Boss (TV series)

Boss
Genre Political drama/thriller
Psychological thriller
Created by Farhad Safinia
Starring
Theme music composer Traditional, arranged by Robert Plant and Buddy Miller
Opening theme Robert Plant - "Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down"
Ending theme "Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down" (instrumental)
Composer(s) Brian Reitzell[1]
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 18 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)
Location(s) Chicago, Illinois
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 54-60 minutes
Production company(s)
Release
Original network Starz
Picture format NTSC (480i)
HDTV 1080i
Original release October 21, 2011 (2011-10-21) – October 19, 2012 (2012-10-19)
External links
Website

Boss is an American political drama television serial created by Farhad Safinia. The series stars Kelsey Grammer as Tom Kane, the mayor of Chicago, who has recently been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative neurological disorder.

The series was broadcast in the United States on the premium television service Starz and was produced by Category 5 Entertainment, Grammnet Productions, and Lionsgate Television. On September 27, 2011, before the series premiered, Starz announced that Boss had been renewed for a second season of ten episodes.[2] The first season premiered on October 21, 2011,[3] and the second season premiered on August 17, 2012.[4]

On November 20, 2012, it was announced that Starz had cancelled the show.[5] A film was being discussed to finish the show's storylines,[6] but those plans were cancelled after series creator Farhad Safinia declined to move forward with the project.[7]

Overview

As the series commences we follow Tom Kane, the Mayor of Chicago, who has recently been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, a degenerative neurological disorder. Determined to remain in charge, Kane conceals the disease from everyone around him except his own physician, Dr. Ella Harris. Kane's marriage to Meredith is one of convenience. His closest advisors, Kitty O'Neill and Ezra Stone, begin to suspect something is wrong with the Mayor but respect the boundary he has erected that precludes asking such questions, though lapses on Kane's part begin to become apparent to others around him, such as the current Illinois governor McCall "Mac" Cullen and The Sentinel's political journalist Sam Miller. Meanwhile, Kane and his team work behind the scenes to groom State Treasurer Ben Zajac to become the next Governor of Illinois.

Cast

Main cast

Recurring cast

Development and production

Farhad Safinia developed Boss in late 2009, with creative input from Kelsey Grammer and his production company Grammnet Productions.[9] In November 2010, the script was shopped around to various cable networks and, following a heated and contentious bidding war, Starz placed an eight episode order for the series, based solely on the strength of the script.[9] This was in keeping with Starz's business model of not ordering pilots but rather green-lighting projects straight-to-series.[9] Safinia wrote the pilot, Gus Van Sant was attached to the project as director, with Grammer, Safinia, Van Sant, Richard Levine, Lyn Greene, Brian Sher and Stella Bulochnikov-Stopler serving as executive producers.[9][10]

Casting announcements began in November 2010, with Grammer first to be cast. He portrays Tom Kane, "the Mayor of Chicago who is diagnosed with a degenerative mental condition that only he and his doctor know about".[9] Next to join the series was Connie Nielsen as Meredith Kane, Tom's wife: "Meredith and Kane have a bad marriage and barely speak when they aren't in public".[11] Jeff Hephner was next to be cast, as Ben Zajac, "the state's treasurer, an impeccably handsome and ambitious Chicago native who is clearly about to become a major player on the Chicago political scene".[12] Hannah Ware and Kathleen Robertson were the last actors to join the main cast, with Ware playing Emma Kane, Tom Kane's estranged daughter, and Robertson playing Kitty O'Neil, Kane's personal aide.[13]

