Watch Public Morals

Public Morals, a police procedural drama created by Steven Bochco and Jay Tarses, premiered on TNT in 1996. Set in New York City during the 1960s, the show takes a close look at the Public Morals Division of the NYPD, which is responsible for enforcing laws related to public decency and morality. The series is composed of ten episodes, each of which runs for an hour.

The central character of the show is Terry Muldoon, a detective in the Public Morals Division who is played by Donal Logue. Terry comes from a family of cops, and his father (played by Peter Gerety) is a sergeant in the division. Terry is a complex character who is sometimes torn between his loyalty to his family and his duty to uphold the law. He is a skilled detective, but he also struggles with drug addiction and a rocky marriage.

Other members of the Public Morals Division include Detective Johnny O (played by Bill Brochtrup), Detective Dick McCarren (played by Larry Romano), and Sergeant John Wiley (played by Louis Ferreira). These characters provide a diverse range of perspectives on the work of the division and the challenges that they face. There are also a number of recurring characters, including Terry's wife (played by Jana Marie Hupp) and a local mob boss (played by Julianne Christie).

The show's writers use the setting of 1960s New York to explore issues related to morality and law enforcement. Many of the cases that the Public Morals Division works on involve crimes related to prostitution and gambling, and the show takes a nuanced look at the complex social and economic factors that contribute to these activities. The series also delves into issues related to race and class, as the detectives navigate a city that is undergoing significant social change.

One of the things that sets Public Morals apart from other police procedurals is the attention that it pays to character development. The show's writers take their time in establishing the personalities and backstories of the central characters, which makes the viewer more invested in their struggles and successes. The show also presents complex and nuanced relationships between the characters, which adds depth to the drama.

The show's creators also make good use of its 1960s setting. The production design is meticulous, and the costumes and hairstyles of the characters are authentic to the period. The show also makes use of popular music from the era, which adds to the overall mood and atmosphere.

Public Morals received mixed reviews from critics and struggled to find an audience during its initial run. Some critics praised the show for its gritty realism and complex characters, while others found it to be too slow-paced and unoriginal. The show was cancelled after one season, and the final episode aired in November 1996.

Despite its short run, Public Morals remains a compelling watch for fans of police procedurals and period dramas. The show's attention to detail and strong character development make it stand out from similar shows, and its exploration of social issues gives it an additional layer of complexity. Although it may not have found the audience that it deserved during its initial run, Public Morals remains a hidden gem that is worth seeking out.

Public Morals is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between August 25, 2015 and on TNT