L.A.'s Finest

L.A.'s Finest is an American action crime television series created by Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier; and produced by Sony Pictures Television. It is an offshoot of the Bad Boys film franchise created by George Gallo. The series premiered on Spectrum on May 13, 2019. L.A.'s Finest is the first premium content show made for the cable provider and the debut of its Spectrum Originals banner of exclusive programming. In June 2019, Spectrum Originals renewed the series for a second season, which is set to premiere on September 9, 2020.

L.A.'s Finest
Release poster
Genre
Created by
  • Brandon Margolis
  • Brandon Sonnier
Based onBad Boys film series
by George Gallo
Starring
Theme music composerLaura Karpman
Country of originUnited States
Original language(s)English
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)
Production company(s)
Release
Original networkSpectrum Originals
Fox Broadcasting Company
Picture format1080p (HDTV)
Original releaseMay 13, 2019 (2019-05-13) –
present

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

Episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
113May 13, 2019 (2019-05-13)June 17, 2019 (2019-06-17)
213[2]September 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)[3]

Season 1 (2019)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Pilot"Anton CropperBrandon Margolis & Brandon SonnierMay 13, 2019 (2019-05-13)
22"Defiance"Anton CropperJohn Dove & Pam VeaseyMay 13, 2019 (2019-05-13)
Syd and McKenna chase down a dangerous serial killer who is killing people while on social media sites. During the case, Syd's reckless actions result in the death of one of her father's CI's and send her colliding with McKenna's complicated past with Dante Sherman.
33"Con Air"Antonio NegretBrandon Margolis & Brandon SonnierMay 13, 2019 (2019-05-13)
As Syd and McKenna deal with the fallout of each other's actions, they look into the murder of a helicopter pilot that might be connected to a robbery crew. Meanwhile, the missing drugs Syd stole forces a new enforcer of Knox's to appear, getting Ray killed as a result and a break-in at her apartment restores some of Syd's memories.
44"Déjà Vu"Antonio NegretAndrea Thornton BoldenMay 20, 2019 (2019-05-20)
McKenna agrees to help Syd get the stolen Fentanyl into police custody without revealing their involvement. Meanwhile, Izzy's behaviour begins to worry Nancy until she realises why and Syd is shocked when she reunites with her ex-flame, DEA agent Warren Hendrix, to find Gabriel Knox.
55"Farewell..."Eagle EgilssonJ.L. TiggettMay 20, 2019 (2019-05-20)
While trying to solve the brutal murder of a transgender woman, McKenna tries to help Izzy with her grief over her mother's death, driving a wedge between her and her husband. Meanwhile, Syd faces her past when Hendrix forms a joint task force to take down Gabriel Knox.
66"...My Lovely"Janice CookeDiana MendezMay 27, 2019 (2019-05-27)
As the Ben's continue to investigate the murder of a transgender woman and her boyfriend, Dante teams up with Syd and McKenna to attempt a risky plan to discover Arlo's real identity, who is threatening Syd's closest friends.
77"Book of Secrets"Anton CropperBrandon Margolis & Brandon SonnierMay 27, 2019 (2019-05-27)
88"Dead Men Tell No Tales"Anton CropperJohn DoveJune 3, 2019 (2019-06-03)
99"Dangerous Minds"Nathan HopePam VeaseyJune 3, 2019 (2019-06-03)
1010"Enemy of the State"Anton CropperCarol Bass & Megan McNamaraJune 10, 2019 (2019-06-10)
1111"Thief"Lexi AlexanderMarisa TamJune 10, 2019 (2019-06-10)
1212"Armageddon"Janice CookeJohn Dove & J.L. TiggettJune 17, 2019 (2019-06-17)
1313"Bad Girls"Anton CropperBrandon Margolis & Brandon SonnierJune 17, 2019 (2019-06-17)

Season 2
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [2]
141"The Curse of the Black Pearl"[4]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
152"The Lone Ranger"[5]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
163"Thief of Hearts"[6]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
174"Beverly Hills Cops"[7]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
185"Gone in 60 Seconds"[8]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
196"Maverick"[9]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
207"March or Die"[10]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
218"Bad Company"[11]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
229"Kangaroo Jack"[12]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
2310"Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins"[13]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
2411"Deliver Us from Evil"[14]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
2512"Coyote Ugly"[15]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)
2613"For Life"[16]TBATBASeptember 9, 2020 (2020-09-09)

Production

Development

On October 25, 2017, it was reported that a television series spinoff of the Bad Boys films featuring the character Sydney "Syd" Burnett from Bad Boys II was in development. The pilot was set to be written by Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier. Executive producers were expected to include Margolis, Sonnier, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, Jeff Gaspin, and Jeff Morrone. Production companies involved with the series were set to include Sony Pictures Television, Jerry Bruckheimer Television, and 2.0 Entertainment.[17]

