User reviews

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... !

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.

I simply don't understand why this series has never been given a DVD release, unlike some of the contemporary crap that festers on our screens

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.

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.

Back in the days when a TV show was really good. Back in the days when opening a radio was giving you a feeling of joy because you would have listen to people talking, instead of jokers making stupid and idiotic jokes thinking they are funny, when politics wason the sidelines not as the main show.

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. .

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

A memorable programme from the 80s. The show was different at the time. Please repeat in the uk.

This is one of my all time favorites. Why is it impossible to find? It touched on current subjects (for that time in life) with sensitivity, yet accurately. If you can find this show it is worth watching.

Midnight Caller, starring Gary Cole as Jack Killian is on Forces TV on the UK (Virgin Media 274) at 9pm & 10pm most evenings. 1988-1990 Series set in San Francisco.

First episode not being shown, but is available on YouTube.

Killian worked for KJCM as talk show host. KJCM is abbreviation for "Killian Jack Caller Midnight"

This was my Saturday night viewing as a kid. There really is nothing like this nowadays

I haven't seen this show since it first ran on NBC in the late 1980's. Your typical melodrama of the time, but it was well acted and the stories were interesting. It wasn't until years later that I saw Gary Cole in a comedy movie that I realized I had forgotten all about this show. I wish they would re-run them somewhere or put them out on DVD.

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.

This NBC series ran a respectable three seasons from late 1988 to mid 1991 and was able to fill the void left after Hill Street blues and Fame were cancelled by the same network the previous year. The BBC broadcast Midnight Caller on Saturday nights at after 9pm the prestigious time slot which Dallas held from 1979-1985. The first two seasons were strong but tapered off in the third season prior to being cancelled.

It's important to note that in 1988 the USA abandoned what was known as the fairness doctrine for radio broadcasting and consequently opinionated shock-jocks ruled the airways not just by insulting and mocking its listeners but also promoting a political ideology, the most well-known being nationally syndicated host the self-proclaimed conservative Rush Limbaugh. Also, in 1988 the movie "Talk Radio" was released with the hostile and sarcastic Barry Champlain (Eric Bogosian) doing a late-night talk show. Midnight Caller was no doubt was put forward as an idea for a tv series based on the success of Oliver Stone's film.

Jack Killian was a seasoned San Francisco cop who decided to leave the department after he accidentally fatally shot his partner and close friend during a pursuit of a felon. Because of his experience on the streets, he was snapped up as radio talk show host by station owner Devon King (played by the smart looking Wendy Kilbourne) and broadcast from midnight till 3am as the "Nighthawk". This was Gary Cole's first long term role and was well cast as he effortlessly played Jack Killian a decent and moral person with had a streak of cynicism but delivered with humor. Support in the series included radio station engineer and call screener Billy Po, outside was former college on the force captain Carl Zymack and the annoying and self-righteous local journalist Deacon Bridges. On the third season after Devin King sold the station the attractive Nicky Malloy took over as Jack's boss.

The stories varied from week to week, some involving former friends, people in trouble, former colleagues, but some also centered around Jack Killain himself. A lot of the scenes were set at night, and the mood of the show was set by the shows impressive jazzy introductory theme song and seedy nighttime visuals and was appropriately broadcast later at night from the fall through to the early spring months.

In the USA the series went into syndication in the 1990's and it was broadcast on the Lifetime channel, unsurprisingly at midnight. As I understand it's not currently shown on cable or broadcast on TV in the US, or available on the major streaming networks and was never released on DVD - it can only be found intermittingly on You tube.

The climax of most of the episodes was at the end with Jack Killian's powerful monologue at the end of the show. It wasn't finger wagging or preachy but were very moving with themes of compassion and kindness that as designed to touch the human soul and make people think and reflect. In a way because of the popularity of radio in the US as the 1990's into the 2000's, I was surprised the show was never revived. However, after Gary Cole success in stepping into the lead role in the highly rated NCIS, if he left the series or it was cancelled, he could easily reprise his role as Jack Killian. I'd highly recommend this series.

Gary Cole as Jack Killian was a masterpiece performance. As a night host on a radio he develed in subjects like A. I. D. S. before it became fashionable. It was also a pioneer in the subject of Asian hate crimes when.his friend. Billy Po is subject to a hate crime. Jack Killian's views seem to clash with his bosses especially the one Lisa Eilbacher.

Being woke before woke was a topic during the political for District Attorney when Killian voiced support for one candidate he was asked what do we know about his policies towards the homeless. Hello the job of a district attorney is to charge and prosecute criminals/

It was so had the series lasted after only three seasons.

This never got the hype of some shows from the late 80's and early 90's. It's a very good show, definitely underrated when it was aired. Gary Cole plays his role well. It's certainly worth checking out.

This was one of the best shows ever on TV. From an era when television didn't depend on gratuitous sex, violence and gore for the almighty rating. The first two seasons were 10+. The third season went off, perhaps because of the change in players. Hope it comes out on DVD/streaming some time.

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.

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.

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.

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.