Mayor of Kingstown is described as ‘entrancing’ but hard to watch (Image: 101 Studios)

A “gritty masterpiece” thriller series has been hailed by fans as “entrancing” but hard to watch. Mayor of Kingstown first hit TV screens in 2021 and is set in the fictional company town of Kingstown, Michigan, known for its multiple prisons.

It follows the McLuskys, a powerful family acting as mediators between the criminal underworld, the large prison population, jail staff, law enforcement, and others. Jeremy Renner stars as Mike McLusky, an ex-convict and the town’s unofficial “mayor” tasked with navigating the complex web of competing loyalties and keeping the peace in a town where powerful lags can unleash chaos from behind bars

Jeremy Renner plays Mike McLusky (Image: 101 Studios)

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The fourth series was released last month.

One fan on IMDb called the series a “dark, gritty and a masterpiece”, adding: “Mayor of Kingstown shows us a side of the world that most of us don’t see.” The viewer also said Renner’s performance is “outstanding”.

Another said the series is an “intense drama that dives deep into the corruption and power struggles of a prison town” – adding: “Jeremy Renner is excellent as the morally conflicted lead, and the show’s tone is raw and unapologetically dark.”

The viewer praised the “strong” storytelling but said the “relentless violence and bleakness can be a bit much at times”. The fan added that while it is “not for the faint of heart”, it is “definitely worth watching”.

One fan suggests the show is a cross between Goodfellas, The Wire, and HBO prison series Oz (Image: 101 Studios)

A third suggested the show is a cross between Goodfellas, The Wire, and HBO prison series Oz.

“Great characters, great writing,” said the viewer. “Authentic feel of a desperate town full of desperate people. The stifle of the main character to do what is right, though not necessarily legal, is compelling. The family matriarch is brilliantly played by Diane Wiest.

“Every episode keeps you guessing and holds you entranced. I have not gotten through all the episodes yet, but I have yet to be disappointed.”

The series deals with some shocking and upsetting scenes, with various episodes slapped with 15 and 18 certificates. It contains strong violence, suicide, abuse, and drug use, so may not be suitable for everyone.