‘Kingdom’ an Intriguing, Unlikely Combination of MMA, Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas stars in “Kingdom.” | Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty

I don’t know which is crazier, the fact that I just watched the premiere of “Kingdom,” a 60-minute show centered around mixed martial arts that stars ex-boy band member Nick Jonas or the fact that I will tune in again next week.

The show had prevalently been advertised on Sherdog.com for the better part of a week. That, paired with the fact that I have DirecTV -- the show airs exclusively on the satellite provider -- and my girlfriend’s infatuation with Jonas, led me to give the 10-episode drama a go. The debut of “Kingdom” was a pleasant surprise to say the least. Jonas plays Nate Kulina, an up-and-coming 155-pound fighter competing out of his father’s camp, Navy Street MMA. Aside from preparing for his upcoming fight, Kulina is at the center of a strained relationship between his bad-seed brother and former MMA champion dad.

Other budding storylines include: a potential love triangle involving a former UFC fighter just released from prison, along with a group of Southern California-based gangbangers who have it out for the Venice Beach, Calif., camp. Enough with the spoilers for now.

Jonas -- who will undoubtedly scare away some MMA fans because of his prior exploits -- is great in his subdued role. In fact, it’s evident he has taken the part quite seriously, as his time inside the cage alongside Cub Swanson comes off surprisingly well. It's most telling that instead of watching with the hopes that Jonas gets beat up, you find yourself rooting for him.

There is a Greg Jackson reference, cameos from Swanson and referee Mike Beltran and the acknowledgement that the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the premier MMA promotion in the world. Yes, the successful fighters on “Kingdom” are all either vying to reach the Octagon or have been there already.

The small details are what make the show for this viewer. Fighting verbiage is spot on; weight cutting seems tumultuous; camera angles used during the fight sequences are similar to live telecasts; the ambiance of the regional show portrayed is legitimate; and above all else, the action isn’t corny.

Like many other sports shows before it, “Kingdom” could easily be stereotyped as just some niche production trying to lure in the MMA audience. However, with the inane amount of MMA programming available in all facets of television, some half-baked show would not be able to hold the attention of an audience. “Kingdom” succeeds.

Yes, there has only been one episode, and by no means is the show perfect. Still, the plot has promise and the actors are pleasantly well-casted; and with just enough MMA nostalgia and realism, I will continue tuning in.