Whether you’re watching for the tactical mob maneuvers or the high-end bourbon deals, the General’s reign is far from over.
We look forward to seeing how Dwight Manfredi handles his new status as a federal asset and how the addition of talents like Gretchen Mol will reshape the landscape of Tulsa—and beyond. For those who value success and the stories of those who achieve it against all odds, Tulsa King remains essential viewing.