Starz later announced that Martin Donovan, Francis Guinan, Rotimi Akinosho, Karen Aldridge, Troy Garity, Ricardo Gutierrez, James Vincent Meredith, and Joe Minoso had joined the series as recurring guest stars.[14] Martin Donovan was cast as Ezra Stone, "A savvy Yale graduate, and senior advisor to Kane, Stone knows the Mayor better than anyone. Whether it's pushing Kane’s agenda, or assisting with personal matters, Ezra always delivers".[14] Francis Guinan was cast as Governor McCall "Mac" Cullen, "The governor of Illinois, Cullen hates playing along with the Mayor’s apparent unwavering support for his re-election bid. And his ugly temper is getting even worse".[14] Rotimi Akinosho was cast as Darius, "a muscular drug dealer who’s covered in tattoos, but he’s smart, well spoken, and cares for his sick uncle".[14] Karen Aldrige was cast as Dr. Ella Harris, Mayor Kane's neurologist and (initially) the only other person who knows about his current medical condition.[14] Garity was cast as Sam Miller, "a politically savvy journalist for The Sentinel, with a nose for a real story".[14] Ricardo Gutierrez was cast as Alderman Mata, "Political boss of the 30th ward, Mata is a thug in a suit who believes the ends justify the means, however vicious".[14] James Vincent Meredith was cast as Alderman Ross, "Kane’s biggest rival",[14] and Joe Minoso was cast as Moco Ruiz, "A construction worker, Ruiz is one of Mata’s guys".[14]

The series was filmed between April 27, 2011, and July 27, 2011, on location in Chicago, Illinois.[13][15]

At the 2011 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, Starz announced that Boss would premiere on October 21, 2011;[3] the second season premiered on August 17, 2012.[16] The series was produced by Category 5 Entertainment, Grammnet Productions, and Lionsgate Television.

Episodes

Series overview

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
18October 21, 2011 (2011-10-21)December 9, 2011 (2011-12-09)
210August 17, 2012 (2012-08-17)October 19, 2012 (2012-10-19)

Season 1 (2011)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Listen"Gus Van SantFarhad SafiniaOctober 21, 2011 (2011-10-21)0.659[17]
After the discovery of a serious medical condition, Mayor Tom Kane must set things in motion for the upcoming gubernatorial primary, while attempting to reconnect with his distant wife Meredith and estranged daughter Emma.
22"Reflex"Jim McKayFarhad SafiniaOctober 28, 2011 (2011-10-28)0.391[18]
A new political force enters the race with only a few weeks until the primary. When the City Council stands in Kane's way, Kane and his crew must flex their political muscles to stay on top. Meanwhile, Meredith gets some unsettling news that adds to her growing suspicions that her husband is keeping something from her.
33"Swallow"Mario Van PeeblesLyn Green & Richard LevineNovember 4, 2011 (2011-11-04)0.268[19]
As Zajac's campaign gains momentum, Kane has problems adjusting to his new medical reality. An embarrassing media storm catches Governor Cullen off guard, while Miller stumbles upon a story that seeps much deeper than he imagined.
44"Slip"Jim McKayBradford WintersNovember 11, 2011 (2011-11-11)0.420[20]
Kane finds himself starting to lose control, both politically and personally, as his supporters begin to question their confidence in him. Zajac ventures into uncharted territory while campaigning, as Miller continues to dig for answers.
55"Remembered"Jean de SegonzacAngelina BurnettNovember 18, 2011 (2011-11-18)N/A
After long-buried information resurfaces, Kane and his camp find themselves battling the media for control of public perception. With the primary just around the corner, they have to pull out all the stops to contain the situation and keep the upper hand.
66"Spit"Mario Van PeeblesLyn Green & Richard LevineNovember 25, 2011 (2011-11-25)N/A
Kane takes an unannounced break from City Hall as his political image hits an all-time low. The election looms and he'll need to enlist the help of others to weather the storm. At an emotional impasse, Kitty makes a bold move, while Meredith, increasingly suspect of Kane's behaviour, seeks opportunities of her own.
77"Stasis"Jean de SegonzacBradford WintersDecember 2, 2011 (2011-12-02)0.353[21]
Just days away from the election, Kane slowly regains control over City Hall. Though a swift political move will help identify his adversaries, will doing the unthinkable improve his public image in time?
88"Choose"Mario Van PeeblesFarhad SafiniaDecember 9, 2011 (2011-12-09)0.505[21]
On Election Day, the race is close, and while the candidates campaign, Kane and Stone must do their part to turn the gears of the political machine. Emma's world is turned upside-down, while Meredith goes to great lengths to prove her allegiance to Kane.

