Kingdom (US)

Kingdom is an American drama series that aired on the AUDIENCE NETWORK from 2014 to 2017. The show explores the complex and brutal world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and is set against the backdrop of a gym in Venice, California called Navy St. Gym, run by a retired MMA fighter.

The audience is introduced to Alvey Kulina, a retired MMA fighter turned trainer who owns and operates the aforementioned Navy St. Gym. Alvey, played by the ever-absorbing Frank Grillo, is the tenacious, embattled veteran of the fight world, battling his personal daemons while striving to keep his gym afloat and nurturing the raw talents coming into his gym.

The show further focuses on Alvey’s two sons - Jay and Nate, who are both professional fighters. Jonathan Tucker plays the older son, Jay, a free-spirited, talented fighter held back by substance abuse and lack of discipline. Nick Jonas plays the quiet and earnest Nate, the more disciplined fighter, grappling with issues of identity while navigating the harsh terrain of the fighting world.

Navy St. gym is also the training ground for the ambitious MMA fighter, Ryan Wheeler. Mat Lauria of "Friday Night Lights” fame plays Ryan, a former champion on a path of redemption after being released from prison. His past romance with Alvey's current girlfriend, Lisa Prince, adds a further layer of complexity and drama to the narrative.

The show’s thematic undercurrents revolve around survival, identity and family. The underlying complexity of each character weaves in different backstories and emotional arcs, creating a tension-filled, gritty narrative that grips viewers from start to finish. These characters’ struggle for identity and purpose both inside and outside of the cage paints a multifaceted picture of individuals battling both their personal and professional demons.

Kingdom’s storyline extends beyond the bloody matches in the cage to introduce the spectators to a layered world of personal tragedies, addiction, loyalty, and family ties. Despite the seemingly aggressive backdrop of MMA, Kingdom is a profoundly human drama—one in which the battle is as much about personal growth, relationships, and overcoming personal flaws, as it is about clinching the victory in the cage.

Creator Byron Balasco does an exceptional job of encapsulating the raw, primal nature of the fight scene, while simultaneously exposing the vulnerability, emotional trauma, and existential crises of his characters. The results are a humanized representation of MMA fighters, prompting viewers to grapple with their preconceived notions about the individuals who participate in this brutal sport.

The performances by the ensemble cast are remarkably compelling and believable. Frank Grillo stands out with his nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with personal failures while Nick Jonas proves his acting prowess with his sensitive depiction of Nate. Jonathan Tucker's performance as an unpredictable, volatile Jay brings a powerful intensity to the series.

Kingdom's acclaim is also due to its authentic depiction of MMA fighting. The filmmakers have made concerted efforts to portray the physicality of the sport as realistically as possible, creating engrossing, blood-pumping fight scenes that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The series is impressively shot and well-produced, with sharp cinematography that effectively captures the gritty, edgy atmosphere of the fight world. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of rock, rap and electronic music, effectively enhances the tone of the show and further amplifies the intense emotions depicted on screen.

Throughout its three-season run, Kingdom managed to captivate audiences and critics alike with its emotionally charged narratives, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the world of MMA. The series is a must-watch for all fans of realistic, character-driven sports dramas, offering a deep, immersive viewing experience that goes beyond the surface-level excitement of the fight cage. Kingdom brings viewers into the heart of the battles faced by fighters, illustrating that the hardest punches are often those life throws outside of the ring.