Dark Blue (2009)
A gritty TNT undercover crime drama set in the criminal shadows of Los Angeles, starring Dylan McDermott as a morally conflicted LAPD lieutenant.
Dark Blue - Series Information
- Original Title: Dark Blue
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Danny Cannon
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 15, 2009 (United States - TV-MA), July 15, 2009 (Germany - 16)
- Networks: TNT
- Production Companies: Warner Horizon Television, Turner Network Television
Dark Blue - Plot
Wandering in and out of the underbelly of Los Angeles, where criminals roam free under the veil of night or hide in the shadows of day, is routine for Lieutenant Carter Shaw and his special undercover task force. This team understands that to bring down a criminal, one must first get on their level.
Dark Blue - Trailer
See the undercover world of Los Angeles come to life in the official trailer:
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Dark Blue - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Danny Cannon
Main Cast
- Logan Marshall-Green
- Dylan McDermott
- Nicki Aycox
- Omari Hardwick
- Tricia Helfer
- Smith Cho
- Meta Golding
- Bertrand Roberson Jr.
- Tyrees Allen
- Noah Bean
Dark Blue - FAQs
Why was Dark Blue cancelled after two seasons?
Dark Blue was cancelled by TNT in 2010 after two seasons, largely due to declining viewership. Despite a solid premise and a capable cast led by Dylan McDermott, the series struggled to build a large enough audience to justify renewal, a fate shared by many mid-tier cable dramas of that era.
What is Dark Blue about?
Dark Blue centers on Lieutenant Carter Shaw, a seasoned LAPD officer who commands a secretive undercover task force. Operating deep in the criminal underworld of Los Angeles, Shaw and his team blur the line between cop and criminal to bring down dangerous targets — a morally complex balancing act that drives the drama.
Where can you watch Dark Blue online?
Dark Blue is available to purchase digitally. You can buy episodes or seasons on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. There is currently no subscription streaming option, so purchasing is the most reliable way to watch the full series.
Who plays Carter Shaw in Dark Blue?
Carter Shaw is played by Dylan McDermott, who serves as the commanding presence at the heart of the series. McDermott portrays the morally conflicted lieutenant with intensity and charisma, anchoring a cast that also includes Logan Marshall-Green, Omari Hardwick, Tricia Helfer, and Nicki Aycox.
Is Dark Blue based on a true story?
Dark Blue is not based on a single true story, but it draws inspiration from real undercover police operations in Los Angeles. The series reflects the genuine psychological toll and ethical ambiguity faced by deep-cover officers, grounding its fictional drama in the realities of LAPD undercover work.
How many seasons and episodes does Dark Blue have?
Dark Blue ran for two seasons on TNT, each containing 10 episodes, for a total of 20 episodes. Season 1 premiered in July 2009 and Season 2 followed in 2010, after which TNT cancelled the series. The compact run makes it an easy binge for fans of undercover crime dramas.
How was Dark Blue received by critics and audiences?
Dark Blue received a mixed-to-moderate critical reception. Reviewers praised Dylan McDermott's performance and the show's gritty Los Angeles atmosphere, but some felt the writing leaned on familiar undercover-cop tropes. Audiences responded warmly at first, though ratings softened in Season 2, ultimately leading to cancellation.
What shows are similar to Dark Blue?
If Dark Blue appeals to you, consider The Shield, a gripping look at morally compromised LAPD officers, or Ray Donovan for more LA-set crime drama. The Closer and 21 Jump Street also share the undercover or procedural DNA that makes Dark Blue compelling viewing for fans of the genre.
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