Season 2 (2012)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
91"Louder Than Words"Jim McKayDee JohnsonAugust 17, 2012 (2012-08-17)0.317[22]
102"Through and Through"Jean de SegonzacBradford WintersAugust 24, 2012 (2012-08-24)0.229[23]
113"Ablution"Lesli Linka GlatterAngelina BurnettAugust 31, 2012 (2012-08-31)0.371[24]
124"Redemption"Phil AbrahamJulie HébertSeptember 7, 2012 (2012-09-07)0.390[25]
135"Mania"Jean de SegonzacKevin J. HynesSeptember 14, 2012 (2012-09-14)0.382[26]
146"Backflash"Mario Van PeeblesBradford WintersSeptember 21, 2012 (2012-09-21)0.409[27]
157"The Conversation"Nelson McCormickAngelina BurnettSeptember 28, 2012 (2012-09-28)0.312[28]
168"Consequence"Jean de SegonzacPaul KeablesOctober 5, 2012 (2012-10-05)0.436[29]
179"Clinch"Mario Van PeeblesJulie HébertOctober 12, 2012 (2012-10-12)0.340[30]
1810"True Enough"Jean de SegonzacDee JohnsonOctober 19, 2012 (2012-10-19)0.442[31]

Reception

Awards and nominations

The series received two nominations for the 69th Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama Series and Kelsey Grammer received a nomination for Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama.[32] Kelsey Grammer won his category, while the show lost out to Homeland.

Ratings

The show garnered a total of 1.7 million viewers across multiple airings in its opening weekend. By comparison, other Starz TV series such as Spartacus: Gods of the Arena delivered 2.8 million viewers in its first weekend, Torchwood: Miracle Day produced 2 million viewers, and Camelot had 1.6 million viewers for the Friday airings alone.[33] However, just two weeks later, the ratings had fallen to around a quarter of a million. The third episode, "Swallow", aired on November 4, 2011 averaged only 268,000 viewers — down 31% from the week before on October 28 ("Reflex"), which had just 391,000 viewers.[19]

In an attempt to garner more television viewers, Starz shifted the season two premiere date from October 21, 2012 to August 17, 2012. This placed the season two premiere in a more advantageous state; between the finales of most summer shows on cable and the traditional launch of the fall television season, where an October launch would have been buried with many other programs.[16] Starz also put the season two premiere full episode online for free on August 20, 2012 for a limited time.[34]

The season two premiere had 317,000 viewers, which was less than half of the 659,000 viewers who watched the series premiere. With encores that same night, the ratings rose to 509,000 viewers. Over the weekend, the season premiere pulled in 915,000 viewers, just under the 1.1 million average in the first season.[35]

The show's low ratings are cited as the main reason for its cancellation.[36]

Critical reception

At Metacritic, Season 1 has an overall Metascore of 78 out of 100, based on 24 critics, and an 8.3 out of 10 User Score, based on 99 ratings.[37] Season 2 has an overall Metascore of 75 out of 100, based on 18 critics, and an 8.5 out of 10 User Score, based on 31 ratings.[38]

At Rotten Tomatoes, Season 1 has an overall 79% Fresh TomatoMeter Rating, based on 28 critics' reviews, and a 93% Audience Score, based on 21 user ratings; the Critics Consensus reads: "A mature drama, Boss constructs political devolution with ease and packs a powerful punch with steamy tales of corruption and sex."[39] Season 2 has an overall 89% Fresh TomatoMeter Rating, based on 18 critics' reviews, and an 89% Audience Score, based on 24 user ratings; the Critics Consensus reads: "Kelsey Grammar alone provides ample reason to watch Boss, but the rest of the stellar supporting cast of wretchedly fascinating, emotionally entangled characters holds viewer attention."[40]

