61st Street (TV series)

{{Short description|2022 American legal drama television series}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}

{{Infobox television

| image = 61st Street.png

| image_size =

| caption =

| genre = {{plainlist|

}}

| creator = Peter Moffat

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| writer =

| director =

| music = Laura Karpman

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_seasons = 2

| num_episodes = 16

| list_episodes =

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

  • Peter Moffat
  • Michael B. Jordan
  • Alana Mayo
  • Hilary Salmon
  • Courtney B. Vance
  • J. David Shanks

}}

| producer =

| location =

| cinematography =

| editor =

| camera =

| runtime =

| company = {{Plainlist|

}}

| channel = AMC

| first_aired = {{Start date|2022|04|10}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2022|05|29}}

| channel2 = The CW

| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2024|07|22}}

| last_aired2 = {{End date|2024|09|09}}

}}

61st Street is an American legal drama television series created by Peter Moffat that premiered on AMC on April 10, 2022. A second season was produced;{{Cite web |title='61st Street': AMC Reveals Exciting First Look at Season 2 |url=https://collider.com/61st-street-season-2-first-look-amc/ |website=Collider |first=Matt |last=Villei |date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022}} however, in January 2023, AMC decided against airing it.{{cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=AMC Scraps '61st Street' Season 2, 'Invitation to a Bonfire' Series (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/amc-61st-street-season-2-invitation-to-a-bonfire-series-1235480147/ |website=Variety |date=January 5, 2023 |access-date=January 5, 2023}} In May 2023, The CW acquired the series,{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=2023-05-12 |title=Courtney B. Vance-Starrer '61st Street' Picked Up By The CW After AMC Cancellation |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/courtney-b-vance-61st-street-picked-up-the-cw-amc-cancellation-1235364961/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} rebroadcasting the first season in the US on July 22, 2023, on The CW app exclusively and then airing it on linear TV in October 2023.{{Citation needed|reason=This statement needs to be supported by a citation of a reliable source.|date=July 2024}} The second season premiered on July 22, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/61st-street-season-2-premiere-date-cw-1235901302/|title=Courtney B. Vance & Aunjanue Ellis-Led Drama '61st Street' Sets Season 2 Premiere Date|date=March 11, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024|work=Deadline|last=Cordero|first=Rosy}}

Premise of pilot

Moses Johnson, a promising, black high school athlete, is swept up into the infamously corrupt Chicago criminal justice system. Taken by the police as a supposed gang member, Johnson finds himself and his lawyer Franklin Roberts in the eye of the storm as police and prosecutors seek revenge for the death of an officer during a drug bust gone wrong.

Cast and characters

=Main=

=Recurring=

  • Patrick Mulvey as Michael Rossi (season 1)
  • Rebecca Spence as Jessica Rossi
  • Jarell Maximillian Sullivan as David Roberts
  • Matthew Elam as TJ (season 1; guest season 2)
  • Jon Michael Hill as Pastor Richards
  • Ben Barten as James Frater
  • Kamal Angelo Bolden as Young
  • Emily Althaus as Nicole Carter
  • James Vincent Meredith as Dr. Algren (season 1; guest season 2)
  • Erik Hellman as Peter
  • Julian Parker as Dante Blake
  • Jerod Haynes as Big Phil
  • Malkia Stampley as Marisol
  • Rashada Dawan as Janet Porter (season 1)
  • Madison Dirks as Marty Gallagher
  • Morocco Omari as Speak (season 1)
  • Sammy A. Publes as Coach Angelo (season 1)
  • Michael Patrick Thornton as Michael Patrick Thornton (season 1)
  • Jayson Lee as Calvin Harris (season 1)
  • Al'Jaleel McGhee as Lotty
  • Antonie Pierre as Deputy Moss (season 1)
  • David Parkes as Rick Leonard (season 2; guest season 1)
  • Manuk Aret as Alex (season 2; guest season 1)
  • Karen Aldridge as Naimah Watts (season 2)
  • Paul Turner as Wayne Morris (season 2)
  • Brenda Strong as Kim Pearson (season 2)

