The Beat (2000)
A raw, character-driven UPN police drama set on the streets of New York City, created by acclaimed television writer Tom Fontana.
The Beat - Series Information
- Original Title: The Beat
- First Air Year: 2000
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Created by: Tom Fontana
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: UPN
- Production Companies: Viacom Productions, The Levinson/Fontana Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Beat - Plot
The Beat delves into the personal and professional lives of two young police recruits who patrol New York's streets. The city's daily machinations are seen through the often bloodshot eyes of Officers Mike Dorigan and Zane Marinelli, two youthful, irreverent partners who are truly products of their generation and unique urban environment. Issues of race, excessive police force – and the unpredictable quirkiness of New York's outspoken locals – compel both men to rely on their sense of humor just to make it to the end of their shift.
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The Beat - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tom Fontana
Main Cast
- Derek Cecil
- Mark Ruffalo
- Heather Burns
- Poppy Montgomery
- Domenick Lombardozzi
- Lee Tergesen
- Jeffrey Donovan
- Vincent Guastaferro
- David Zayas
- Joseph Latimore
Writers
- Julie Martin
- Anya Epstein
- Sean Whitesell
- Eric Overmyer
- Sunil Nayar
Executive Producers
- Jim Finnerty
- Barry Levinson
- Tom Fontana
The Beat - FAQs
Is The Beat based on a true story?
The Beat is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from the real textures of New York City street policing. Creator Tom Fontana grounded the series in authentic urban detail, exploring genuine issues like racial tension and excessive force that defined NYPD life in the late 1990s.
Who plays the two lead officers in The Beat?
Derek Cecil plays Officer Mike Dorigan and Mark Ruffalo plays Officer Zane Marinelli, the two young NYPD partners at the heart of the series. Ruffalo, now an acclaimed film star, was still building his career when The Beat aired on UPN in 2000.
Why was The Beat cancelled after one season?
The Beat was cancelled after just six episodes on UPN, likely due to low ratings on a network that struggled to compete with the major broadcasters. Despite solid creative credentials from Tom Fontana, the show never found a wide enough audience to justify renewal.
Where can you stream The Beat?
The Beat has very limited streaming availability given its age and brief run. Your best option is to check JustWatch for the most up-to-date regional viewing options, as availability can vary and may include digital rental or purchase platforms depending on your location.
Who created The Beat TV series?
The Beat was created by Tom Fontana, the acclaimed television writer and producer best known for Oz and Homicide: Life on the Street. Fontana developed the series through The Levinson/Fontana Company alongside producing partner Barry Levinson, bringing their signature gritty urban storytelling to UPN.
How was The Beat received by critics?
Critical reception for The Beat was modest. Reviewers acknowledged Tom Fontana's pedigree and the show's raw New York energy, but many felt it struggled to distinguish itself in a crowded police drama landscape. The short six-episode run left little time for the series to fully develop its voice.
What are shows similar to The Beat?
Fans of The Beat will likely enjoy NYPD Blue, Third Watch, and Hill Street Blues for their gritty New York police drama energy. The Unusuals offers a similarly irreverent take on young NYPD officers, while New York Undercover and Blue Bloods round out the city's rich tradition of street-level cop storytelling.
Did any cast members of The Beat become famous?
Mark Ruffalo, who played Zane Marinelli, went on to become a major Hollywood star, earning Oscar nominations and worldwide recognition as Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Poppy Montgomery later starred in Without a Trace, and Jeffrey Donovan became well known for Burn Notice.
More About The Beat
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