Introduction
So here’s the deal—Tulsa King is officially back for a third season, and as someone who’s a bit of a TV fiend, I’m sorta geeking out over it. The Sylvester Stallone-led drama has become an unquestionable juggernaut for Paramount+, breaking records and building real momentum. Yet while the news headlines are banner-worthy—yes, Season 3 is happening!—there’s more behind the scenes to unpack. From changes in creative leadership to a spinoff on the horizon, there’s enough rich storytelling around Tulsa King to keep us talking well past the latest episode. Let’s dive in.
Season 3 Confirmed: What We Know So Far
A Green Light That Was Inevitable
Paramount+ officially announced the renewal for Season 3 in March 2025, confirming that new episodes were not just in planning but actively in production . This wasn’t a surprise—Tulsa King Season 2 smashed expectations with a record-breaking 21.1 million global streaming viewers at its premiere, becoming the most-watched global debut in Paramount+ history at that time .
This kind of performance—especially for a streaming platform that competes against streaming giants—undoubtedly set a strong foundation for both Seasons 3 and 4.
Stallone’s Deal: Securing the General
Behind the scenes, Sylvester Stallone sealed the deal for Seasons 3 and 4 in a November 2024 contract negotiation that included a substantial pay bump . That negotiation didn’t just lock down a star; it paved the way for the show’s continued creative trajectory.
“I’ve been wanting to play a gangster my whole life and it just never happened.” —Sylvester Stallone, on his return as Dwight “The General” Manfredi
Behind the Camera: Showrunner Shake-Up
New Leadership for New Season
Seasons 1 and 2 followed the direction of Terence Winter and Craig Zisk—Winter as showrunner-turned-head-writer and Zisk managing production. For Season 3, however, Dave Erickson, known for Mayor of Kingstown, stepped into the showrunner role to bring a fresh lens to the manic meth-logic of Tulsa’s underbelly . This transition marks a distinct shift—from a distributed leadership model to a more traditional showrunner structure—that could shape the tone and pacing in noticeable ways.
Interestingly, Winter later returned in a head writer capacity across Seasons 3 and 4, suggesting a hybrid leadership that leverages both stability and fresh direction .
Release Details & Episode Rollout
Premiere Dates & Episode Schedule
Season 3 officially premiered on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with the series continuing to drop one episode per week through its finale on November 23, 2025 . The pacing mirrored previous seasons, with ten episodes rolling out in total .
New episodes arrived like clockwork:
- Sundays at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT (or, technically, very early Sunday) on Paramount+ .
The first episode kicked off with the title “Blood and Bourbon,” setting a striking tone for the entire season .
Where to Watch
If you’re looking to jump in (totally fair, right?), Season 3 streams exclusively on Paramount+. Paramount+ remains available both as a standalone service and via bundles like Paramount+ with Showtime, which includes benefits like live CBS access . There are streaming deals to help ease the cost—think seven-day free trials and student discounts, though obviously check the latest pricing .
Cast & Narrative Expansion
New Faces, Big Stakes
Season 3 introduces some heavy daytime drama with new antagonists: Robert Patrick as Jeremiah Dunmire and Beau Knapp as his son. These Dunmires bring old money and ominous power to the heart of Tulsa’s criminal network .
Plus, Samuel L. Jackson guest-stars as Russell Lee Washington Jr., a significant player who will eventually headline the spinoff NOLA King . That’s an expansion of the Tulsa King universe worth paying attention to.
A Wider Canvas
With this high-caliber cast, Season 3 explores more than turf wars. Dwight’s criminal empire is evolving, his threats are bigger, and the water’s murkier. It’s not just about survival—it’s a power struggle with family, legacy, and law all tangled together .
Setting the Stage for a Spin-Off
NOLA King on the Horizon
In the pipeline is NOLA King, a spin-off centered on Jackson’s character, set in New Orleans, and intended to replicate Dwight’s plight in a fresh locale . Scheduled to film following Season 3’s rollout, NOLA King adds both geographical and thematic expansion to the Sheridan/Paramount+ crime universe.
Dave Erickson was initially tapped to showrun NOLA King, though scheduling shifted things around .
Conclusion
Tulsa King’s third season wasn’t just a renewal—it was a carefully engineered continuation of a hit ecosystem. With a new showrunner, an elevated cast, Sunday night obligations, and a looming spinoff, this season reaffirms that Dwight “The General” Manfredi has become a central figure in streaming crime sagas. For fans, that means more stained bourbon, more slippery alliances, and plenty of Tulsa grit. For the series, it means staying firmly entrenched in the top tier of Paramount+ drama.
FAQs
Will there be a Tulsa King Season 4?
Yes. Season 4 was greenlit by Paramount+ prior to or shortly after Season 3’s launch in September 2025 .
When did Season 3 premiere and how many episodes are there?
Season 3 premiered on September 21, 2025, and includes 10 episodes that aired weekly through November 23, 2025 .
Who joined the cast in Season 3?
New additions include Robert Patrick as Jeremiah Dunmire, Beau Knapp, and Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr., who sets up the NOLA King spinoff .
Who is the showrunner now?
Dave Erickson took the showrunner role in Season 3, representing a shift from previous seasons’ distributed leadership between Terence Winter and Craig Zisk .
What’s next for the Tulsa King universe?
Tulsa King Season 4 is confirmed, and NOLA King—a New Orleans-set spin-off starring Samuel L. Jackson—is moving forward, expanding the universe .
How can I watch Season 3 episodes?
The entire Season 3 is available exclusively on Paramount+. New episodes dropped weekly on Sundays, and there are subscription options and occasional promotions like free trials or bundles with Showtime .
