By Mr. Will Wong

Sylvester Stallone is back in a big way and would you believe that this is his actual Television Series debut? The iconic two-time Academy Award nominee returns in Paramount+‘s TULSA KING, starring as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a crime boss who just completed his 26-year prison sentence, surfacing in Oklahoma of all places. He is sent to Tulsa and given the impossible task of setting-up operations there and it’s slim pickings. He knows literally no one and forges his way into a smalltime cannabis shop, volun-telling them that they need protection and staking claim to a cut of profits.

By the end of the first episode we really see him begin to plant his roots and just how Dwight’s poise and charm quickly win the locals over. Whether it be a local bar owner Mitch (Garrett Hedlund); Tyson (Jay Will), whom he convinces to be his personal driver; or Stacy (Andrea Savage), a local woman who becomes involved with Dwight.. in more ways than one, let’s just say. Things get messy as he begins to draw attention with his arrival and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Taylor Sheridan who is responsible for the likes of Veronica Mars and Sons of Anarchy, brings us TULSA KING. We get drama, a bit of a thrill ride and lots of Comedy. We’re actually surprised how comedic the Series and it works. Stallone approaches the role exactly as he should – a step slow and still, really gravitating this people of this town towards him as he leans-in to whisper. Hedlund‘s Mitch likely will play a very integral role to the story, already establishing early that he is trustworthy and likable. The real scenestealer though is Savage who looks like she’s got a complicated history and we can’t wait to find out about it.

TULSA KING debuts on Paramount+ November 13, 2022, with new episodes arriving weekly.

We had the pleasure of being in Stallone‘s presences on a recent visit to Toronto in support of the Series. More here.

On the heels of last night’s Canadian premiere screening of TULSA KING in Toronto with special guest Sylvester Stallone, Paramount+ announced today an expanded content offering in Canada, with a robust roster of original and exclusive titles that will begin to roll out this month. With new episodes streaming day and date with the U.S. on November 13, 2022, the service will become the exclusive home of the highly anticipated fifth season of “Yellowstone” from Academy Award® nominee Taylor Sheridan, along with his Paramount+ original series TULSA KING, starring Academy Award® nominee Sylvester Stallone.

New series are being added regularly, including 1923, also from Sheridan and featuring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, which is the next installment of the “Yellowstone” origin story that introduces a new generation of the Dutton family and explores the early twentieth century (December 18).

“Paramount+ is rapidly expanding its presence and its content offering globally. We are the only service where you’ll see Sylvester Stallone, SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek, and South Park all in one place, and we are proud to offer Canadian audiences a mountain of entertainment for the entire family,” said Marco Nobili, Executive Vice President and International General Manager of Paramount+.

Paramount+ Originals

Subscribers can discover new originals like TULSA KING and 1923 and additional exclusive series and films streaming now that can’t be seen anywhere else such as 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, THE OFFER, HALO, SEAL TEAM and EVIL as well as original films such as SIGNIFICANT OTHER, BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSE and ON THE COME UP, which was an Official Selection at TIFF this year.

Coming up in January, the McLusky family returns in the second season of crime drama MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN (Jan. 15), while new Paramount+ original TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE (Jan. 26) and new series WOLF PACK (Jan. 26) take a bite out of genre viewing in the new year. Also coming soon, highly anticipated new original series’ GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES; FATAL ATTRACTION starring Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan; 6666; and Kiefer Sutherland led spy thriller RABBIT HOLE, shot in Toronto.

These join premium international scripted Paramount+ originals produced by Paramount in association with independent production companies in various international markets, including THE FLATSHARE (December 1) from the UK about two cash-strapped London twentysomethings who share a bed, but have never met, based on the best-selling book. Previously announced scripted originals from the UK that will become available include SEXY BEAST and A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW starring Ewan McGregor, and from Latin America and Spain, BOSÉ, the biopic based on the life of the Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bosé.

