Martial Law (1998)
A Hong Kong martial arts master joins the LAPD, bringing explosive action and sharp comedy to the streets of Los Angeles.
Martial Law - Series Information
- Original Title: Martial Law
- First Air Year: 1998
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Created by: Carlton Cuse
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 44
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 26, 1998 (Brazil - 10), September 26, 1998 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: Ley Marcial (ES), Убийственно опасный Ло (RU), Ley Marcial (MX)
- Production Companies: Cuse Productions, Ruddy Morgan Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, CBS Productions, CBS Entertainment Productions
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
Martial Law - Plot
Sammo Law spins, kicks, and chops his way through crime as a one-man police force in Los Angeles. He's a tough law enforcer who comes to the U.S. in search of a former friend and protégée — and gets drafted as part of the LAPD.
Martial Law - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Carlton Cuse
Main Cast
- Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
- Kelly Hu
- Arsenio Hall
- Gretchen Egolf
- Louis Mandylor
- Tom Wright
- Darryl Chan
- David Leitch
- Tzi Ma
- Tammy Lauren
Writers
- Carlton Cuse
- Alfred Gough
- Miles Millar
- J. Larry Carroll
- William Rabkin
Martial Law - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in Martial Law?
Hong Kong action legend Sammo Hung Kam-Bo plays Sammo Law, the series' lead character. His real-world martial arts mastery brought authenticity and spectacular fight choreography to every episode, making him one of the most physically impressive action stars ever featured in a US primetime series.
What is Martial Law about?
Martial Law follows Sammo Law, a highly skilled Chinese law enforcer who travels to Los Angeles in search of a former friend and protégée. He is subsequently recruited into the LAPD, where he uses his extraordinary martial arts abilities to fight crime alongside his American colleagues.
Why was Martial Law cancelled after season two?
Martial Law was cancelled by CBS after its second season in 2000 due to declining ratings. The show had performed strongly in its first season but lost momentum in season two following significant cast changes, including the departure of Kelly Hu and the addition of new characters that failed to resonate with audiences.
When did Martial Law first air on CBS?
Martial Law premiered on CBS on September 26, 1998. The series ran for two seasons, concluding in 2000, and aired on Saturday nights, where it initially drew strong viewership thanks to the charismatic screen presence of Sammo Hung Kam-Bo.
Who created Martial Law?
Martial Law was created by Carlton Cuse, who would later become widely known as the co-showrunner of Lost. Cuse developed the series as a vehicle to bring Hong Kong-style martial arts action to American primetime television, producing it through his company Cuse Productions alongside Ruddy Morgan Productions.
How many seasons and episodes does Martial Law have?
Martial Law ran for two seasons and a total of 44 episodes. Each season comprised 22 episodes. Season 1 aired from 1998 to 1999, and Season 2 followed from 1999 to 2000, before CBS cancelled the series at the end of its second run.
Is Martial Law based on a true story?
No, Martial Law is not based on a true story. It is an original fictional series created by Carlton Cuse. The premise of a Chinese martial arts expert joining the LAPD was conceived as an entertaining blend of Hong Kong action cinema and American buddy-cop television conventions.
What genre is Martial Law?
Martial Law blends Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, and Drama. It is primarily an action-comedy series in the tradition of buddy-cop television, distinguished by its Hong Kong-influenced martial arts choreography and the comedic interplay between its culturally diverse ensemble cast.
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