Kings (2009)
A daring NBC drama that reimagines the biblical rise of David in a glittering modern monarchy, where power, faith, and betrayal collide.
Kings - Series Information
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Created by: Michael Green
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 13
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 15, 2009 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Universal Media Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Kings - Plot
A riveting drama about a modern day monarchy, a contemporary re-telling of the timeless tale of David and Goliath. This series is an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances -- and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom.
Kings - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at the kingdom of Gilboa:
Where to Watch Kings
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Kings - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Michael Green
Main Cast
- Ian McShane
- Christopher Egan
- Susanna Thompson
- Allison Miller
- Eamonn Walker
- Sebastian Stan
- Dylan Baker
- Marlyne Barrett
- Michael Crane
- Jason Antoon
Writers
- Michael Green
- David Schulner
- Julie Martin
- Kara Lee Corthron
Executive Producers
- Francis Lawrence
Kings - FAQs
Is Kings based on a true story or the Bible?
Kings is a modern allegorical retelling of the biblical story of David and Goliath, drawn from the Books of Samuel in the Old Testament. Creator Michael Green transposed the ancient narrative into a fictional contemporary monarchy called Gilboa, reimagining familiar figures like King Saul and David as modern political and military characters.
Why was Kings cancelled after one season?
Kings struggled with low ratings from its premiere on NBC in March 2009. The network moved it to Saturday nights — a notoriously difficult timeslot — and viewership never recovered. Despite strong critical praise for its ambition and Ian McShane's performance, NBC cancelled the series after its single 13-episode season concluded.
Where can you watch Kings online?
Kings is available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free viewing with ads, the series is also available on The Roku Channel. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so purchasing episodes is the most reliable route.
Who plays King Silas in Kings?
Ian McShane portrays King Silas Benjamin, the commanding and morally complex ruler of Gilboa. McShane, best known for his role as Al Swearengen in Deadwood, brings magnetic authority to the character — a man of faith and ruthless ambition whose relationship with the rising David forms the dramatic core of the series.
How was Kings received by critics?
Critics were largely enthusiastic about Kings, praising its theatrical ambition, lush production design, and Ian McShane's commanding lead performance. Many considered it one of the most inventive and underappreciated dramas of its era. Its cancellation despite strong reviews made it a celebrated example of a critically acclaimed series cut short too soon.
What character does Sebastian Stan play in Kings?
Sebastian Stan plays Prince Jack Benjamin, the king's son and heir to the throne of Gilboa. The character is a loose analogue to the biblical Jonathan, and his complicated relationship with David — marked by rivalry, loyalty, and a hidden personal life — gives Stan one of the series' most layered dramatic arcs.
Did Kings win any awards?
Kings earned recognition for its craft despite its short run. The series received Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series, reflecting the show's visually ambitious production design. While it did not win major awards, its technical and creative achievements were acknowledged within the industry.
What shows are similar to Kings?
If Kings captivated you, try Empire (2015) or Dynasty (2017) for family power struggles with operatic drama, or Greenleaf (2016) for faith and political intrigue. The Royals (2015) offers a fictional modern monarchy with similar palatial scheming, while House of David (2025) revisits the same biblical source material from a fresh angle.
More About Kings
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