Episodes

=Series overview=

{{Series overview

| color1 = #000000

| link1 = #Season 1 (2022)

| episodes1 = 8

| start1 = {{Start date|2022|04|10}}

| end1 = {{End date|2022|05|29}}

| network1 = AMC

| color2 = #FFA94D

| link2 = #Season 2 (2024)

| episodes2 = 8

| start2 = {{Start date|2024|07|22}}

| end2 = {{End date|2024|09|09}}

| network2 = The CW

}}

=Season 1 (2022)=

{{Episode table |background=#000000 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |country=U.S. |viewers= |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 1

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Pilot

|DirectedBy = Marta Cunningham

|WrittenBy = Peter Moffat

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|10}}

|Viewers = 0.39{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-4-10-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 4.10.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=April 12, 2022|access-date=April 12, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 2

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = The Hunter and the Hunted

|DirectedBy = Marta Cunningham

|WrittenBy = Olumide Odebunmi & Tolu Awosika

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|17}}

|Viewers = 0.22{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-4-17-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 4.17.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=April 19, 2022|access-date=April 19, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 3

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Barefoot and Dangerous

|DirectedBy = Ramaa Mosley

|WrittenBy = Allison Davis

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|04|24}}

|Viewers = 0.22{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-4-24-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 4.24.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=April 26, 2022|access-date=April 26, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 4

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Chess Moves and Poker Chips

|DirectedBy = Ramaa Mosley

|WrittenBy = J. David Shanks

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|05|01}}

|Viewers = 0.22{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-5-1-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 5.1.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=May 3, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 5

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Over the Wall

|DirectedBy = Ali Selim

|WrittenBy = Sarah Beckett

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|05|08}}

|Viewers = 0.18{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-5-8-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 5.8.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=May 10, 2022|access-date=May 15, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 6

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Sins of the Fathers

|DirectedBy = Ali Selim

|WrittenBy = Frank Baldwin

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|05|15}}

|Viewers = 0.16{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-5-15-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 5.15.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=May 17, 2022|access-date=May 18, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 7

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = The Two Trials

|DirectedBy = Darren Grant

|WrittenBy = Olumide Odebunmi & Tolu Awosika

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|05|22}}

|Viewers = 0.17{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-5-22-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 5.22.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=May 24, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 8

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = Man on Fire

|DirectedBy = Darren Grant

|WrittenBy = Peter Moffat

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|05|29}}

|Viewers = 0.16{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-sunday-5-29-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 5.29.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|date=June 1, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 000000

}}

}}

=Season 2 (2024)=

{{Episode table |background=#FFA94D |overall= |season= |title= |titleR={{cite web |title=Stan - 61st Street |url=https://www.stan.com.au/watch/61st-street |website=Stan |access-date=July 15, 2023}} |director= |writer= |writerR={{Cite web |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1216490/61st-street/ |title=61st Street |website=Writers Guild of America West |access-date=February 15, 2022}} |airdate= |airdateR= |airdateT=Australia air date |altdate= |altdateT=U.S. air date |altdateR={{cite web |title=Shows A-Z – 61st Street on The CW |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/61st-street/listings/ |website=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 10, 2024}} |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 9

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = After the Morning After

|DirectedBy = Solvan 'Slick' Naim

|WrittenBy = Allison Davis

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|07|04}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|07|22}}

|Viewers = 0.21{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-bob-newhart-special-on-cbs-highlights-prime-time/|title=Monday Ratings: Bob Newhart Special on CBS Highlights Prime Time|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=July 26, 2024|access-date=July 27, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 10

