Midnight Caller (1988–1991) User Reviews

A Unique TV Show - Would Love To See It Again

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 1 April 2007]

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.

A lost relic that's worth the digging to check out...

[Howlin Wolf · 7/10 · 28 November 2001]

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 Fun

[labnfn-1 · 9/10 · 25 September 2007]

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 loved Midnight Caller!!!

[safenoe · 10/10 · 26 February 2016]

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??

Excellent show that was overlooked by the viewing public

[EMTNytHawk · 10/10 · 5 August 2008]

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!

Gary Cole Ownage

[eilerson · 26 August 2003]

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

Detective DJ

[haildevilman · 7/10 · 8 July 2009]

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.

Excellent

[wpeeters · 10/10 · 19 February 2020]

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

Awesome

[Wordwhisperer · 10/10 · 21 June 2021]

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.

Love of my life

[jayne-smith710 · 10/10 · 6 March 2019]

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. .

old memories

[Vincentiu · 26 May 2012]

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.

Great tv show

[AvidTv_watcher1 · 10/10 · 17 June 2020]

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

What a great show

[garywrght756 · 10/10 · 6 January 2020]

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

Midnight Caller KJCM is on UK TV

[stevecagneyfan · 8/10 · 29 April 2021]

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"

One of the best shows

[kam-68628 · 10/10 · 17 July 2020]

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.

They don't make 'em like this any more!

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 5 February 2020]

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.

There is a word for this, and it is offbeat.

[patrick3201 · 7 April 2001]

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.

Good solid show

[ronbell-23984 · 8/10 · 21 May 2020]

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.

An Oldie but a Goodie!

[nfatale · 8/10 · 5 August 2020]

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.

Underrated.

[jmworacle-99025 · 8/10 · 23 November 2023]

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.

A TV-series: of a cop like radio detective.

[Brian-272 · 2 January 2001]

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.

The tagline

[paxpuella · 31 January 2004]

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.

Pretty good show

[nev827 · 1 July 2003]

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.

more than a series

[Kirpianuscus · 27 October 2017]

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.

Very moody

[ryanuk · 6 March 2005]

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.