International broadcasts

Country Network(s) Series premiere Timeslot
 Canada Bravo[41][42] October 9, 2013[42] Wednesday 22.00
 United Kingdom More4[43] March 21, 2013[44] Thursday 23.00
 Italy Rai Tre[45] October 4, 2012 Thursday 21.05
 Norway VOX[46] September 16, 2012 Sunday 22.10
 Australia SoHo[47] July 4, 2012 Wednesday 21.30
 Sweden SVT2[48] November 16, 2012 Friday 22.15
 Spain Canal+ 1[49] December 8, 2012 Saturday 21.30
 India Star World January 30, 2013 Saturday 09.30
 Indonesia HBO January 2, 2013 Monday 22.00
 Ireland TG4 January 2, 2013 Monday 23.00
 Germany FOX[50] March 18, 2013 Monday 20.15
 Belgium Canvas April 7, 2014 Monday 23.05
 Jamaica CVM TV October 23, 2014 Thursday 21.00
 Mexico Fox October 10, 2014 Tuesday 21:00
 Greece NERIT[51] October 27, 2014 Monday, Tuesday 23.00

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Reitzell to Score Starz's 'Boss'". Film Music Reporter. July 10, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  2. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (September 27, 2011). "Starz Renews New Series 'Boss' For Second Season Before Premiere". Deadline. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  3. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (July 29, 2011). "TCA: Kelsey Grammer On His Dramatic Transformation In Starz's 'Boss'". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  4. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (Apr 11, 2012). "Starz Sets Return Date for Kelsey Grammer Starrer 'Boss'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  5. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (November 20, 2012). ""Boss" Cancelled by Starz After Two Seasons". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  6. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (November 20, 2012). ""Boss" Won't Return To Starz For Season 3, May Wrap Story With Two-Hour Movie". Deadline.com. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  7. ↑ "Starz CEO Says The Boss Movie Is Dead". Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  8. ↑ ""Boss" (2011) - Full cast and crew". Retrieved August 30, 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Andreeva, Nellie (November 18, 2010). "Starz To Greenlight Drama Series Starring Kelsey Grammer & Helmed By Gus Van Sant". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  10. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (February 4, 2011). "'Nip/Tuck' Duo Join Starz's 'Boss' As EPs". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  11. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (March 22, 2011). "Connie Nielsen To Star In Starz's Drama Series 'Boss'". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  12. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (March 28, 2011). "Jeff Hephner To Co-Star On Starz's 'Boss'". Deadline. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  13. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (April 20, 2011). "Kelsey Grammer's The "Boss" in New Drama from Starz and Lionsgate". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Starz - Press Release: 'Boss' Cast & Characters" (PDF). Starz. July 29, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  15. ↑ Metz, Nina (July 1, 2011). "Kelsey Grammer, the Boss of Chicago". The Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 17, 2011.
  16. 1 2 "Starz Gives 'Boss' Season 2 Premiere Date". Apr 20, 2012.
  17. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 24, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Smackdown!' Ties 'SpongeBob;' Plus 'Sanctuary,' 'Boss,' 'House Of Payne' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 27, 2011.
  18. ↑ Seidman, Robert (October 31, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: Discovery's 'Gold Rush' Tops Cable + 'Friday Night Smackdown,' 'Sanctuary,' 'Boss' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
  19. 1 2 Rice, Lynette (November 7, 2011). "'Boss' ratings: Gee, maybe that renewal wasn't such a good idea". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  20. ↑ Rice, Lynette (November 18, 2011). "Sitcom vets struggle to get serious". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  21. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (December 12, 2011). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush' Wins Again + 'Smackdown,' 'Sanctuary,' 'For Better or Worse' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  22. ↑ Bibel, Sara (August 20, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush: The Jungle' Wins Night, 'WWE Smackdown', 'For Better or Worse', 'Beyond Scared Straight', 'House of Payne, 'Lost Girl' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  23. