Frisco King: Samuel L Jackson Spin-off Moves to Texas, Written by Taylor Sheridan
The forthcoming spin-off to the Paramount+ series Tulsa King, starring Samuel L. Jackson, is moving forward following a title change and a shift in setting. Now titled Frisco King – previously known as NOLA King – the series will consist of eight episodes, all penned by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Tulsa King and critically acclaimed shows such as Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, 1923, Yellowstone and Lioness.
According to reports, production of Frisco King is slated to begin in late March in Fort Worth, Texas. The relocation from a New Orleans setting, initially outlined in a pilot script by Dave Erickson, represents a significant creative restructuring. Erickson, who also served as showrunner for Tulsa King, departed the project in July 2025.
Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios have not yet confirmed whether a new showrunner will be appointed, as not all of Sheridan’s productions have utilized this role. Casting for the spin-off is currently underway, reports indicate.
Tulsa King, which stars Sylvester Stallone and recently received a renewal for a fourth season, features Samuel L. Jackson as Russell Lee Washington Jr., a figure with ties to the Renzetti crime family. Washington’s character was introduced in the third season, initially tasked with eliminating Stallone’s Manfredi in Tulsa, but ultimately contemplating a new life after witnessing the empire Manfredi had built.
Matt Thunell, President of Paramount Television Studios, stated, “We are honored to have Taylor Sheridan write the first season of Frisco King and bring to life Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character. Having him pen all episodes of the season with his singular voice will be a treat for fans of Tulsa King and audiences around the world.”
Jane Wiseman, Chief Creative Officer, Originals, added, “Sheridan continues to create universes that attract some of the most iconic talents working today. Frisco King is no exception. Having Samuel L. Jackson join this universe is a testament to the scale and ambition of the narrative that Taylor is developing. We are thrilled to expand this story with such a powerful creative team and cast on Paramount+.”
The series will be executive produced by David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Alexandra Voros, Michael Friedman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Keith Cox, Sheridan, Stallone, and Jackson.
The shift from New Orleans to Frisco, Texas, is more than a cosmetic change. New Orleans possesses a deeply ingrained cultural and criminal history, while Frisco, a rapidly growing suburb north of Dallas, represents a different landscape entirely. This move places the series firmly within Sheridan’s established production territory, specifically at his and David C. Glasser’s Fort Worth campus, opened last year with Paramount backing. This consolidation of production is not merely a matter of convenience, but of control.
The decision for Sheridan to personally write all eight episodes marks a departure from his usual pattern of establishing a series and then handing creative control to others. This suggests a significant behind-the-scenes development, potentially stemming from dissatisfaction with the initial direction of the spin-off or a strong personal investment in the revised concept. The departure of Dave Erickson, who had penned the pilot script, further underscores this shift.
Sheridan’s previous work demonstrates a pattern of writing the initial seasons of his shows – Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and the Yellowstone spin-offs 1883 and 1923 – as well as the entirety of Lioness and Landman. His involvement with Tulsa King was previously limited to co-writing the pilot episode. This increased level of control over Frisco King signals a deliberate effort to shape the narrative and maintain a consistent creative vision.
The move to Texas also offers logistical advantages, allowing for streamlined production and potentially lower costs. The Fort Worth campus provides a dedicated space for filming and post-production, further solidifying Sheridan’s influence over the project. While the absence of a confirmed showrunner raises questions about the day-to-day management of the series, Sheridan’s extensive experience and proven track record suggest he is capable of overseeing all aspects of production.
The success of Tulsa King, and Sheridan’s broader portfolio of Western and crime dramas, has established a strong audience base for this spin-off. The addition of Samuel L. Jackson, a highly respected and popular actor, further enhances the series’ appeal. Frisco King represents a strategic move by Paramount+ to capitalize on this momentum and expand its offerings in the genre.