Naked City (1958)
A landmark ABC police drama that brought the gritty streets of New York City to life through unflinching, semi-documentary storytelling.
Naked City - Series Information
- Original Title: Naked City
- First Air Year: 1958
- Last Air Year: 1963
- Created by: Stirling Silliphant
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 138
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 30, 1958 (United States - TV-MA), September 30, 1958 (Germany - 16), September 30, 1958 (France - 18), September 30, 1958 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Companies: Shelle Productions, Screen Gems Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Naked City - Plot
Naked City is a police drama series which aired from 1958 to 1963 on the ABC television network. It was inspired by the 1948 motion picture of the same name, and mimics its dramatic "semi-documentary" format. In 1997, the episode "Sweet Prince of Delancey Street" was ranked #93 on TV Guide's "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time".
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Naked City - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Stirling Silliphant
Main Cast
- Harry Bellaver
- Horace McMahon
- Paul Burke
- Lawrence Dobkin
- Nancy Malone
- James Franciscus
- Herbert B. Leonard
- John McIntire
- Charles Dierkop
- Sorrell Booke
Writers
- Howard Rodman
- Stirling Silliphant
- Gilbert Ralston
- Arnold Manoff
- Norman Lessing
Naked City - FAQs
Where can you watch Naked City today?
Naked City is available to purchase digitally through Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. The series is not currently included in any major subscription streaming library, so purchasing individual episodes or seasons remains the most accessible viewing option for modern audiences.
Is Naked City based on a true story?
Naked City is not based on a single true story, but it was inspired by the 1948 semi-documentary film of the same name, which itself drew on real New York City police cases. The series adopted a gritty, realistic style meant to evoke authentic NYPD detective work on the streets of New York.
Who are the main actors in Naked City?
The principal cast of Naked City includes Harry Bellaver as Frank Arcaro, Horace McMahon as Mike Parker, Paul Burke as Adam Flint, John McIntire as Daniel Muldoon, James Franciscus as Jimmy Halloran, and Nancy Malone as Libby Kingston, among others.
What is Naked City about?
Naked City follows NYPD detectives navigating crime and human drama across New York City. Inspired by the 1948 film, the series employs a semi-documentary style, grounding each case in the texture of real city life. Critics praised its atmospheric realism and willingness to explore morally complex, character-driven stories.
Did Naked City win any awards?
Naked City earned significant critical recognition during its run, including Emmy Award nominations. The episode "Sweet Prince of Delancey Street" was ranked number 93 on TV Guide's prestigious list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time in 1997, cementing the series' lasting cultural legacy.
How many seasons and episodes does Naked City have?
Naked City ran for four seasons and a total of 138 episodes on ABC. Season 1 contained 39 episodes, Season 2 had 32, Season 3 featured 33, and Season 4 concluded the series with 34 episodes, spanning from 1958 to 1963.
Who created the Naked City TV series?
Naked City was created by Stirling Silliphant, the acclaimed screenwriter who later won an Academy Award for In the Heat of the Night. Silliphant also contributed directly as a writer on the series, shaping its distinctive voice and semi-documentary storytelling approach.
What is the famous tagline from Naked City?
Naked City is remembered for its iconic closing narration: "There are eight million stories in the Naked City." This phrase became one of the most quoted lines in American television history, perfectly capturing the series' philosophy of finding compelling human drama in every corner of New York.
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