Hip-hop mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson continues his successful relationship as an executive producer with the Starz network through the new series “Fightland,” created by Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith.
The story follows British-born boxer Duke Kilroy (Howard Charles), who becomes the world heavyweight champion on the night his brother Calvin is brutally murdered. This traumatic event drives Duke to snap and leads to an eight-year prison sentence. Upon his release, Duke makes a chilling discovery and returns home seeking vengeance against the man he believes betrayed him—the criminal kingpin and former promoter, Kingsley Marshall (Nicholas Pinnock).
However, Kingsley has disappeared, leaving behind his son Zeke (Charles Babalola), daughter CeCe (Anita-Joy Uwaje), and wife Joy (Deborah Ayorinde) to deal with the fallout. Teaming up with a cartel eager to control London’s drug market, Duke embarks on a risky mission to infiltrate Kingsley’s empire, aiming to dismantle it from within and uncover his enemy.
In a volatile criminal landscape filled with competing influences, Duke must channel all his skills as a champion fighter into his bloody quest for revenge for his brother.
Reflecting on 1999, if you had told eighteen-year-old me that the man who released the diss track “How To Rob” would achieve success in television, I wouldn’t have believed it. Yet here we are in 2026, and Jackson has firmly established himself in this realm.
The first episode of “Fightland,” titled “The Only Round That Matters is the Next One,” is penned by the creators and directed by Otto Bathurst. The episode introduces us to the main characters, and Howard Charles makes a strong impression as Duke Kilroy. I wasn’t familiar with his previous work, but by the end of the first episode, I was already rooting for his character.
Nicholas Pinnock, who impressed me in the show “For Life,” is also compelling. While it’s clear that he embodies danger, the first episode only hints at his despicable behavior. I am sure that his true limits in pursuing what he wants will be revealed in later episodes. The rest of the supporting cast fits into the character archetypes typical of a series like this, which works well, providing enough substance in Episode 1 to make me curious about their development.
The first episode also features its share of action and, similar to other 50 Cent-produced shows, touches on themes of Greek tragedy. One storyline that particularly caught my attention involves Joy and her past with Zeke. The premiere of “Fightland” accomplishes its goal by pulling viewers in and creating anticipation for the rest of the season.
Final Grade: B+
“Fightland” is set to premiere Friday, July 31 at midnight on STARZ.
