Detroit 1-8-7

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Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2010
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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Critic Reviews

  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    88
    What will remain is the terrific, admirably diverse cast; the tough-but-uncynical attitude; and, perhaps best of all, the out-of-the-TV-norm location. The show isn't just set in Detroit; it's shot there, which gives it an authenticity and a palpable sense of place.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    80
    Detroit 1-8-7 is a lovingly updated tribute to shows that were on the air so long ago that almost none of the detectives were black.
  3. Zap2it (Inside the Box)
    Reviewed by: Rick Porter
    80
    The location shooting and some very strong performances lift it above standard cop-show fare.
  5. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Dec 14, 2010
    75
    The series has developed its own original rhythm, each week breaking cases down into unexpectedly punchy vignettes. The cast is excellent. [6 Dec 2010, p.50]
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  6. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    75
    Absent the overworked conceit of actors glancing at the camera to register annoyance or irony, this has turned into just another well-produced cop show with some excellent actors, like Imperioli or James McDaniel, who plays Det. Jesse Long and played Lt. Arthur Fancy on "NYPD Blue."
  7. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    Ultimately, Detroit 1-8-7, ABC's new cop series just may have enough forward thrust and raw emotion to take off.
  8. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    70
    NYPD Blue's James McDaniel joins Imperioli and a fine cast, including the City of Detroit itself, in this show that tries to imbue a Cops-like documentary feel to its action, all shot on location.
  9. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Erik Pedersen
    70
    It's definitely worth sampling, but impatient viewers might not return to the scene of the crimes.
  10. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    70
    Besides the location, there's little about Detroit that is particularly new or groundbreaking, but it should easily satisfy the millions who seem to have a bottomless appetite for this genre. There are plenty that do it worse.
  11. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Chris Conaton
    70
    Detroit 1-8-7 has a long way to go before it comes close to equaling Homicide, but it's off to a promising start.
  12. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    67
    Detroit's on-location shooting aids its authenticity, but the show goes awry when it goes for a joke. For example, medical examiner Abbey Ward (Erin Cummings, "Mad Men") carries bruises from her after-hours avocation: roller derby. Detroit 1-8-7 is one of those shows that is going to need some time to finds its destination.
  13. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Dan Snierson
    67
    1-8-7 doesn't pop with the gritty-city dynamism of, say, The Shield, leaving us to wonder whether this is another perfectly fine cop show going by on the assembly line.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best TV Season of 2010
36
#36 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. E554551N
    Sep 21, 2010
    9
    Interesting, well directed, and yielding more surprises and intrigue then one would expect from a seemingly common show. We shall see if timeInteresting, well directed, and yielding more surprises and intrigue then one would expect from a seemingly common show. We shall see if time will drain such surprises from a show with great potential. 9/10… Full Review »
  2. Dostoevsky
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Brilliant, distinctive, striking, superb, exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvelous, splendid, ingenious - there are not enoughBrilliant, distinctive, striking, superb, exceptional, glorious, magnificent, marvelous, splendid, ingenious - there are not enough commendable words in the English language to describe this show. Absolutely wonderful in every way.… Full Review »
  3. frankdatank
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Ever since I was left orphan of my gritty cop show fix when both Homicide and NYPD Blue signed off the air I was hoping for a new show to fillEver since I was left orphan of my gritty cop show fix when both Homicide and NYPD Blue signed off the air I was hoping for a new show to fill that hole. I've finally found it! Detroit 187 not only recaptures the spirit of those landmark shows but it's clearly revitalizing a genre that's been hostage of the mind-numbing crime Cbs procedurals for too long. Get drawn into the compelling stories of Detroit 187!… Full Review »
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