Wiseguy (1987)
The gritty CBS crime drama that pioneered serialized television storytelling, following a deep-cover agent navigating the deadly world of organized crime.
Wiseguy - Series Information
- Original Title: Wiseguy
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1990
- Created by: Frank Lupo, Stephen J. Cannell
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 75
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 16, 1987 (United States - TV-14), September 16, 1987 (Germany - 12), September 16, 1987 (France - 12), September 16, 1987 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Stephen J. Cannell Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Wiseguy - Plot
Vinnie Terranova does time in a New Jersey penitentiary to set up his undercover role as an agent for the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau) of the United States. His roots in a traditional Italian city neighborhood form the underlying dramatic base throughout the series, bringing him into conflict with his conservative mother and other family members while acting undercover as syndicate enforcer.
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Wiseguy - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Frank Lupo
- Stephen J. Cannell
Main Cast
- Jonathan Banks
- Jim Byrnes
- Ken Wahl
- William Russ
- Patti D'Arbanville
- Elsa Raven
- Steven Bauer
- Cecil Hoffman
- Maximilian Schell
- Ken Jenkins
Writers
- David J. Burke
- John Schulian
- Clifton Campbell
- Stephen J. Cannell
- Robert Engels
Executive Producers
- Stephen J. Cannell
Wiseguy - FAQs
Where can you stream Wiseguy online?
Wiseguy is available to stream on several platforms in the United States, including Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, fuboTV, and Tubi TV (free with ads). You can also rent or buy episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Did Kevin Spacey appear in Wiseguy?
Yes, Kevin Spacey had a memorable early-career role in Wiseguy, playing the eccentric and menacing villain Mel Profitt during Season 2. His performance alongside Ray Sharkey is widely regarded as one of the most compelling story arcs in the series and helped raise his profile considerably.
What is Wiseguy about?
Wiseguy follows Vinnie Terranova, an undercover agent for the Organized Crime Bureau who serves prison time to establish his criminal cover. Each season features a distinct multi-episode story arc as Vinnie infiltrates different criminal organizations, all while navigating the tension between his dangerous double life and his Italian-American family values.
How many seasons does Wiseguy have?
Wiseguy ran for 4 seasons on CBS, comprising 75 episodes in total. Season 1 through Season 3 each contained 22 episodes, while Season 4 wrapped the series with 9 episodes. The show also has a collection of special episodes catalogued separately.
Who created the TV series Wiseguy?
Wiseguy was created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J. Cannell, the prolific television producer behind numerous hit series. The show was produced through Stephen J. Cannell Productions and aired on CBS beginning in September 1987, running until 1990.
Is Wiseguy based on a true story?
Wiseguy is not directly based on a single true story, but it draws heavily on real-world FBI and law enforcement undercover operations targeting organized crime. The show's realistic portrayal of deep-cover work and its consequences gave it a grounded, documentary-like credibility that set it apart from typical crime dramas of the era.
Who are the main actors in Wiseguy?
The series stars Ken Wahl as undercover agent Vinnie Terranova, Jonathan Banks as his handler Frank McPike, and Jim Byrnes as contact Lifeguard. Notable guest cast across seasons includes Steven Bauer, Maximilian Schell, William Russ, Cecil Hoffman, Kevin Spacey, and Ray Sharkey.
How was Wiseguy received by critics?
Wiseguy earned strong critical acclaim during its run, praised for its serialized storytelling structure, which was innovative for network television at the time. Critics highlighted its complex characters, morally ambiguous narratives, and cinematic production values. It is frequently cited as a forerunner of the prestige drama format that became dominant in later decades.
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