Midnight Caller Online

Here's a television program I haven't watched since it went off the air over 15 years ago, and I'd give anything to see it again on a DVD package.

Gary Cole, as "Jack Killion," was THE coolest guy on TV at that time, and I mean the kind of "cool" associated with Craig Stevens of TV's "Peter Gunn," or Steve McQueen in the 1950s and '60s movies. Cole a.k.a. "The Nighthawk" in here was just cool....what else can you say?

Jack was a combination late-night radio talk show host and an ex-cop. If I recall, he was off the force after a tragedy cost the life of his partner and the event was still haunting him. He would hear a bunch of troubled people on the radio, some needing assistance quickly or they would be a crime victim. Jack would help them out.

The atmosphere was very moody, the music was good and the whole thing was just different, very different from most "crime shows." Until I looked at the title page I couldn't remember anyone else on the show but I've never forgotten this program. I can only hope I see it again some time.

Here it is, the first entry that sees me break my rule of 'no commenting on TV shows'. Hereafter, the floodgates will open. This is a downbeat, well acted and entertaining drama with a style all of its own and quite a charismatic star, who as far as I know has done nothing as a main lead either before or since. Occasionally found floating around the schedules in the 'graveyard hours', this is the little show that could.

Good performances, good writing and the cynical, sarcastic and philosophical worldview of the main character are presented here for the viewers delectation. What more could you want? A cool soundtrack? You got that here too! Nobody has a right to expect anything this classy to be aired in the timeslots it often is. It's a godsend for us insomniacs who need to keep ourselves occupied, in the wee hours... !

This show is amazing. I started watching it because I recognised Gary Cole, but it didn't take long to enjoy the show, and not just the actor. I found no fault with the program. The mood is perfect for insomniac nights up, coming off the nightshift or settling down with a bottle yer favourite beverage.

A classic

Midnight Caller was an extraordinary program. Thoughtful, mature and a great showcase for Gary Cole and Mykel T. Williamson. Everyone who appreciates this kind of cynical, mature drama laced with sharp humor, should inquire as to why this is not available on DVD. I would buy it without hesitation. The other supporting players and (frequent) guest stars usually gave excellent performances. The jazzy soundtrack was a great compliment to the program. The timing was impeccable as the show's debut was the same year I moved to the SF Bay area. Bravo to Gary Cole- his performance as Jack Killian was truly outstanding. If you ever have a chance, give this show a look, or better still, buy some DVDs.

This series has been consistently overlooked and underscheduled, but to me that just adds to it. I don't know how things are elsewhere in the world, but in Britain it occasionally appears on TV in and around midnight, and even excepting the title it fits in perfectly.

The action feels quite lonely, like the people listening to late night phone-ins. Although it is often sentimental in its message, it is underplayed and well acted. This is a detective series that definitely doesn't end with a freeze frame of the regular cast laughing.

When I do find this on television, I feel like I've stumbled across a minor gem, in the same way you might enjoy finding a good CD from an underappreciated band.

I've heard that the lead actor Gary Cole doesn't have much of a reputation in the US, although I've never seen him in anything else and know nothing about him. He does a good and convincing job in both the conventional dramatic segments of Midnight Caller, and the urban philosophical monologues that begin, join together and end the episodes of this unusual and surprisingly engaging series.

And of course the theme tune is absolutely top whack brilliant.

I don't remember much about this series I just remember it was on NBC and only lasted from 1988-1991. Like most cop related dramas it was dark, and moody. "Midnight Caller" featured Jack Killian (Gary Cole) as a late night radio talk show host. He was a former San Francisco cop who with his troubled past, went on the air to purge both his own demons and help callers with their own problems. Often Jack had to once again take on the role of a cop as many callers had problems that were crime related and he found himself investigating out into the streets of San Francisco. The best reason I remember to watch the show was the beautiful Wendy Kilbourne she played stylish Devon King who was Jack's boss at the radio station. The only episode I remember was the 2-Hour Movie Premier which was advertised perfect in a issue of TV Guide. I remember the picture in the TV Guide so well it was of Wendy Kilbourne and she had a piece of white tape around her mouth. This episode featured a guest villain who had a grudge against Jack (Gary Cole) so he holds Devon (Wendy) hostage at the radio station she is tied to a chair and has her mouth taped. Though hours later Jack came to Devon's rescue. That's all I remember about the show I don't know why it didn't last longer.

