The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentTV SeriesMiami Vice
Entertainment • TV Series

Miami Vice

Miami Vice is an American crime drama television series that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Miami Vice is an American crime drama television series that aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989. Created by Anthony Yerkovich and executive-produced by Michael Mann, it stars Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives in Miami.

Premise

The series centers on undercover detectives Crockett and Tubbs as they investigate drug trafficking, prostitution, arms dealing, and other crimes in South Florida. Its storylines often combine police drama with a glossy, highly stylized visual approach.

Production and style

Miami Vice was created by Anthony Yerkovich and shaped creatively by Michael Mann. It became notable for location shooting, contemporary pop music, cinematic cinematography, and a fashion-forward look that distinguished it from earlier police dramas.

Broadcast history

The series premiered on NBC on September 16, 1984 and ended in 1989 after five seasons. It remained one of the defining American television dramas of the 1980s.

Cultural impact

The show influenced later crime series through its emphasis on atmosphere, music, and visual presentation. It also became closely identified with the aesthetics and excesses of 1980s television.

Key facts

  • The series follows undercover detectives Crockett and Tubbs in Miami's vice and narcotics world.
  • It became known for stylized visuals, fashion, music, and real Miami locations.
  • Miami Vice influenced television's visual style and police-procedural format.
  • The show ran for five seasons on NBC and won four Emmy Awards.
  • It is closely associated with 1980s popular culture.
🍁
Canadian context

The series aired internationally in Canada and became part of the broader North American television culture of the 1980s, with lasting influence on crime dramas viewed by Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Miami Vice?
Miami Vice was created by Anthony Yerkovich and executive-produced by Michael Mann.
Who starred in Miami Vice?
The main stars were Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs.
When did Miami Vice air?
It aired on NBC from 1984 to 1989.
Where is Miami Vice set?
The series is set in Miami, Florida, and its stories focus on undercover police work there.
How many seasons did Miami Vice have?
Miami Vice ran for five seasons.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Miami-Vice-American-television-series
    Supports: Created by Anthony Yerkovich; premiered in September 1984; ran for five seasons; stars and premise.
  2. NBChttps://www.nbc.com/miami-vice/about
    Supports: Premiere date; cast; NBC broadcast; premise; five-season run.
  3. Television Academyhttps://www.televisionacademy.com/features/emmy-magazine/articles/miami-vice-oral-history
    Supports: 1984–1989 run; 20 Emmy nominations; 4 Emmy wins; cultural style and impact.