Tim McGraw’s Next TV Role Puts Him at the Center of a Football-Driven Crime Ring

Tim McGraw is heading back to TV — and this one sounds a little darker than fans might expect.

The country music icon is set to appear alongside Kevin Bacon and Erin Kellyman in a new Hulu drama pilot called Southern Bastards, a project that dives into crime, football and power in the Deep South.

And McGraw’s role? Not exactly the good guy.

A Dark New Role

According to Deadline, McGraw will play Coach Boss, a legendary high school football coach who also happens to run a powerful crime operation.

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On the surface, he’s a respected leader in his Alabama community. Behind the scenes, though, he’s controlling a much darker empire — and willing to do whatever it takes to protect it.

It’s a grittier character than fans may be used to seeing from McGraw.

A Story With Edge

Southern Bastards is based on the award-winning graphic novel series by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour.

The story follows Roberta (Kellyman), a former Marine who returns to her hometown of Craw County, Alabama, looking for answers — and revenge.

What she finds is a town deeply tied to violence and corruption, much of it connected to McGraw’s character.

A Strong Cast

Bacon stars as Earl, the son of a former sheriff who once ruled the county with an iron fist.

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Together, the trio helps bring to life a story that blends small-town life with crime drama and the darker side of Southern football culture.

A Familiar Face on Screen

While McGraw is best known for his music career, this isn’t his first time on screen.

He’s previously appeared in projects like 1883, Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side, often leaning into roles that reflect Southern life and culture.

This new series looks to take that a step further — with higher stakes and a much darker tone.