Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 has reached a new milestone, earning a perfect 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest in the Paramount+ series’ history. The achievement comes as Episode 8 delivers one of the most shocking moments the crime drama has ever produced, leaving audiences reeling with only two episodes remaining before the finale.
The Taylor Sheridan–created series, led by Jeremy Renner, has steadily grown in critical stature since its debut. While earlier seasons received mixed reviews, Season 4 has emerged as a clear creative high point, praised for its tighter storytelling, emotional weight, and unrelenting tension.
A Critical Breakthrough for the Paramount+ Drama
Season 4’s flawless Rotten Tomatoes score marks a dramatic turnaround for the series. Season 1 debuted with a 65% rating, Season 2 dropped to 50%, and Season 3 improved to 78%. The latest season’s 100% score reflects unanimous praise from critics, many of whom have called it the show’s most focused and confident installment.
Reviewers have highlighted the season’s narrative reset, which places Mike McLusky at the center of a rapidly collapsing power structure. As new criminal forces rise and old alliances fracture, the show leans into moral ambiguity rather than easy resolutions, a shift critics say has elevated the drama.
Episode 8 Delivers a Brutal Turning Point
Episode 8, titled “Belleville,” aired on December 15 and immediately sparked intense fan reaction. The episode follows Merle Callahan’s violent prison escape, which plunges Kingstown into chaos and forces every major character into survival mode.
The story reaches its emotional peak with the devastating death of Tracy, a moment many fans described as one of the series’ most brutal endings. Callahan’s actions go beyond strategic violence, striking directly at Mike’s personal life. The episode reportedly ends with the burning of the McLusky family home, signaling a shift from territorial warfare to psychological destruction.
Critics praised the episode’s restrained direction, noting that its emotional impact came from controlled performances rather than shock tactics.
Jeremy Renner Anchors the Series’ Most Intense Season
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Mike McLusky continues to draw acclaim. The actor has described Season 4 as the most rewarding experience of the series, citing deeper emotional engagement and higher dramatic stakes.
The cast has also been strengthened by Edie Falco, whose role as Warden Nina Hobbs introduces a formidable new adversary. Co-creator Hugh Dillon’s continued on-screen presence has further reinforced the show’s gritty authenticity.
What to Expect as the Finale Approaches
With only two episodes left, Season 4 is racing toward a high-stakes conclusion. Critics suggest Episode 8 marks a point of no return, forcing Mike to abandon defensive tactics and take decisive action.
The two-episode finale arrives on December 22, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+. All released episodes are currently available to stream, giving new viewers time to catch up before the final showdown.
If the season’s critical momentum holds, Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 may not only end strong but redefine the series’ legacy.