Kids and Family Content:

Paramount+ announced a major expansion to its kids and family content offering in Canada with more than 2,500 hours of Nickelodeon kids and family programming being added by the end of this year. Titles include the brand-new animated series “Monster High” streaming now and TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK (Nov. 11) as well as the debut of feature-length film, “BLUE’S BIG CITY ADVENTURE” (Nov. 18).

The new content joins the currently streaming hit “Monster High The Movie,” a live-action movie musical based on the globally loved and iconic Mattel Monster High franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. The film’s sequel, which was greenlit in October, will be shot in Vancouver in January and premiere in 2023. The preschool series “Blue’s Clues” & You!” and the classic “Blue’s Clue’s” join original series like RUGRATS, KAMP KORAL: SPONGEBOB’S UNDER YEARS, “The Loud House” and “Dora The Explorer!”

Paramount+ also offers original series including THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER, iCARLY S1 & S2, and “FANTASY FOOTBALL,” a hilarious and heartwarming father-daughter sports fantasy starring Kelly Rowland and Omari Hardwick (Nov. 25) as well as currently streaming films HONOR SOCIETY and SECRET HEADQUARTERS. The availability of parental controls on the service enables parents to allow their kids to watch worry-free.

Blockbuster Films:

Blockbuster films now streaming include “The Lost City” and “Sonic The Hedgehog 2.” Paramount+ is the one stop streamer for the entire “Scream” film franchise 1-5. Paramount+ is also the home of proven classics “Mission: Impossible,” “Grease,” Transformers,” “Star Trek,” and “The Godfather,” as well as family-friendly selections like “PAW Patrol: The Movie,” “Paws Of Fury: The Legend of Hank,” and the remake of winter classic SNOW DAY, coming soon.

Additionally, Paramount+ will be the home of a selection of new blockbuster films following their theatrical and home entertainment releases, including “Top Gun: Maverick,” which will arrive on the service in Canada in 2022.

Beloved Franchises and Fan Favourites:

Now streaming on the service are full seasons of beloved Paramount franchises, “South Park” (Seasons 1-24), “Star Trek: Discovery” (Seasons 1-3) and the first season of “Star Trek: Picard.”

They are joined by thousands of episodes of fan favourite shows including Inside Amy Schumer, The Challenge: All Stars, Queen of the Universe, Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head, Ink Master and many more.

Exclusives:

Currently streaming films and first-run series acquisitions from key studio partners include from MGM “Billy The Kid,” NBC Universal “Everything I Know About Love,” LevelFILM “Aline,” eONE “After The Trial,” and streaming Nov. 15 is Moment of Truth (Sony).

Streaming this December is the David Hasselhoff dark, action-comedy thriller “Ze Network” from CBS Studios and Syrreal Entertainment about the fictional story of Hasselhoff’s new lead role in a theatre play in Germany, which plunges him into the centre of an international conspiracy. “Munich Games” a co-production from CBS Studios, Amusement Park Film and Sky Studios, is a high-stakes drama thriller from Germany that tells the story of two agents – one Israeli, one German – who must work together to stop a terrorist attack 50 years after the Munich Massacre. Both CBS Studios international co-productions are distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Platform Partners

Paramount+ is available online, on mobile devices and on a wide range of connected TV devices via distribution through Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung, Roku and more.

Pricing:

Paramount+ is getting even bigger, with many additions of blockbuster movies, new originals, and exclusive series, plus a wide variety of hit drama, action, reality, comedy, and kids shows. The Paramount+ competitive pricing in Canada for new subscribers is set at $9.99 monthly or $99.99 for annual users, after a seven-day free trial. ParamountPlus.com for more.

(Photo credit: Paramount/George Pimentel)

Toronto rolled-out the Red Carpet for a legend tonight as Sylvester Stallone made a rare appearance in the City in advance of his Television debut in upcoming Paramount+ Series TULSA KING! The Academy Award-nominated Actor has the distinction of appearing in Films which have topped the Box Office each decade over a span of six decade. With a celebrated career which has seen him front iconic franchises like Rocky, The Expendables and Rambo, the world certainly has a special place in their heart for Stallone, who walked the Red Carpet at a Special Screening of the Series at Scotiabank Theatre, with an Afterparty thrown at gorgeous new hotspot, Marked. The Venue was decorated to pay tribute the legacy of Paramount Pictures classics, with room inspired by #1 Paramount+ Series, YELLOWSTONE. The main bar was a lit by a neon sign reading TULSA KING and there were even Cocktails inspired by Paramount and the new Series.

