Wiseguy was a CBS network crime drama series created by Stephen J. Cannell & Frank Lupo.
The show aired from September 16, 1987, to December 8, 1990, lasting for four seasons & 75 episodes.
Plot[]
The series followed Vincent "Vinnie" Terranova, an undercover agent of the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau), a fictional division of the FBI.
"Wiseguy" kept its focus on both the mechanics of being deep undercover and the consequences of the protagonist's actions.
Cast[]
- Ken Wahl as Vincent "Vinnie" Terranova
- Jonathan Banks as Frank McPike
- Jim Byrnes as Daniel Benjamin "Lifeguard" Burroughs
- Gerald Anthony as Father Pete Terranova
- Elsa Raven as Carlotta Terranova (Aiuppo)
- Ken Jenkins as Paul Beckstead
- Dwight Ross as Mark Cermak
- Kevin Spacey as Mel Profitt
- Martika as Dahlia Mendez
Cancellation[]
"Wiseguy" was cancelled after one additional episode (with Billy Dee Williams as a guest star) aired.
The program was never the strongest ratings draw, despite the positive feedback from critics.
The loss of Ken Wahl combined with the move to a traditionally low rated Saturday night spot depleted the ratings further and the series came to its end after 75 episodes.
Ken Wahl said that the entire fourth season concept was "ridiculous" because it got away from what the had been about, whereas before the show was more character driven, CBS wanted to make the show more of an action-based crime drama and Wahl felt that he could not continue in the role if that was where they wanted to go.
Accolades[]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Casting Society of America | Best Casting for TV, Dramatic Episodic | Vicki Huff |
| 1990 | Edgar Award | Best Television Episode | David J. Burke and Alfonse Ruggiero (For episode "White Noise") |
| 1990 | Golden Globe Award | Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series - Drama | Ken Wahl |
| 1988 | Viewers for Quality Television Awards | Founder's Award | Ray Sharkey |