Unveiling the True Filming Locations of Taylor Sheridan's 'Tulsa King'

Taylor Sheridan's gritty crime drama "Tulsa King" has captivated audiences with Sylvester Stallone's powerhouse performance as Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a New York mob capo exiled to Oklahoma. Yet, despite its compelling narrative set squarely in Tulsa, many fans might be surprised to learn that the vast majority of the series wasn't actually filmed in the city it's named after.

The pilot episode and initial sequences of "Tulsa King" did indeed take root in the Sooner State, but not in Tulsa.

Production kicked off in Oklahoma City, cleverly transforming its landscape to stand in for its eastern counterpart. Eagle-eyed viewers might recall iconic Tulsa landmarks being "replicated" using OKC architecture. For instance, the BOK Building in Oklahoma City served as a convincing double for Tulsa's BOK Center, and similarly, a structure in OKC stepped in for the opulent Mayo Hotel.

This early phase saw various streets and local businesses in Oklahoma City lending their authentic charm to Manfredi's new, unexpected dominion.

Beyond the heartland, the show's intricate plot required scenes reflecting Dwight Manfredi's long-standing ties to the New York mafia. Consequently, some establishing shots and flashback sequences were fittingly captured in New York City, lending crucial authenticity to Dwight's storied past before his unceremonious relocation.

However, as the series progressed, the production made a significant logistical pivot.

The bulk of "Tulsa King," particularly subsequent episodes after the pilot, found its home in Los Angeles, California. Specifically, the show leveraged the extensive sound stages and production facilities in Santa Clarita, a well-known hub for film and television production just north of Hollywood.

This move allowed the series to capitalize on established infrastructure, experienced crews, and the practicalities of a major production center, ensuring a smoother and more efficient filming process.

So, why the shift away from Tulsa? While Oklahoma initially offered attractive tax incentives, the sheer scale and ongoing demands of a television series often lead productions to centralize in areas with robust film industries, like Los Angeles.

Creator Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his commitment to authenticity and his preference for filming in lesser-explored American locales in his other hits like "Yellowstone" and "1883," brought his signature touch to "Tulsa King." Even if the specific city of Tulsa wasn't the primary backdrop, the spirit of establishing a new empire in an unexpected corner of America remained central to the narrative, regardless of the precise filming coordinates.

From the urban sprawl of Oklahoma City to the iconic streets of New York, and finally to the sprawling studios of Los Angeles, "Tulsa King" masterfully wove its story across diverse American landscapes.

This behind-the-scenes journey not only highlights the fascinating logistics of modern television production but also underscores the creative ingenuity required to bring such a captivating story to life, proving that sometimes, the magic of Hollywood can transport you anywhere, even if you're not actually there.