Samuel L. Jackson lands first TV lead in Paramount+ ‘NOLA King’ spinoff at 76

Samuel L. Jackson makes streaming history at 76 with his first TV lead role. NOLA King, a Paramount+ spinoff of the hit series Tulsa King, officially greenlit on July 17, 2025. Jackson plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., an ex-con navigating New Orleans crime world. The legendary actor boasts nearly $15 billion in global box office across over 150 films—now heading his own series.

How a Legend Finally Takes the Lead

Samuel L. Jackson has dominated cinema for decades. He commanded the screen in Pulp Fiction, anchored the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nick Fury, and appeared in blockbuster after blockbuster. Yet television? Never as lead.

That changes now. Paramount+ announced the greenlight for NOLA King with Jackson taking center stage. This is a watershed moment for streaming and for Jackson himself. Chris McCarthy, Paramount’s top executive, highlighted why: “Samuel L. Jackson brings unparalleled presence and global appeal.”

Jackson’s character Russell Lee Washington Jr. befriended mob boss Dwight Manfredi during a 10-year prison sentence. After their release, Washington returns to his hometown to take over New Orleans‘ criminal empire. The setup positions Jackson perfectly for a franchise you’ll want to binge.

“Samuel L. Jackson brings unparalleled presence and global appeal, making him the perfect choice to maximize the momentum of one of our biggest hits.”

Stepping Into the Tulsa King Universe

Before NOLA King drops, you’ll see Jackson in Tulsa King Season 3. The main series premiered September 21, 2025. Jackson’s character enters the story there, connecting the two shows seamlessly.

Sylvester Stallone, the star of Tulsa King, spoke about Jackson’s arrival directly. He said learning Jackson would join felt like a major moment. The veteran actor was even “nervous” about working alongside such an icon. That’s the power Jackson carries after 50+ years in entertainment.

The New Orleans setting brings fresh geography to Taylor Sheridan‘s crime universe. Where Tulsa feels grounded and small-town, New Orleans brings heat, history, and danger. Jackson’s Washington Jr. must navigate both legacy gangsters and new players vying for control.

What We Know About Production & Timeline

Right now, NOLA King is in pre-production mode. Production starts early 2026, which means you won’t see the series debut until late 2026 at earliest—likely 2027. But the wait builds anticipation.

Show Details	Information
Lead Actor	Samuel L. Jackson (age 76)
Platform	Paramount+
Character	Russell Lee Washington Jr.
Series Order Announced	July 17, 2025
Production Start	Early 2026
Setting	New Orleans, Louisiana
Show Creator	Taylor Sheridan

The timeline gives Paramount+ breathing room. Tulsa King Season 3 gives viewers the chance to connect with Jackson’s character first. By the time NOLA King arrives, audiences will already care about his story.

Why This Moment Matters for Streaming

Let’s be clear: this is huge. Jackson never needed television. His film career speaks for itself—blockbuster after blockbuster, award nominations, cultural impact. Yet streaming is changing everything.

Streaming allows established stars to lead ongoing narratives without film commitments. Jackson gets to anchor an entire world. He brings bankability and star power that elevates the entire Paramount+ slate.

This also signals confidence from Paramount+. They’re not experimenting with Jackson—they’re investing heavily. His presence says “this franchise matters.” Combined with the Tulsa King momentum, NOLA King has built-in audiences waiting to watch.

What Happens Next?

Keep watching Tulsa King Season 3 on Paramount+ now to meet Russell Lee Washington Jr. You’ll get the backstory and understand why his New Orleans takeover matters. That groundwork makes NOLA King an automatic must-watch when it arrives.

• Follow Paramount+ for NOLA King official trailers and announcements.
• Rewatch Tulsa King to deepen your connection to Jackson‘s character arc.
• Mark 2026-2027 in your calendar—that’s when premieres could happen.
• Expect Taylor Sheridan to announce supporting cast details soon.
• Share your excitement—Jackson leading a series is genuinely legendary.

Is This Proof Streaming Changed Entertainment?

Samuel L. Jackson taking a TV lead at 76 proves it. Streaming shattered old gatekeeping about where A-list talent belongs. Meryl Streep broke ground with limited series. Now Jackson launches a full franchise lead.

The question becomes: what’s next? If NOLA King succeeds—and with Jackson and Sheridan, it likely will—expect other megastars to explore streaming leadership roles. That’s the legacy this moment creates.

Sources

• Variety – “‘Tulsa King’ Spinoff ‘NOLA King’ Starring Samuel L. Jackson Paramount+ Official Greenlight”
• The Hollywood Reporter – “Samuel L. Jackson Confirmed to Star in Tulsa King Sequel”
• IMDb News – “Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Tulsa King’ Spin-Off Gets Major Update as He Officially Joins Taylor Sheridan Universe”