Fox's 'The Chicago Code' will go on active duty Feb. 7
Fox's "The Chicago Code," the much anticipated cop drama from producer Shawn Ryan ("The Shield," "Terriers") will premiere on Monday, Feb. 7, which is the night following the network's coverage of the Super Bowl, in the 9 p.m. time slot.
The show, which stars Jason Clarke as a rule-bending veteran Chicago detective juggling work, an ex-wife, a son and a much younger girlfriend, will get a big promotional boost by Fox during the network's coverage of the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. A post-Super Bowl time slot would have been nice, but Fox is reserving that spot for its hit "Glee."
Originally titled "Ride-Along," Ryan promises that "The Chicago Code"isn't the typical cop show.
"There are a lot of cop shows on TV and a lot of them are similar. There is a dead body at the start and a guy in handcuffs hauled away at the end of the episode," he cracked. "The Chicago Code," which will probably have its fair share of dead bodies, will also look at political corruption and how it trickles down into the lives of the cops on the street. Besides Clarke, who starred in Showtime's "Brotherhood," "The Chicago Code" also features Jennifer Beals ("The L Word") and Delroy Lindo.
The last new program that Fox tried in that time slot was the ill-fated "Lone Star," which was adored by critics but flamed out after just two episodes earlier this fall. That show, about a con man juggling two families, didn't connect with viewers. But the time slot isn't jinxed. Its previous occupant for several years was "24."
Though a heavy promotional blitz during the Super Bowl and having "House" as a lead-in could help, Ryan knows that won't be enough.
"The idea that they are going to stick around and watch your show just because they like the show in front of yours doesn't hold water anymore," he said. "Yeah, they'll be a lot of people at 8:59, but will they be there at 9 p.m.?"
You can view a trailer of the show below:
-- Joe Flint
Photo: "The Chicago Code's" Jason Clarke and Jennifer Beals. Credit: Fox.
Video Credit: Fox
Just keep your fingers crossed honestly. I mean Fox already has a very crappy record. And there's already a bunch of different cop shows. NBC canceled southland, TNT axed Dark blue. All shows already have to fight an uphill battle, it's extra hard for new shows. So like I said keep your fingers crossed.
Posted by: Jeremy Rynek | November 19, 2010 at 10:48 PM
I would've been hooked by" cop drama from producer Shawn Ryan" alone, if I'd never seen "Terriers."
Posted by: Jim Smith | November 28, 2010 at 08:35 PM
okay, can they just wrap up shooting? they're all over the NU campus and i'm really tired of being shoo'd when i'm trying to get around the building i WORK in. already so annoyed, i have no desire to watch this.
Posted by: annoyed | December 08, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Fingers crossed? Really? Every new show deserves a chance. This show is loaded with talented actors.
Wrap up shooting? Be thankful that a show this great is being filmed in your town. Much less your workplace area. I cannot wait to watch this show. It's going to be fabulous!
Posted by: Debbie | December 21, 2010 at 08:22 PM
As a Chicagoan I can't wait for this show to air!! I found this cool video of a behind the scenes look of this show! Watch this to hold you over until Feb! - http://bit.ly/fbazaC
Posted by: lesley | December 27, 2010 at 08:15 PM
You never really hear about a show coming from Chicago, so I am very excited to see it. I hope the producer has put a great depth into the characters and the plot. When you make a show about this great city it has to be well done, so go Chicago!!
Posted by: Antesha Craig | December 28, 2010 at 06:28 PM
If you caught Jason Clarke in "The Brotherhood" I think you should be in for a real treat with "Chicago Code"
Posted by: Ray Simmons | January 05, 2011 at 05:59 AM
It's going to be tough right after the Superbowl but, Jennifer Beals and J. Clarke are going to be tougher than nails and get this show rolling up the hill sooner than soon! I'm really looking forward to seeing these talented actors getting the show on the road! I'm especially very excited seeing Ms. Beals back on t.v. and in such a demanding role. Good luck to all!
Posted by: Anlleli | January 09, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Big cities like NY, Boston and Dallas have regional accents that audiences recognize instantly. So does Chicago. But what you hear in these actors' voices is predominant East Coast! They can't even pronounce Chicago correctly- the 2nd syllable is CAW like the crow's sound, not AH like satisfaction after a cold beer. One episode and I'm done.
Posted by: azrandyusa | February 09, 2011 at 11:58 AM