If there is a TV series that he made the history of the 80’sthis was definitely Vice President Starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, the series chronicled the investigations and crime-fighting of two undercover detectives set against the backdrop of Miami, Florida. Produced in 1984 from Michael Mann (writer of Starsky and Hutch) for NBC, in 2024 celebrates its 40th anniversary and the city, co-star of the series, has organized many events to pay homage to her and make the most nostalgic fans happy.
The first episode aired exactly on September 16, 1984, soon becoming a global phenomenon which thrilled spectators for five seasons, until 1989. Given its cultural importance and for the redevelopment of the city itself, Miami pays homage to her with many events (postponed to October due to bad weather) which include bus and walking tours of the filming locations, special dinners organized by cast members and Meetings with the stars at the Royal Palm South Beach, featuring actors Edward James Olmos, Michael Madsen, Saundra Santiago and more.
The importance of the TV series for the city of Miami
When the idea of creating the TV series was born, Miami did not have a very positive reputation: in those years she was the protagonist of the‘mass immigration from Cuba and from other Caribbean countries, of building speculation and of drug trafficking. Derek Hedlund, an actor originally from Miami and one of the organizers of the events, said how much the series has helped save the city and its artistic and architectural heritage.
Just think that the people involved in the show have repainted all the art deco buildings on Ocean Drivewhile filming in South Beach made the place so beautiful that it soon became one of the most frequented places by the city’s inhabitants. From a cultural point of view, however, the success of many products – from Carrera sunglasses to Matchbox-style jet skis – wouldn’t have been as elevated without the series’ influence.
The events organized for the anniversary
The anniversary events will take place all over the city. Fans and others will be able to attend guided walking and bus tours that will take them to the filming locations The Wilzig Museum Building, on the other hand, will exhibit for the first time a collection of memorabilia such as badges, props, clothing, weapons, materials used in the production of the series and historical photos taken behind the scenes. The original white Ferrari Testarossa and three boats used in the filming will also be on display. Finally, fans will be able to take pictures and ask for autographs from the stars of the show and other celebrities.
Some initiatives will be more exclusive than others, such as the dinner organized in the starred restaurant “A Fish Called Avalon” inside theAvalon Hotelappeared in many episodes of the series. Those who manage to purchase the VIP entrance ticket will be able to dine with the cast and chat in a unique and unforgettable context.
Finally, the mayor of the city Francis Suarez will pay homage to the show with a star that will be placed on the Miami Walk of Fame, while the Bayside Marketplace shopping center, born like the series in the 80s and designed to redevelop a neighborhood in the south area of Miami, will organize several events for both adults and children.