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Trust Me

|DirectedBy = Solvan 'Slick' Naim

|WrittenBy = Sarah Beckett

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|07|04}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|07|29}}

|Viewers = 0.18{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-u-s-mens-gymnastics-historic-team-bronze-highlights-nbc-prime-time-paris-olympics-coverage/|title=Monday Ratings: U.S. Men's Gymnastics' Historic Team Bronze Highlights NBC Prime Time Paris Olympics Coverage|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=July 31, 2024|access-date=July 31, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 11

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Do No Harm

|DirectedBy = Michael Trim

|WrittenBy = Frank Baldwin

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|07|11}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|08|05}}

|Viewers = 0.17{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-final-night-of-gymnastics-lift-paris-summer-olympics-on-nbc/|title=Monday Ratings: Final Night of Gymnastics Lift Paris Summer Olympics on NBC|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=August 7, 2024|access-date=August 7, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 12

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Kamikaze

|DirectedBy = Michael Trim

|WrittenBy = Olumide Odebunmi & Tolu Awosika

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|07|18}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|08|12}}

|Viewers = 0.20{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-cable-networks-take-top-prime-time-honors-in-each-total-viewers-and-demos/|title=Monday Ratings: Cable Networks Take Top Prime Time Honors in Each Total Viewers and Demos|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=August 15, 2024|access-date=August 15, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 13

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Two Truths and a Lie

|DirectedBy = Erin K. Feeley

|WrittenBy = Allison Davis

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|07|25}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|08|19}}

|Viewers = 0.18{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-cable-news-tops-prime-time-as-democratic-convention-first-night-combines-for-20-million-viewers-on-tv/|title=Monday Ratings: Cable News Tops Prime Time as Democratic Convention First Night Combines for 20 Million Viewers on TV|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=August 21, 2024|access-date=August 21, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 14

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Argue the Facts

|DirectedBy = Erin K. Feeley

|WrittenBy = J. David Shanks

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|01}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|08|26}}

|Viewers = 0.18{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-ncis-reruns-put-cbs-on-top-of-broadcast-networks-in-prime-time-total-audience/|title=Monday Ratings: NCIS Reruns Put CBS on Top of Broadcast Networks in Prime Time Total Audience|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=August 27, 2024|access-date=August 27, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 15

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = The Offer

|DirectedBy = Ramaa Mosley

|WrittenBy = Frank Baldwin

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|08}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|09|02}}

|Viewers = 0.16{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-espn-earns-prime-time-victory-with-college-football/|title=Monday Ratings: ESPN Earns Prime Time Victory with College Football|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=September 5, 2024|access-date=September 5, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 16

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = Judgement Day

|DirectedBy = Ramaa Mosley

|WrittenBy = Frank Baldwin

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|08|15}}

|AltDate = {{End date|2024|09|09}}

|Viewers = 0.15{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-monday-night-football-season-debut-posts-near-21-million-on-abc-and-espn-platforms/|title=Monday Ratings: ‘Monday Night Football’ Season Debut Posts Near 21 Million on ABC and ESPN Platforms|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=September 10, 2024|access-date=September 10, 2024}}

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = FFA94D

}}

}}

Production

=Development=

In February 2019, AMC began development on 61st Street which was created by Peter Moffat who is executive producing alongside Michael B. Jordan and Alana Mayo.{{cite web|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=AMC Opens Writers Room For '61st Street' Drama From Peter Moffat & Michael B. Jordan|url=https://deadline.com/2019/02/amc-writers-room-61st-street-drama-peter-moffat-michael-b-jordan-1202553562/|date=February 9, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} In October 2019, AMC greenlighted the series and gave it a two-season order,{{cite web|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=AMC Orders Series '61st Street' & 'Kevin Can F**k Himself'|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/61st-street-kevin-can-fk-himself-amc-series-1202748625/|date=October 1, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} with each season consisting of eight episodes.{{cite web|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|title=Courtney B. Vance To Topline AMC Courtroom Drama '61st Street' From Peter Moffat – TCA|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/courtney-b-vance-amc-61st-street-peter-moffat-tca-1202832970/|date=January 16, 2020|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} Series star Courtney B. Vance serves as an executive producer.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Grobar|title='61st Street' Creatives Examine "Systemic Issues" Faced In U.S. Through "Microcosm" Of One City – TCA|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/61st-street-courtney-b-vance-j-david-shanks-alana-mayo-amc-tca-1234816225/|date=August 17, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}}

