"Boston Public" (2000) TV series 2000-2004

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Creator:

David E. Kelley

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

23 October 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

If you thought being a high school student was tough, try being a teacher.

Plot:

The lives of 10 faculty members at a high school in Boston, Mass. weave in and out of dealing with trouble-makers, having a personal life, and keeping sanity.

Plot Keywords:

High School | Teacher Student Relationship | Underage Sex | Manic Depression | Oral Sex

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 8 wins & 22 nominations

Cast

Chi McBride	...	Steven Harper (81 episodes, 2000-2004)
Anthony Heald	...	Scott Guber (81 episodes, 2000-2004)
Loretta Devine	...	Marla Hendricks (81 episodes, 2000-2004)
Sharon Leal	...	Marilyn Sudor (67 episodes, 2000-2004)
Fyvush Finkel	...	Harvey Lipschultz / ... (66 episodes, 2000-2004)
Jeri Ryan	...	Ronnie Cooke (59 episodes, 2001-2004)
Michael Rapaport	...	Danny Hanson (57 episodes, 2001-2004)
Nicky Katt	...	Harry Senate (49 episodes, 2000-2002)
Jessalyn Gilsig	...	Lauren Davis (44 episodes, 2000-2002)

Runtime:

60 min (81 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

20th Century Fox Television

Trivia:

Although Chi McBride, Anthony Heald, and Loretta Devine appeared in every episode, McBride played Steven Harper more than the latter two. He reprised the role in 2005 on an episode of "Boston Legal". The law firm represented the plaintiff in a case against Steven Harper. The episode was written in a way that people who had never seen the previous show weren't missing any details.

Goofs:

Factual errors: In her introductory episode, the character of Kimberly Woods claims she is teaching at the high school as part of the "Teach for America" program. Boston is not currently a city where "Teach for America" operates. It is being considered as an addition, but it is not in the program at the time the episode aired.

Quotes:

Harvey Lipschultz: I can't keep up with this! First they were negroes. Then they were colored. Then they were black. Now they're African-Americans. Why don't I just avoid all controversy and just call them African-American black colored negroes?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Practice: Public Servants (#5.22)" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Song of Joy

The most realistic depiction on TV of what teaching actually is.

This series takes a pro-teacher attitude, showing us as we are: diverse, flawed, passionate about learning, student-centered and student-stymied. Challenges to teachers, administrators and students are true-to-life. A strong ensemble cast demonstrates the joys and frustrations of a career in education. I know each one of these teachers and have worked with them. At times I have been each one: discouraged, uplifted, supported, disappointed, competent, unable to cope, in control, self-doubting, on top of it, ground under it all. I know these kids and their parents. The show where Michael Rappaport's character tries to deal with feelings aroused in students by use of the "N" word was the finest television drama I have ever seen. I miss Boston Public.