Miami Vice title image

Miami Vice

NBC · 1984–1989 · 5 Seasons · 111 Episodes · Ended
crimedramapolice procedural
85
Fan Heat

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About Miami Vice

Miami Vice is an American crime drama that ran on NBC from 1984 to 1989, following two undercover detectives in the Metro-Dade Police Department vice squad as they investigate drug trafficking, smuggling, and organized crime across South Florida. James 'Sonny' Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs operate in a world of fast boats, luxury cars, and high-stakes deals, often blurring the line between the criminals they pursue and the lifestyles they must imitate to maintain their cover.

Created by Anthony Yerkovich and developed under executive producer Michael Mann, the series became known for its distinctive visual style: pastel color palettes, sleek fashion, art-deco Miami architecture, and a cinematic, music-video sensibility unusual for network television of its era. The show treated its city almost as a character, using neon-lit nights and sun-bleached days to frame stories about ambition, loyalty, and moral compromise.

Beyond its look, Miami Vice was celebrated for its pioneering use of contemporary pop and rock music, frequently building scenes around hit songs rather than a traditional orchestral score. Over five seasons the series balanced episodic investigations with longer character arcs, exploring the personal costs of undercover work and the toll it took on the detectives and the people around them.

Production Details & Legacy

Miami Vice was created by Anthony Yerkovich and originally aired on NBC, with streaming available on NBC. The series ran for 5 seasons and 111 episodes from 1984–1989, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the crime and drama and police procedural genres. Since its conclusion, Miami Vice has continued to attract new viewers through streaming platforms and remains a frequent subject of critical reappraisal and fan discussion.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from Miami Vice, including Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson), Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas), Martin Castillo (Edward James Olmos). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

Miami Vice holds a Fan Heat Score of 85 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. This strong score reflects sustained fan engagement and cultural relevance that extends well beyond its original air dates. The series is notable for its crime, drama, 1980s qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

Miami Vice follows Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, two undercover detectives in the Metro-Dade Police Department vice squad, as they investigate drug trafficking and organized crime in 1980s Miami. The series is known for its stylish visuals, fashion, and heavy use of popular music.

Miami Vice ran for five seasons on NBC from 1984 to 1989, with approximately 111 episodes. (Episode totals can vary by source and are flagged for fact-check.)

Miami Vice was created by Anthony Yerkovich and developed for television under executive producer Michael Mann, whose cinematic approach helped define the show's signature look and sound.