In 1994, New York Undercover premiered on FOX, and the world of crime drama was forever changed. Not only was the show a viewer favorite for five seasons, but it continues to have an impact on creators today. Here’s a closer look at this influential TV series and what made it stand out. 

A Brief Summary of the Premise

New York Undercover showcased the personal and professional lives of two NYC detectives: J.C. Williams and Eddie Torres. They worked for the Fourth Precinct, where they mainly investigated and solved drug-related cases. In between detective work, this engaging drama focused on J.C.’s life as a single father, including his interactions with his son and ex-girlfriend. Eddie’s arc featured parental health issues and a romantic relationship with Detective Nina Moreno.

Why It Was So Impactful

In 1996, co-executive producer Dick Wolf told the New York Times, "We felt there was a huge minority audience out there that did not have a show to identify with." New York Undercover answered this call for representation by featuring two people of color as co-stars—Det. Eddie Torres (Michael DeLorenzo) was Puerto Rican and Det. J.C. Williams (Malik Yoba) was black. Even better, the show was scheduled on Thursday nights, when two other minority-led shows aired: Martin and Living Single. 

In addition to smart casting choices, New York Undercover was well-loved because it intertwined crime drama with pop culture references. More specifically, it focused on hip-hop culture. One of the most talked-about episodes, “Kill the Noise,” was based on the murder of 2Pac. Notorious B.I.G. was a notable guest star, while Gladys Knight owned an after-hours club called Natalie’s. Ice-T, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and several NBA players had extended roles, while D'Angelo performed the title track live. Up-and-coming stars and R & B veterans alike appeared on the soundtrack, such as Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, and Groove Theory. From the audio to the visuals, the spirit of New York in the 90s was clear as day.

If you loved tuning into New York Undercover or continue to watch other crime dramas, look to the 85 Central web series for your next action fix. The series’ creators were inspired by classic cop shows like New York Undercover, and their program features nostalgic nods to this classic era. Instead of NYC, their TV series is filmed and centered in North Carolina, but it features all the grit and suspense you’d expect from an urban epicenter. You can binge-watch 85 Central on Amazon or catch trailers on Youtube. Call (336) 517-7945 to get in touch with a team member.