“NOLA King” is the latest expansion of Taylor Sheridan’s ever-growing television universe, which began with “Yellowstone” and now spans multiple hit series on Paramount+. (And soon CBS). Spun out of Sylvester Stallone’s “Tulsa King,” the New Orleans–set drama stars Samuel L. Jackson and continues Sheridan’s proven formula of dropping a powerful outsider into unfamiliar territory — this time in the heart of Louisiana. After the success of “Tulsa King,” the spinoff marks another major step in Sheridan’s plan to build interconnected crime and character-driven stories across his Paramount+ slate.
‘NOLA King’: Everything We Know About the Upcoming Spinoff
The series centers on Russell Lee Washington Jr., a seasoned hitman who decides it’s time to start over. Although he grew up in New Orleans, Washington hasn’t returned in more than 40 years. Inspired by what Dwight “The General” Manfredi built from nothing in Tulsa, he heads back to Louisiana hoping to reconnect with his past and take control of a city that has changed without him.
“Inspired by what Dwight created in Tulsa and impressed with the possibilities of second chances, Washington returns to New Orleans, the home he abandoned forty-years ago, to rekindle his relationship with his family and friends, and to take control of the city he left behind,” the official synopsis reads. “In so doing, he incurs the wrath of his former employers in New York, and makes himself vulnerable to old foes, both criminal and cop.”
Stallone praised the decision to expand the franchise with Jackson at its center. “It elevates ‘Tulsa King’ beyond a mob boss series, creating a dynamic, family-driven franchise,” Stallone said in a statement. He added that “Sam Jackson is the only choice to anchor this new adventure in NOLA.”
For Jackson, the role marks his first time headlining a television series, a move Stallone told People makes sense at this stage of his career. “At this age in life, you want to be a little bit more grounded, steady, have your own show,” Stallone said, explaining the appeal of long-form storytelling.
How ‘Tulsa King’ Set the Stage for the Spinoff
Jackson’s character was introduced late in season 3 of “Tulsa King,” immediately signaling that something bigger was coming. Washington Jr. arrives in Tulsa on orders from Quiet Ray, played by James Russo, the head of the powerful Renzetti crime family. Tasked with killing Dwight to settle a debt, Washington instead refuses after realizing Dwight once saved his life in prison.
That choice puts him directly at odds with the Renzettis. Quiet Ray sends additional hitmen to Tulsa, forcing Dwight and Washington to work together. After surviving the confrontation, Washington helps Dwight eliminate liquor magnate Jeremiah Dunmire, played by Robert Patrick, before contemplating his next move.
“Seeing what you’ve done here makes me want to go back to New Orleans and maybe start something new,” Washington tells Dwight. “If the General can do it, how hard could it be?”
The storyline sends Washington back to the city where he grew up, with enemies close behind and unfinished business waiting. It also leaves the door open for future crossovers — a hallmark of Sheridan’s interconnected storytelling approach.
As of now, Paramount+ has not announced a full cast or release date. Deadline reported in July 2025 that filming is expected to begin in February 2026.