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (August 27, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Bering Sea Gold: Under The Ice' & 'Yukon Men' Win Night, + 'WWE Friday Night SmackDown', 'For Better or Worse' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  24. ↑ Bibel, Sara (September 4, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: College Football Wins Night, 'WWE Smackdown', 'Robot Chicken', 'For Better or Worse','American Hoggers','Lost Girl ' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  25. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (September 10, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: WWE on Top + 'Bering Sea Gold: Under The Ice', 'Daily Show', 'American Pickers', 'Hardcore History', 'Yukon Men' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 15, 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  26. ↑ Bibel, Sara (September 17, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'Yukon Men', 'Bering Sea Gold', 'Ultimate Fighter', 'Lost Girl', 'Gravity Falls' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 19, 2012. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  27. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (September 24, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'Friday Night Smackdown' Wins Night, + College Football, 'For Better or Worse', 'Haven', 'American Pickers' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  28. ↑ Bibel, Sara (October 1, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Smackdown' Wins Night, 'For Better or Worse,', 'Diners Drive Ins & Dives', College Football, 'Yukon Men', 'House Hunters' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  29. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 9, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: MLB Wins Night + 'Friday Night SmackDown', 'Ultimate Fighter', College Football, 'UFC Fight night' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  30. ↑ Bibel, Sara (October 15, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: Baseball Wins Night, 'Girl vs. Monster', 'WWE Smackdown', 'Yukon Men', 'Dog With a Blog', 'American Restoration' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  31. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 22, 2012). "Friday Cable Ratings: WWE Friday Night SmackDown Wins Night + 'Yukon Men', 'Gold Rush', 'Secret Princes', 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
  32. ↑ "In Full: Golden Globes Awards 2012 - TV Nominees". Digital Spy. December 15, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Kelsey Grammer's 'Boss' gets decent start in ratings".
  34. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-10-15. Retrieved 2012-08-20.
  35. ↑ O'Connell, Michael (August 20, 2012). "'Boss' Returns Shy of Freshman Premiere Ratings, Still Bests 'Magic City'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  36. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (November 20, 2012). "Starz Cancels Kelsey Grammer's 'Boss' After Two Seasons". The Hollywood Reporter.
  37. ↑ "Boss: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Boss: Season 2". Metacritic. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  39. ↑ "Boss: Season 1 (2011)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  40. ↑ "Boss: Season 2 (2012)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  41. ↑ http://www.bravo.ca/Shows/Boss
  42. 1 2 Bird, Christopher (October 7, 2013). "'Televisualist: Subtropical Zombies' - Wednesday". Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  43. ↑ Munn, Patrick (October 25, 2012). "Channel 4 Acquires UK Rights To 'Boss' & 'The Mindy Project'". TVWise. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  44. ↑ Munn, Patrick (March 6, 2013). "More4 Sets UK Premiere Date for 'Boss'". TVWise. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Boss, su Raitre Kelsey Grammer nel suo primo ruolo drammatico". October 4, 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  46. ↑ "Høstens serier på TVNorge, FEM, MAX og VOX". June 6, 2012.
  47. ↑ "Kelsey Grammer Stars In Boss. Australian Premiere July 4 On W". Foxtel. May 21, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  48. ↑ "Kelsey Grammers grymme Boss till SVT". December 15, 2011.
  49. ↑ "Noticias: Todo 'Boss', desde el 8 de diciembre en CANAL+". November 21, 2012.
  50. ↑ "Boss-Homepage bei FOX Deutschland mit Ausstrahlungsterminen". Fox Germany. Retrieved 2013-03-31.
  51. ↑ "BOSS- Πρεμιέρα στη ΝΕΡΙΤ". NERIT. Retrieved 2015-01-13.

External links

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