Watch Naked City
- TV-14
- 1958
- 4 Seasons
-
8.2 (1,471)
Naked City was a crime drama series that first aired on ABC in 1958 and ran for five seasons until 1963. The show was set in New York City and focused on the investigations and cases of the detectives of the 65th Precinct. The show was inspired by the 1948 film of the same name directed by Jules Dassin.
The show's ensemble cast included Paul Burke as Detective Adam Flint, the show's primary protagonist, who was often the lead investigator on most of the show's cases. Horace McMahon played Lieutenant Mike Parker, the head of the detectives at the 65th Precinct. Harry Bellaver played Detective Frank Arcaro, a seasoned police detective who had been with the force for many years. James Franciscus played Detective Jim Halloran, a younger detective who is eager to prove himself to the veteran members of the squad. John McIntire played Lieutenant Dan Muldoon in the show's first season before being replaced by Parker.
The show was unique in its approach to crime dramas of the time in that it focused on the lives of the detectives as much as it did on the crimes they were investigating. The detectives were not just cold and hard-nosed law enforcement officials, but had their own personal lives and struggles that were often explored throughout the show's run.
The show's most notable feature was its use of on-location filming, which was relatively new in television at the time. The show was filmed entirely on location in New York City, which gave it a gritty and realistic feel that set it apart from other crime dramas of its time.
Each episode of the show was a self-contained story that followed the detectives as they investigated a crime, often from multiple perspectives. The show tackled a wide range of crimes, including murder, theft, and organized crime, but it was never gratuitous in its portrayal of violence or sex.
Another unique aspect of the show was its use of narration. Each episode began with a narration that set the scene and provided context for the story that was about to be told. The narration was often poetic and philosophical, and gave the show a literary feel that was rare in television drama.
Naked City was critically acclaimed during its run and won several awards, including two Emmys for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama and one for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography. The show's popularity also inspired a movie spin-off of the same name in 1960, directed again by Jules Dassin.
The show's legacy can be seen in other crime dramas that have followed in its footsteps, such as Law & Order and NYPD Blue. Its use of on-location filming and exploration of the personal lives of its detectives set a precedent for realism and character depth that has become a staple of modern crime dramas.
Overall, Naked City was a groundbreaking show that set a new standard for crime dramas on television. Its unique blend of realism and literary narration, combined with its exploration of the lives of its detectives, made it a standout show in its time, and its legacy continues to be felt in the crime dramas that have followed in its wake.
Naked City is a series that ran for 4 seasons (138 episodes) between September 30, 1958 and on ABC