Stallone completed a round of Press with select outlets, before appearing at the Premiere to introduce the Series before a live audience comprised of influencers and Media. He was joined by wife Jennifer Flavin at his side.

Synopsis:

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone) just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters, to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

The series also stars Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) and Dana Delany (“Body of Proof”).

Some Snaps and a Reel from tonight:

TULSA KING arrives November 13, 2022 only on Paramount+.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+/Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount+ today released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming original series TULSA KING, starring Academy Award® nominee Sylvester Stallone. Creator and Academy Award nominee Taylor Sheridan serves as executive producer alongside Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award® winner Terence Winter (“The Sopranos,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”), who also serves as showrunner and writer. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, TULSA KING will premiere with two episodes on Sunday, November 13, 2022, exclusively on Paramount+.

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone) just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a “crew” from a group of unlikely characters, helping establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

The series also stars Andrea Savage (“I’m Sorry”), Martin Starr (“Silicon Valley”), Jay Will (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) with Garrett Hedlund (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Dana Delany (“Body of Proof”).

The series is executive produced by Sheridan, Winter, Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Allen Coulter and Braden Aftergood.

Following the November 13, 2022 premiere on Paramount+, new episodes will drop weekly on Sundays exclusively on the service. TULSA KING will premiere on Paramount+ in Canada on Sunday, November 13, 2022 followed by a premiere in Australia and the U.K. on Monday, November 14, 2022. The series will air later this year on Paramount+ in Latin America, Italy and in additional territories upon the launch of the service.

You’ve seen the stills and updates, but here’s a first look at the Trailer for SAMARITAN, starring Sylvester Stallone in his first TV Lead Role, and Javon “Wanna” Walton!

Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Sam Cleary (Javon “Wanna” Walton) suspects that his mysterious and reclusive neighbor Mr. Smith (Sylvester Stallone) is actually a legend hiding in plain sight. Twenty-five years ago, Granite City’s super-powered vigilante, Samaritan, was reported dead after a fiery warehouse battle with his rival, Nemesis. Most believe Samaritan perished in the fire, but some in the city, like Sam, have hope that he is still alive. With crime on the rise and the city on the brink of chaos, Sam makes it his mission to coax his neighbor out of hiding to save the city from ruin.

SAMARITAN launches on Prime Video August 26, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Stallone‘s back! Prime Video Canada will be streaming the Action icon’s TV Series debut in SAMARITAN, coming this August. Some new Stills are available!

Synopsis:

Thirteen-year-old Sam Cleary (Javon “Wanna” Walton) suspects that his mysterious and reclusive neighbor Mr. Smith (Sylvester Stallone) is actually a legend hiding in plain sight. Twenty years ago, Granite City’s super-powered vigilante, Samaritan, was reported dead after a fiery warehouse battle with his rival, Nemesis. Most believe Samaritan perished in the fire, but some in the city, like Sam, have hope that he is still alive. With crime on the rise and the city on the brink of chaos, Sam makes it his mission to coax his neighbor out of hiding to save the city from ruin.

SAMARITAN arrives August 26, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Sylvester Stallone makes his television debut in TULSA KING, coming this Fall to Paramount+. See the new Teaser Trailer.

Synopsis:

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone), just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a “crew” from a group of unlikely characters, to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet. The series also stars Andrea Savage (“I’m Sorry”), Martin Starr (“Silicon Valley”), Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”), Jay Will (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) and Garrett Hedlund (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”). The series is executive produced by Sheridan, Winter, Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Allen Coulter and Braden Aftergood.  

Paramount Network to Air Special Simulcast Event of the Debut Episode Immediately Following the Nov. 13, 2022 Season 5 Premiere of “Yellowstone”.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount)

Check-out this brand-new trailer for RAMBO:LAST BLOOD!

