The gritty Paramount+ crime drama Mayor of Kingstown, led by Jeremy Renner, holds a unique and somewhat puzzling position in creator Taylor Sheridan’s lineup of hit shows. While it is a major success with audiences and has run for multiple seasons, it holds the lowest critical score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to any other Taylor Sheridan series. This split between critic and fan reactions has become a defining feature of the show.
The series has an overall Rotten Tomatoes score of 53%, the only Sheridan show to be labeled “Rotten” by the review aggregator. This is notably lower than the scores for popular shows like Yellowstone (83%), Tulsa King (88%), and the prequel 1923 (94%). Meanwhile, the show’s audience score is a strikingly high 85%, highlighting a significant disconnect between professional reviewers and viewers.
Why Critics Gave the Show Low Scores
A common criticism of Mayor of Kingstown is its consistently dark and violent tone. Reviewers have described the show as overly gritty, gloomy, and downbeat, making it a challenging watch. Some critics noted that the constant violence could have a numbing effect rather than creating tension. One analysis pointed out that it can be “tough to get invested in a cast of characters who scarcely seemed to care about their own lives.”
Another criticism centers on the show’s perceived lack of originality. Upon its debut, the series drew comparisons to acclaimed crime dramas like The Wire and We Own This City. Critics argued that those earlier shows tackled similar themes of systemic corruption with more depth and originality, while Mayor of Kingstown was seen by some as relying on dramatic action to cover up a lack of substance.
Why Audiences Love the Show
Despite the critical pans, Taylor Sheridan‘s loyal fanbase has consistently supported the show. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes demonstrates strong viewer approval, which has been enough to keep the show on the air for multiple seasons. This pattern of Sheridan’s shows resonating more with audiences than critics is not new; his film Sicario: Day of the Soldado and other series have followed a similar path.
Fans have been drawn to Jeremy Renner’s performance as Mike McLusky, a power broker negotiating peace between gangs, law enforcement, and politicians in a prison town. Renner’s portrayal of the flawed mediator has been widely praised for its depth and intensity, serving as a central anchor for the series. The show’s willingness to explore the brutal realities of the prison-industrial complex also provides a compelling, if grim, narrative.
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A Notable Turnaround in Season 3
The show’s critical fortunes have shown signs of improvement. The third season of Mayor of Kingstown was much better received, achieving a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that the season featured more refined storytelling, tighter pacing, and greater character development. This upward trend suggests the series has evolved and found a stronger footing in its later seasons.
Jeremy Rennerโs portrayal of Mike McLusky has been praised for its depth and intensity.
The show’s future appears secure. Its strong popularity with audiences ensures its continued success, proving that a low Rotten Tomatoes score does not necessarily determine a show’s fate. As long as viewers keep tuning in, the complex world of Mayor of Kingstown will likely continue to unfold.
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