8.1 / 10 (based on 106 reviews)
“The City” picks up where “Loving” left off. After a rash of serial killings, several of Corinth, Pennsylvania’s residents move to an apartment building in SoHo. These people have come to start a brand new life. While doing so, they encounter several difficult situations, including another psychopath killer, bombings, and organized crime.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Joni Allen, Philip Brown, Roscoe Born, Debbi Morgan
Creators: Agnes Nixon, James H. Brown, Barbara Esensten
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 370 episodes, 30-minute runtime
Shows Most Like The City (1995)
Search for Tomorrow (1951)
7.2 / 10 (based on 313 reviews)
Jo Gardner lived in Henderson where she wed many times. She was a motel owner, librarian, then a B&B owner with best pal Stu Bergman. Jo’s daughter Patti and Janet Bergman were good friends. Stu married first Marge, then Ellie.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Carl Low, Mary Stuart, Christopher Lowe, Leigh Lassen
Creators: Roy Winsor, Agnes Nixon
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 2213 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Secret Storm (1954)
5.2 / 10 (based on 263 reviews)
Family secrets and hidden passions are the hallmarks of this dark, moody serial. Set in the fictional community of Woodbridge, New York, The Secret Storm tells the story of the long-suffering Ames family and their seemingly endless domestic tragedies.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jada Rowland, Peter Hobbs, Lori March, Haila Stoddard
Creators: Roy Winsor
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5201 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Ryan’s Hope (1975)
7.3 / 10 (based on 514 reviews)
The trials and tribulations of The Ryans, an Irish-American family in New York City.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Helen Gallagher, Bernard Barrow, Nancy Addison, Michael Levin
Creators: Paul Avila Mayer, Claire Labine
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 2915 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Guiding Light (1952)
6.5 / 10 (based on 1756 reviews)
This show took place in the fictional Midwestern town of Springfield and centered on the middle class Bauer family.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kim Zimmer, Beth Chamberlin, Maureen Garrett, Robert Newman
Creators: Irna Phillips
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 3129 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
In the mid-90s, a TV show emerged that, despite its brief run, left an indelible mark on the landscape of television drama. “The City” (1995) wasn’t just another soap opera; it was a narrative experiment, blending traditional storytelling with an ambitious attempt to capture the essence of urban life. This article explores the show’s unique elements, its impact, and why it’s worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
The Premise
At its core, “The City” was about the lives, loves, and losses of a diverse group of people living in an unnamed metropolitan city. It was a spin-off from “Loving,” picking up after a dramatic storyline that ended with a significant portion of “Loving’s” cast being killed off in a serial killer plot. This bold narrative choice set the stage for “The City,” which aimed to be more than just a continuation but an evolution of its predecessor.
A Fresh Start
Transitioning from “Loving” to “The City,” the show underwent a significant transformation. It wasn’t just a change of setting; the show adopted a grittier, more realistic tone. The producers aimed to reflect the complexities and challenges of urban living, a departure from the often-glamorized portrayal of city life in other shows of the era.
Characters and Casting
“The City” brought together an eclectic mix of characters, from struggling artists and ambitious professionals to individuals trying to overcome their troubled pasts. The cast was diverse, not just in terms of character backgrounds but also in the representation of different races and ethnicities, which was still a relatively rare sight on TV during the mid-90s.
One of the show’s strengths was its ability to weave these various characters’ stories together, creating a tapestry of urban life that felt both expansive and intimate. The cast included Morgan Fairchild as Sydney Chase, a holdover from “Loving,” who brought a touch of glamour and scheming to the gritty new setting. Other notable characters included Angie Hubbard (played by Debbi Morgan) and her son, Frank Hubbard (Alimi Ballard), whose narratives explored themes of family, ambition, and the search for identity.
Storytelling Techniques
“The City” utilized various storytelling techniques to set itself apart from other soaps and dramas of the time. The show was filmed on location in New York City, which added an authentic urban backdrop to the unfolding drama. This choice not only enhanced the show’s visual appeal but also grounded the stories in a recognizable reality, making the characters’ experiences more relatable.
Moreover, “The City” experimented with its narrative structure, occasionally using non-linear storytelling and flashbacks to delve deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. This approach allowed for a more nuanced exploration of themes like redemption, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
The Impact
Despite its innovative approach and critical acclaim, “The City” struggled to find a large audience. The show was canceled after just two years, leaving fans disappointed and the storylines unresolved. However, its legacy lives on in several ways.
Firstly, “The City” was ahead of its time in terms of diversity and representation. At a time when television was still predominantly white, the show made a deliberate effort to include characters from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, offering a more inclusive vision of city life.
Secondly, the show’s willingness to tackle complex social issues set a precedent for future dramas. From exploring the challenges of single parenthood and the struggles of the working class to addressing topics like addiction and domestic violence, “The City” didn’t shy away from the darker aspects of urban living.
Why It’s Worth Watching
For those who missed “The City” during its original run or are looking for a hidden gem from the 90s, there are several reasons to give this show a chance.
Groundbreaking Representation
Seeing a diverse cast and complex characters dealing with real-life issues was refreshing in the mid-90s and remains impactful today. “The City” offers a glimpse into the early efforts to bring more inclusivity to television.
Engaging Storylines
Despite its short run, “The City” managed to pack a punch with its storylines. The show’s mix of personal drama, romance, and the occasional thriller element keeps it engaging from start to finish.
Historical Insight
Watching “The City” now also provides an interesting look back at how urban life was portrayed in the mid-90s. It serves as a cultural time capsule, reflecting the hopes, fears, and challenges of that era.
Conclusion
“The City” (1995) may not have enjoyed the longevity of other shows from its time, but its impact and ambition make it a noteworthy chapter in television history. Its attempt to blend soap opera drama with a more realistic portrayal of city life was a bold move that, in many ways, paved the way for the more diverse and complex narratives we see on TV today.
For fans of drama, history buffs, or anyone interested in the evolution of television storytelling, “The City” offers a unique and compelling viewing experience. Its blend of memorable characters, engaging plots, and a willingness to tackle tough issues make it more than just a forgotten 90s show—it’s a glimpse into the changing landscape of television and a reminder of the medium’s potential to reflect and influence the world around us.