Samuel L. Jackson set to lead NOLA King on Paramount+ this fall and fans are calling it the perfect crime drama comeback

Samuel L. Jackson is ready to headline his own crime drama with NOLA King, a major spinoff from the hit Paramount+ series Tulsa King. The veteran actor will play Russell Lee Washington Jr., an aging hitman escaping New Orleans after 40 years, in what marks his first lead television role. Paramount+ greenlighted the series in July 2025, with production set to launch in February 2026.

Samuel L. Jackson Brings Star Power to Taylor Sheridan’s Crime Universe

NOLA King represents a strategic expansion of the Tulsa King franchise. Jackson, one of Hollywood’s most prolific actors, takes the lead role in his first major television series as the central character driving the narrative. The series marks Paramount+‘s confidence in extending creator Taylor Sheridan‘s crime drama universe beyond the original hit show.

Sheridan, known for creating smash franchises including Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, continues to expand his television empire. The NOLA King project reunites him with Jackson and brings Sylvester Stallone into the executive producer role, connecting the two shows directly through their production team.

From Tulsa King to New Orleans: Introducing Russell Lee Washington Jr.

Russell Lee Washington Jr. serves as the bridge between the original series and its new spinoff. The character appeared in multiple episodes of Tulsa King Season 3, which concluded in November 2025, establishing his backstory for audiences before launching into his solo adventure. Jackson‘s portrayal introduced fans to a skilled hitman with decades of experience in organized crime.

The character’s journey from Tulsa back to New Orleans after 40 years away sets the stage for the spinoff series. Lee seeks to reconnect with family and rebuild his life in the Big Easy, moving away from his mob enforcer roots. This character transformation creates rich dramatic potential for the new show.

Production Timeline and Format Details

Behind-the-Scenes Team Powers the New Series

Dave Erickson, who currently serves as showrunner for the original Tulsa King, will write, executive produce, and run NOLA King. This ensures consistency in storytelling quality and tone between the shows while expanding the universe. Erickson also works on Sheridan‘s Mayor of Kingstown, bringing his expertise from multiple Sheridan projects to the spinoff.

The executive producer list includes Jackson himself alongside Sheridan, Stallone, and David C. Glasser from 101 Studios. Additional producers include Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Michael Friedman, and Keith Cox, assembling a powerhouse team committed to quality production.

What’s Next for the Tulsa King Universe and Jackson’s TV Debut?

NOLA King marks an exciting moment for Samuel L. Jackson‘s television career. While he’s appeared in countless films and occasional TV roles, this represents his first lead position in a series. The show’s success could position Jackson as a television star for future projects while expanding Paramount+‘s crime drama offerings.

Fans of Tulsa King can expect direct connections between the shows, though NOLA King stands as its own narrative. The Taylor Sheridan universe continues to grow with interconnected crime stories across different locations and characters, much like his Yellowstone franchise model. As production gears up in early 2026, the entertainment industry watches closely to see whether Jackson‘s star power and Sheridan‘s storytelling will create another blockbuster hit for Paramount+.