In 2022, most ’80s and ’90s action stars can be found in the direct-to-video space, but not Sylvester Stallone. After the release of the superhero movie, Samaritan, early in the year, the action star is back again, this time as an aging mob boss in the new Paramount+ series, Tulsa King. This marks the first time that Stallone has had a lead role in a TV series, and judging from the positive reviews, making a foray into the small screen was a wise decision.
Tulsa King sees the newly paroled mafia Capo, Dwight “The General” Manfredi, attempt to colonize the underworld of Tulsa, California. For fans who’ve loved what they’ve seen, there’s plenty more to check out. Shows like Tulsa King are mostly those that revolve around organized crime.
The Sopranos (1999 – 2017)
Stream On HBO Max
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano juggles family life and Cosa Nostra dealings in The Sopranos. Along the way, he efficiently deals with threats from the authorities, informants, and a rival crime family from New York.
As a character, Tulsa King’s Dwight would fit right into the critically acclaimed HBO show since many of Tony Soprano’s greatest enemies, such as Phil Leotardo, Richie Aprile, and Feech La Manna, are just like him. Like Dwight, all of them demand a piece of the action after being behind bars for decades. They also refuse to respect the younger people that are now in charge, just like Dwight. Overall, the HBO series remains iconic because of a flawless script filled with magnificent dialogue.
Jett (2019)
Stream On HBO Max
In Jett, several criminal bosses try to recruit world-class burglar, Daisy Kowalski, to their side after she gets released from prison – but she isn’t too keen on this because she happens to have her own plans.
Getting released from prison and jumping right back into crime is something Daisy shares with Dwight. Both underwent no form of correction in their correctional facilities and as such, they are ready to continue where they left off. New fans are likely to find Jett pleasing because of the crisp cinematography, the endless action, and the fact that it has talented cast members such as Carla Gugino and Giancarlo Esposito, best known for playing one of the smartest Breaking Bad villains, Gus Fring.
Godfather Of Harlem (2019 – Present)
Stream On Hulu
A prequel to one of Denzel Washington’s critically acclaimed movies (the Ridley Scott-directed American Gangster), the FX series Godfather Of Harlem stars Forrest Whitaker as the real-life ‘60s Harlem mob boss, Bumpy Johnson. As he tries to build an empire in an underworld dominated by Italian Americans, Bumpy also does his best to contribute to the Civil Rights Movement.
Bumpy and Dwight from Tulsa King are birds of a feather because they both curve criminal empires out of nothing. But as a show, Godfather Of Harlem is arguably more solid as it perfectly blends organized crime and politics. Apart from simply entertaining viewers, the show also educates them by shedding more light on the secret dealings of historical figures such as Malcolm X and President Lyndon Johnson.
The Last Don (1997)
Stream On Paramount+
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Aging mob boss, Don Domenico Clericuzio, tries to retain power as time evolves in The Last Don. Sadly, the presence of unruly younger mobsters makes this hard for him.
Don Clericuzio comes off as very similar to one of the most likable members of the Corleone family, Vito Corleone, and that’s no surprise since, just like The Godfather, The Last Don is based on a Mario Puzzo book. Still, the concept of an aging member of the Cosa Nostra is explored through Stallone’s Dwight too, making this a show that those who’ve watched the new Paramount+ series will love too.
The Black Donnellys (2007)
Stream On The Roku Channel
The Black Donnellys follows a group of four Irish brothers as they decide to venture into organized crime. However, they soon encounter serious challenges in the chaotic underworld of New York’s Hell’s Kitchen.
Hell’s Kitchen as seen in the show isn’t much different from Tulsa. Similar types of shady activities take place in both places. Still, The Black Donnellys, gives fans a buffet of main characters to pick a favorite from rather than just one. There’s a larger pool of well-written supporting characters too.
Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014)
Stream On HBO Max
In the early 20th century, Atlantic City treasurer, Enoch Thompson, gets in bed with mobsters and politicians, becoming more of a gangster too. And even though he gets to live life on the fast lane, the consequences in Boardwalk Empire end up being severe too.
History is perfectly knitted with fiction in the show that had a pilot directed by Martin Scorsese. Fans of mafia history have a blast as they get to see characters such as Al Capone. Meyer Lansky, and Lucky Luciano engage in all forms of mischief. But as many heavy hitters, as there might be, Enoch Thompson is truly the king of Atlantic City, just as Dwight Mafredi is the king of Tulsa.
Vincenzo (2021)
Stream On Netflix
After being adopted by an Italian mob boss, Park Joo-hyung grows to become the consigliere of the family. But when the boss’ son tries to kill him, he flees to his home country of South Korea, where he finds himself in the middle of another conflict.
The feud that plays out at the start of Vincenzo is similar to the one in Tulsa King. Both main characters find themselves unwanted in places they’ve always known as home hence they are forced to set up shop in new territories. And despite the fact that the odds are against them, they make the best out of their new situations. In Korea, Vincenzo has scooped numerous accolades, including wins at the Seoul International Drama Awards, which is proof of its greatness.
Magic City (2012 – 2013)
Stream On HBO Max
In the ‘50s, Ike Evans runs the Miramar Playa Hotel in Miami, which is a favorite spot for mobsters and big dogs in Fidel Castro’s regime. However, as lucrative as the business might be, dealing with the wrong people ends up being costly for him in Magic City.
In Tulsa King, Dwight insists that good gangsters ought to be stylish and so does Ike in Magic City. The hotel owner indirectly offers fashion tips in every episode, but he is not the only shining element. The setting is generally seductive and visually pleasing while the acting is applause-worthy, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the lead role.
Gangs Of London (2020 – Present)
Stream ON AMC+
Power struggles emerge in London after the head of the most powerful crime family is assassinated. As the mayhem is going on, authorities try to take advantage in Gangs Of London.
Many movies and TV shows tend to focus on one specific group of mobsters, but Gangs Of London goes further by throwing multiple groups into the playing field. The violence meted out by most of the characters is also just as brutal as the punishment Dwight delivers to whoever crosses him.
Lilyhammer (2012 – 2014)
Stream On Netflix
After becoming a turncoat and testifying to the FBI, New York mobster, Frank Tagliano, is forced to flee to Norway. There, viewers follow him as he builds a new life in Lilyhammer.
Lillyhammer avoids taking itself too seriously by offering more laughs than other entries in the list. Mafia fans will also appreciate the fact that the main character is played by Steven Van Zandt, who played Silvio Dante in The Sopranos. It’s easy to note the similarity between Frank and Dwight too. Even though Dwight isn’t an informant, he is forced to start over, just like Frank.
