Night Heat (1985)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: Night Heat

Genre: Crime, Drama

Creator: Larry Jacobson,Sonny Grosso

Cast: Stephen Mendel, Eugene Clark, Jeff Wincott, Allan Royal, Scott Hylands, Susan Hogan, Sean McCann, Andrea Roth, Stevie Vallance

First aired: Jan 30, 1985

Last air date: Jan 4, 1989

Overview: Night Heat was a Canadian police drama series. It starred Allan Royal as journalist Tom Kirkwood, who chronicled the nightly police beat of detectives Kevin O'Brien and Frank Giambone in an unnamed northeastern North American metropolis. The police crime drama series aired on both CTV in Canada and CBS in the United States from 1985 to 1989. Night Heat was conceived by Sonny Grosso, a former New York City Police Department detective. Grosso served as the show's executive producer along with his partner, Larry Jacobson.

"Night Heat" was indeed a notable entry in the crime drama genre of the 1980s. It holds the distinction of being one of the first Canadian series to air on a major U.S. network, CBS, which was quite an achievement at the time. The show was known for its gritty portrayal of police work and urban crime, capturing the essence of nighttime city life with a realistic edge.

The series was filmed in Toronto, which stood in for the show's unnamed city. This choice of location added a unique visual style that differentiated it from other crime dramas of the era. The collaboration between the Canadian and American production teams helped pave the way for future cross-border television projects.

Sonny Grosso, one of the creators, brought authenticity to "Night Heat" with his real-life experience as a detective, which was also the inspiration behind the classic film "The French Connection." This background lent a layer of realism to the show's storytelling, resonating with audiences who appreciated the blend of drama and procedural elements.

The series ran for four seasons, concluding in early 1989, and left a lasting impact on the genre, remembered for its strong performances and engaging narratives.