I was a college student when this show first appeared on NBC, and quickly grew to love it. Set in San Francisco, "Midnight Caller" was a well-thought-out and well-scripted drama that wasn't afraid to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time (e.g. the episode where Jack Killian with no notice discusses AIDS live on the air). He and the rest of the characters (played by an able supporting cast) all had depth, all had various warts... just like real people. The show also did a good job of reacting to and chronicling major events, such as the episode where various characters recounted on air their reactions to the 1989 World Series earthquake. As some have previously said, it also had a great soundtrack. (The title song was later re-recorded by jazz trumpeter Rick Braun on his CD, "Intimate Secrets," with song composer Brad Fidel accompanying him on piano.) Unfortunately, "Midnight Caller" was never a ratings darling, and was dropped by NBC after three seasons. A show well worth being on DVD!

a piece of my teenager period. the music. the characters. and, in special, Jack Killian. it is difficult to describe the pages of an emotion. the voice, the cases, the impressive role of Cole and the fascination of a world in which the words are more important than every gun. this show was an invitation to understand force of radio and importance of choices. out of moral lessons or predictable advises. like a game of basic values. like a quite spell in which magic is only stage. tale of former policeman and a radio station, crumbs of talks and solution for police cases. ordinary stories. and subtle charm of a fight against yourself. beautiful memories. and old Good night America...wherever you are.

This show was really good. Though, i was only 8 or 9 when it started airing, i still remember the tagline used at the end of every episode...it reads something like this:

Goodnight America, wherever you are.

I remember watching this show in reruns on A&E (in the early morning hours) and must say I enjoyed it. The characters and plots were pretty intriuging. Of course it's gonna be dark, but the plotlines were dark as well. The show caused me to become a fan of Gary Cole's and when, a number of years later, I caught Wendy Kilbourne in the North & South miniseries and became a fan of hers, I came to appreciate the show even more.

or, more exactly, a special one. for the wise manner to present cases and dramas and radio station life. for the science to define an entire state of duty, passion and contact with near reality in the most precise, convincing way. the music, the acting, the story, the stories, all are great for the courage and science to give the right show about vulnerabilities, devotion, doubts and the importance of the life near you. and , in fact, this is the detail who transforms "Midnight Caller" in more than a real good series.

What can I say: This was Gary Cole's shot at greatness. The show is so full of clichés that it's funny to watch. Was there ever a more just and understanding man than ex-cop Jack Killian? The only contender I can think of is Furillo from Hill Street Blues. Often gets too politically correct but I must say that I have watched it many a time and the opening theme is worth it all. Very '80s.

I loved watching this show as a kid, it was so downbeat, very chilled out, from the opening music right until the end.

I don't really remember that much else about it seeing as its over 10 years since I've seen it. I just know it used to be shown on BBC1 around 9pm on a Saturday night. I haven't seen it repeated unlike the other UK viewer who has made a comment, which is a real shame! All the episodes seem to have had some moral theme running through, the only show I can remember is of a convict who had been let out, but had spent so much time living in a cell, that all he wanted to do was get back inside.

For those who have mentioned not knowing if Gary Cole has been in anything else, I remember him appearing in a very strange show called American Gothic that aired around 1995.

This was my most watched and loved show.. I was so in love with Gary Cole...he has such an amazing voice... No wonder he made such a good talk show host... managed to find The series on DVD but unfortunately not all the episodes are watchable. ..I do have most on video...so I bought a video player recently to watch them again.. I really hope that some day in the future a whole series box set will be finally released. .

A new twist on the classic "Columbo" clones. Make said cop a DJ.

Cole had the part down pat. Staying cool on the air while taking his principles seriously off. He feels guilt over accidentally shooting his partner. He finds the guy that gave his lady AIDS. And the AIDS subject being tackled VERY well I may add.

There was also an episode where a Louis Farakahn clone (Cleavon Little?) was brought to fore for encouraging black victimization to further his own gain. When the kid told the truth in the end, said figure attempt to explain looked realistically pathetic. It also points out how most of these anti-media types are hypocrites.

It was a bit dark, (it DID take place at night) and slow moving, but the Colester did it great. Dennis Dun (Wang in "Big Trouble in Little China") made an interesting buddy too. We also had Mykel T. (as he was known then) and Arthur Taxier as the typical, cynical cop on the side.

One wonders what would have happened if it lasted.

I am most surprised that the British posters here don't remember the 1979-80 series 'Shoestring', created by the prolific Robin Banks Smith, which was almost exactly the same premise.

Eddie Shoestring, played memorably by Trevor Eve, wasn't an ex-cop but a former computer expert who wigged out at his high-pressure IT company, smashed computers, and ended up in a psychiatric hospital.

He became the 'Private Ear' of Radio West in Bristol (see, another city with a very famous bridge – geddit?), investigating crimes or injustices brought to his attention by listeners to his show.

The series ended at the height of its peak time Sunday night popularity and didn't go to a third series because Eve wanted to go back to the stage - but he recently said he often wished he'd done more because Shoestring was such a loose cannon and fun to play.

(Gary Cole was cute as Jack Killian too)

Why is it that the top quality network shows don't go beyond three seasons? Midnight Caller should have gone on for at least five seasons but shame on the network for cancelling it.

Midnight Caller was a show that captured the mood and atmosphere of San Francisco and late night talk show radio. The opening jazz theme by Rick Braun was spot on, absolutely memorable. Gary Cole was incredible as Jack Killian and it was encouraging and a landmark to see a Chinese- American actor, Dennis Dun play a positive role as Jack's Producer Billy Po.

Midnight Caller needs to be on DVD!! If Saved by the Bell can get a DVD release, then how about Midnight Caller??