I've begun rewatching one of my all time favorite cop shows from the '90s, Homicide: Life On The Streets. It had been streaming on Peacock, but now it's free on Tubi. The stories take place in, and were filmed in Baltimore, The series was produced by Barry Levinson, the man responsible for the movies Diner, Rain Man, The Natural, Good Morning Viet Nam, and many more. Levinson, a native of the city explores the Baltimore Police Homicide Unit. It's gritty, dark and real, with excellent writing and character development.
It ran from 1993-1999, and never did well in the ratings, possibly because of it's Friday night time slot. In 1996, TV Guide said "it was the "best show you're not watching."
It starred Andre Braugher as Detective Pembleton, Yaphet Kotto as Chief Giardello, Melissa Leo as Detective Howard, Ned Beaty as Detective Bolander, Richard Belzer as Detective Munch (who later reprised the role in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit) and a cast cat that evolved over the show's six year run.
I'm having a big time watching season one at the moment, and enjoying the richness of every episode. I think you will too. Give it a watch and let me know what you think at van@byrne-media.com.