On October 31, 2017, it was announced that NBC had given the production a pilot production commitment following a competitive situation where multiple networks had pursued the potential series.[18] On January 18, 2018, it was announced that NBC had given the production an official pilot order.[19] On February 2, 2018, it was reported that Anton Cropper would direct the pilot episode.[20] On April 12, 2018, it was announced that the previously untitled pilot had been titled L.A.'s Finest.[21] On May 11, 2018, it was reported that NBC had passed on the pilot and declined to pick up the production to series. The producers of the series were expected to shop the production to other networks.[22]

On May 17, 2018, it was announced that Sony Pictures Television was in preliminary discussions with Charter Communications regarding a deal to pick up the series.[23] By the end of the month, the talks had progressed to the point of serious negotiations.[24] On June 26, 2018, it was announced that Charter Communications had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of thirteen episodes.[25][26][27][28] On February 7, 2019, it was announced during the Television Critics Association's annual winter press tour that the series would premiere on May 13, 2019 with the release of the first three episodes. The remaining episodes were expected to be released on Mondays following the premiere via Spectrum's video on demand service accessible through their set-top cable boxes, along with the provider's iOS, Apple TV, and Roku applications.[29] L.A.'s Finest is the first original television series produced by Spectrum.[26][30]

The theme music for the series was composed by Laura Karpman.[31]

On June 13, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season which was originally set to premiere on June 8, 2020,[32][33][34] but on that date it was announced it had been pushed to "as-yet-[un]specified" date later in the year, in response to ongoing protests over police brutality.[35] In August 2020, it was announced that the series would now premiere all thirteen episodes on September 9, 2020.[3]

Casting

Alongside the initial series development announcement, it was confirmed that Gabrielle Union would star in the series, reprising her role of Sydney "Syd" Burnett from the film Bad Boys II.[17] On January 29, 2018, it was announced that Ernie Hudson had been cast in a series regular role.[36] On February 15, 2018, it was reported that Zach Gilford and Duane Martin had joined the main cast.[37] In March 2018, it was announced that Jessica Alba, Ryan McPartlin, and Zach McGowan had been cast as series regulars.[38][39][40] In September 2018, it was reported that Sophie Reynolds had been cast in a series regular role and that Barry Sloane would appear in a recurring capacity.[41][42] On January 11, 2019, it was announced that Jake Busey had joined the cast in a recurring role.[43]

Filming

Principal photography for the pilot began in early April 2018 in Los Angeles, California.[44]

On February 21, 2019, executive producer and showrunner Brandon Sonnier was seriously injured during the shooting of a car stunt at the Port of Los Angeles when the vehicle accidentally crashed into the video village area of the set, which led to a partial amputation on his right leg. Brandon Margolis sustained minor injuries.[45][46]

Release

On February 7, 2019, the official trailer for the series was released.[29] In May 2020, Fox acquired the broadcast rights for the series' first season to fill in primetime broadcast hours due to production suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic and is scheduled to premiere on September 21, 2020.[47][48]

Reception

Critical response

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 7% based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 4.11/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "A spin-off to nowhere, L.A.'s Finest operates on outdated sensibilities and wastes its talented leads' time—especially unfortunate considering Gabrielle Union's committed performance."[49] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[50] The series ranked 9th in TVLine's The 10 Worst Shows of 2019.[51]

Accolades
Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2019Teen Choice AwardsChoice Action TV ActressJessica AlbaNominated
Gabrielle UnionWon

International broadcast

The series was syndicated for airing in the United Kingdom by Fox.[52] In Canada, the series aired on CTV in Fall 2019.[53] Outside North America, the series has aired in France on TF1,[54] in Southeast Asia on AXN Asia,[55] in Germany on AXN Germany[56] and in India on Zee Café[57]. The show premiered in Australia on 10 Bold[58] on November 7, 2019 before joining catch-up streaming service 10 Play[59].