=Casting=

In January 2020, Courtney B. Vance, Tosin Cole and Bentley Green were cast in the series.{{cite web|first=Denise|last=Petski|title=Tosin Cole To Star Opposite Courtney B. Vance In AMC's '61st Street'; Bentley Green Also Cast|url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/tosin-cole-bentley-green-join-courtney-b-vance-amc-61st-street-1202839424/|date=January 23, 2020|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} In May 2020, Eric Lange was cast in the series.{{cite web|author1=Nellie Andreeva|author2=Denise Petski|title=Eric Lange Joins AMC's Courtroom Drama '61st Street'|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/eric-lange-cast-amc-courtroom-drama-61st-street-1202929975/|date=May 8, 2020|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} In February 2021, Holt McCallany replaced Lange; and Aunjanue Ellis, Killian Scott, and Andrene Ward-Hammond were cast in the series.{{cite web|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title=Holt McCallany, Aunjanue Ellis & Killian Scott Join '61st Street' AMC Series|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/holt-mccallany-aunjanue-ellis-killian-scott-cast-61st-street-amc-series-1234695033/|date=February 17, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} In March 2021, Jerod Haynes was cast in the series.{{cite web|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|title='61st Street': Jerod Haynes Joins AMC Series As Recurring|url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/61st-street-jerod-haynes-season-4-amc-series-recurring-1234720391/|date=March 23, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}} In May 2021, Mark O'Brien replaced Killian Scott as Officer Logan in the series.{{cite web|first=Justin|last=Kroll|title='City On A Hill's Mark O'Brien Joins AMC Series '61st Street'|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/city-on-the-hills-mark-obrien-amcs-1234761903/|date=May 21, 2021|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=August 25, 2021}}

Release

The series was originally set to premiere in 2021. The premiere was delayed and it premiered on April 10, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Villei |first1=Matt |title='61st Street' Series Starring Tosin Cole and Courtney B. Vance Reveals Release Date on AMC |url=https://collider.com/61st-street-series-release-date-tosin-cole-courtney-b-vance-amc/ |website=Collider |access-date=February 15, 2022 |date=February 5, 2022}} The second season of the series had already been filmed, but was dropped by AMC as part of cost-cutting measures announced in December 2022. In May 2023, The CW acquired the series.{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=BreAnna |date=2023-05-12 |title=The CW Acquires Courtney B. Vance's '61st Street' |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-cw-courtney-b-vance-61st-street-1235611276/ |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

The second season premiered on July 4, 2023 on Australian streaming service Stan.{{cite web |last1=Abdullah |first1=Immy |title=A closer look at every show and movie that's coming to Stan in July 2023 |url=https://www.nine.com.au/entertainment/latest/stan-july-twisted-metal-season-2-heels-minx-rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-season-8-winner-stream-month/ce297edd-6c7f-4e05-a975-90f73d413d9e |website=Nine.com.au |access-date=July 15, 2023 |date=June 28, 2023}}

Reception

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 69% approval rating with an average rating of 6.2/10, based on 16 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "61st Street is situated smack dab in a clichéd zip code of television drama, but terrific performances by Courtney B. Vance and a strong supporting cast provide some local attraction."{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=61st_street|title=61st Street|type=tv|season=1|access-date=May 9, 2022}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 66 out of 100 based on 11 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{Cite Metacritic|id=61st-street|title=61st Street|type=tv|season=1|access-date=May 9, 2022}}{{cbignore}}

References

{{reflist}}