Kingdom was an American web series that originally played on the Audience Network. And it was a DirecTV original. It ran for three seasons [concluding in 2017] and starred Frank Grillo, Kiele Sanchez, Matt Lauria, Jonathan Tucker, and Nick Jonas. Kingdom centered around the world of mixed martial arts and was an intense drama that a wider audience can now view. This is because Kingdom has finally come to Netflix. Having dropped on the streaming service on July 1st, it’s been on Netflix for fifteen days so far, and it’s definitely worth a watch.
It’s More Than MMA
For anyone who thinks Grillo is all brawn and no acting skill, watch Kingdom. Grillo delivers intense, heartfelt moments all throughout the show. Kingdom presents real stories and situations in the way they were intended to be – raw and not always pretty. Not everyone has the picture-perfect home life and fame is not always what it’s cracked out to be. There is constant drama in this show and a lot of working parts. Somehow, though; you end up caring for each character and what they’re going through. Not one person is presented as one-dimensional; they’re all fleshed out and you can see the flaws, but also the strengths in each.
Grillo is the focal point of the show. He’s fleshed out into a character that continues to unfold and show you the multiple layers of himself. Jonas also gives a worthy performance that makes you forget that he was ever in a boy-band with his brothers. Tucker, though; definitely is the standout in the series. As the erratic and troublesome son of Grillo’s Alvey, Tucker takes his role as Jay to another level. While his self-destructive scenes stand out, it’s the moments with his drug-addicted mother that tug at the heartstrings. And show a different side to Jay.
Even if you’re not into MMA (as I’m not), Kingdom is a drama series that is worth your time. Three seasons. Forty episodes. It’s a great show to put on during the weekend to binge.
Have you watched Kingdom? What are your thoughts?
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more!
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