References
  1. "L.A.'s Finest Cast & Characters". Charter Communications. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  2. "L.A.'s Finest – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  3. Swift, Andy. "L.A.'s Finest: Delayed Season 2 Gets September Premiere Date on Spectrum — All 13 Episodes Dropping Together". TVLine. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  4. The Curse of the Black Pearl - Gracenote
  5. The Lone Ranger - Gracenote
  6. Thief of Hearts - Gracenote
  7. Beverly Hills Cops - Gracenote
  8. Gone in 60 Seconds - Gracenote
  9. Maverick - Gracenote
  10. March or Die - Gracenote
  11. Bad Company - Gracenote
  12. Kangaroo Jack - Gracenote
  13. Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins - Gracenote
  14. Deliver Us from Evil - Gracenote
  15. Coyote Ugly - Gracenote
  16. For Life - Gracenote
  17. Andreeva, Nellie (October 26, 2017). "'Bad Boys' Spinoff TV Series Starring Gabrielle Union In the Works". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  18. Andreeva, Nellie (October 31, 2017). "'Bad Boys' TV Spinoff Starring Gabrielle Union Lands At NBC With Big Commitment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  19. Andreeva, Nellie (January 18, 2018). "'Bad Boys' TV Offshoot Starring Gabrielle Union Gets NBC Pilot Order". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  20. Andreeva, Nellie; Petski, Denise (February 2, 2018). "Anton Cropper To Direct Gabrielle Union's 'Bad Boys' Offshoot NBC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  21. Andreeva, Nellie (April 13, 2018). "NBC's 'Bad Boys' Offshoot Pilot Has Title". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  22. Andreeva, Nellie (May 11, 2018). "'Bad Boys' Offshoot 'L.A.'s Finest' Not Going Forward At NBC, Being Shopped". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  23. Andreeva, Nellie (May 17, 2018). "'L.A.'s Finest': Charter Communications In Talks To Pick Up 'Bad Boys' Offshoot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  24. Andreeva, Nellie (May 31, 2018). "'L.A.'s Finest' Update: Charter Communications In Advanced Negotiations To Pick Up 'Bad Boys' Offshoot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  25. Andreeva, Nellie (June 26, 2018). "'L.A.'s Finest': Charter Communications Gives Series Order To 'Bad Boys' Offshoot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
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  28. Littleton, Cynthia (June 26, 2018). "'Bad Boys' Spinoff 'L.A.'s Finest' Scores Charter's First Original Series Order". Variety. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
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  30. Andreeva, Nellie (May 8, 2019). "Charter's Katherine Pope On "Quietly Revolutionary" 'L.A.'s Finest', Spectrum Originals' "Clean" Dealmaking & Plans For Curated Slate". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
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  33. ""L.A.'s Finest" Captures Viewers and Becomes Top Rated TV Drama". The Futon Critic. September 13, 2019.
  34. "Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba Are Turning Up the Heat This Summer as "L.A.'s Finest" Returns to Spectrum Originals on Monday, June 8". The Futon Critic. April 30, 2020.
  35. Schwartz, Ryan. "L.A.'s Finest Season 2 Premiere Delayed at Last Minute, to Later in 2020". TVLine. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  36. Andreeva, Nellie (January 29, 2018). "Ernie Hudson To Co-Star In Gabrielle Union's 'Bad Boys' Offshoot NBC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  37. Andreeva, Nellie (February 15, 2018). "Zach Gilford & Duane Martin To Co-Star In Gabrielle Union's 'Bad Boys' Offshoot NBC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  38. Andreeva, Nellie (March 2, 2018). "Jessica Alba To Star In NBC's Gabrielle Union 'Bad Boys' Offshoot Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  39. Andreeva, Nellie (March 15, 2018). "Ryan McPartlin To Co-Star In Gabrielle Union's 'Bad Boys' Offshoot NBC Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  40. Ritman, Alex (August 21, 2018). "Zach McGowan Joins NBC's 'Bad Boys' Spinoff (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
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  42. Andreeva, Nellie (September 14, 2018). "'L.A.'s Finest': Barry Sloane Joins 'Bad Boys' Offshoot Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  43. Petski, Denise (January 11, 2019). "Hailie Sahar Joins 'Good Trouble'; Jake Busey In 'L.A.'s Finest'". Deadline Hollywood.
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  45. Robb, David (February 22, 2019). "Cal/OSHA Opens Investigation Into 'L.A.'s Finest' Accident". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
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  47. Andreeva, Nellie (May 11, 2020). "Fox Sets Corona-Proof Fall 2020 Schedule With 'L.A.'s Finest', 'Filthy Rich' & 'NeXt', Reality, Sports & Animation; No Returning Live-Action Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
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  53. Dowling, Amber (June 5, 2019). "Gabrielle Union And Jessica Alba Are All-In On Bad Boys Spinoff L.A.'s Finest". CTV. Retrieved June 6, 2019..
  54. "AVANT PREMIÈRE - LOS ANGELES BAD GIRLS : Le premier épisode disponible grâce à MYTF1 Premium - Los Angeles Bad Girls". TF1 (in French). Retrieved December 3, 2019.
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  57. "Zee Café brings in the festive cheer, premiering new shows and latest seasons with two new content blocks - 'Along With The US' and 'Hollywood On Café'". Indian Television. October 9, 2019.
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