Copper (TV series)

Copper (TV series). Copper is an American-Canadian period drama and crime drama television series that premiered on BBC America in August 2012. Created by Tom Fontana and Will Rokos, the show is set in the Five Points neighborhood of New York City in the 1860s, following an Irish-American police detective navigating the violent and corrupt world of the post-Civil War era. The series was produced by Cineflix Studios in association with BBC America and ran for two seasons, concluding in June 2013.

Premise and setting

The series is set in the tumultuous Five Points slum of New York City during the mid-1860s, a period marked by immense social upheaval following the American Civil War. The narrative centers on Kevin "Corky" Corcoran, a rugged and morally conflicted NYPD detective returning from the Battle of the Wilderness to find his wife missing and his daughter dead. Corcoran's investigations into the district's rampant crime and political corruption intersect with the lives of the wealthy elite on Fifth Avenue and the burgeoning African-American community in Lenox Hill, exploring themes of Reconstruction, immigration, and class conflict. The show's historical backdrop incorporates real events and figures, including the Draft Riots of 1863 and the operations of Tammany Hall, providing a gritty portrayal of Gilded Age Manhattan.

Cast and characters

The ensemble cast is led by Tom Weston-Jones as the protagonist, Detective Kevin Corcoran. His closest allies include Kyle Schmid as wealthy U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur Robert Morehouse, and Ato Essandoh as Matthew Freeman, a Harvard-educated African-American physician practicing in Five Points. Key figures in Corcoran's personal and professional life are portrayed by Anastasia Griffith as Elizabeth Haverford, Kevin Ryan as Detective Francis Maguire, and Franka Potente as Eva Heissen, a shrewd madam. Recurring and supporting roles feature actors such as Donal Logue as General Brendan Donovan, Alfre Woodard as Hattie Lemaster, and Ron White as Andrew O'Brien, depicting a cross-section of New York City society from Tammany Hall politicians to Irish immigrants.

Production and development

The series was created by acclaimed television writer Tom Fontana, known for Oz, and Will Rokos, with Barry Levinson serving as an executive producer. Developed as the first original scripted series for BBC America, Copper was a co-production between Cineflix Studios and the network, filmed primarily in Toronto, Ontario, with extensive sets built to recreate 1860s Five Points. The showrunners conducted significant historical research, consulting experts on the American Civil War and New York City history to ensure period accuracy in costumes, sets, and storylines. Following its first season, the series was renewed for a second season, which introduced new characters and expanded its exploration of post-war racial tensions and the city's industrial expansion.

Episodes

The series comprises 23 episodes across two seasons, with the first season of 10 episodes airing from August to October 2012 and the second season of 13 episodes airing from June to August 2013. Notable episodes include the pilot, "Surviving Death," which establishes Corcoran's search for his family, and season one's "A Day to Give Thanks," which delves into the aftermath of the Draft Riots. The second season, featuring story arcs involving a serial killer and political conspiracies within Tammany Hall, culminates in the finale, "The Fine Ould Irish Gintleman," which resolves several character journeys. Each episode typically follows a case-of-the-week structure while advancing longer serialized narratives concerning corruption, revenge, and redemption.

Reception

Upon its premiere, Copper received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at its historical atmosphere, production design, and strong performances, particularly from Tom Weston-Jones and Ato Essandoh. The series was noted for its unflinching depiction of 19th-century urban violence and its engagement with complex issues like racism and social inequality. However, some criticism focused on convoluted plotting and melodramatic elements. Despite a dedicated viewership and being a ratings success for BBC America, the network announced the cancellation of the series in September 2013, citing creative conclusions for the storylines. The show maintains a cult following and is recognized for contributing to the popularity of period dramas on cable television.

Category:2010s American television series Category:2010s Canadian television series Category:BBC America original programming