Synopsis:
Almost four decades after he drew first blood, Sylvester Stallone is back as one of the greatest action heroes of all time, John Rambo. Now, Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission. A deadly journey of vengeance, RAMBO: LAST BLOOD marks the last chapter of the legendary series.

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release RAMBO: LAST BLOOD Friday, September 20, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

He’s back and badder than ever! Check-out this new Trailer for RAMBO: LAST BLOOD starring Sylvester Stallone in the titular role!

Synopsis:
Almost four decades after he drew first blood, Sylvester Stallone is back as one of the greatest action heroes of all time, John Rambo. Now, Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission. A deadly journey of vengeance, RAMBO: LAST BLOOD marks the last chapter of the legendary series.

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release RAMBO: LAST BLOOD Friday, September 20, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

The 73rd annual GOLDEN GLOBE Awards took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  After a strong performance at the Box Office this weekend in North America, partly Canadian-made (Calgary, British Columbia) THE REVENANT would dominate the Awards, winning Motion Picture Drama.  It also received recognition with victories for Director, Motion Picture by Alejandro González Iñárritu and also its star Leonardo DiCaprio taking Actor, Motion Picture Drama.

THE MARTIAN, which had a Premiere at TIFF ’15 this past September in Toronto, also was a big winner tonight. In addition to a win for Motion Picture Comedy (which had many baffled about its categorization), also saw its star Matt Damon win for Actor, Motion Picture Comedy.  The Star soon will be in Toronto to film Downsizing this spring.

MR. ROBOT was awarded two Golden Globes tonight for TV Series Drama and Supporting Actor – TV Series, a well-deserved win for veteran Christian Slater.  

MOZART IN THE JUNGLE likewise would win TV Series Comedy and Star Gael Garcia Bernal, Actor – TV Series Comedy.

Jennifer Lawrence won her third (in the past four years) Golden Globe tonight for Actress, Motion Picture Comedy, for her portrayal of Miracle Mop creator Joy Mangano in JOY.  In the Drama category, Brie Larson would win Actress, Motion Picture Drama for her work in Toronto-made ROOM.

Kate Winslet won her fourth Golden Globe tonight in the Supporting Actress, Motion Picture category for her work in STEVE JOBS.  Film industry icon Sylvester Stallone also would receive a long-overdue Golden Globe for his work in CREED, the latest in the storied Rocky franchise.  The star-studded audience would give him a standing ovation after a career which has spanned over 45 years.

Lady Gaga gave a big shock winning Best Actress in a Limited TV Series or Movie for AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL.  “I wanted to be an actress before a singer, but music came to me first”, she told the audience, comparing the feeling of winning to being Cher in Moonstruck.

Taraji P. Henson caused quite a stir after winning Actress in a TV Series Drama, EMPIRE.  Her outspoken character Cookie Lyons came out a bit as she was rushed along to finish her acceptance speech quickly.  “I’ve waited 20 years for this – you gonna have to wait”, she replied.  After arriving on-stage, she also told someone to step off the train on her dress.

Receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award was Denzel Washington, who appeared on-stage with his family and despite needing his reading glasses, refused them.

Classic Hollywood looks would prevail on the Red Carpet tonight, with Actresses opting for elegance.  Favourite looks included a custom gold Calvin Klein dress on Brie Larson, Jennifer Lawrence in a hip and back-revealing red Dior piece, Amy Adams in a blood-orange Versace number and Lady Gaga channeling Marilyn Monroe in a black Versace dress also.  Cate Blanchett and Co-Star Rooney Mara delivered a bit more edge with tassels and lace in Givenchy and Alexander McQueen respectively.

As for the gents, Ryan Gosling would reign king in a sharp white Ralph Lauren tuxedo outshining his ultra-famous The Big Short Co-Star Brad Pitt.  Rami Malek, star of Mr. Robot also looked perfect in a Dior suit.

 Click here to see the complete list of Winners!

(Photo credit: Getty Images)