Network: BBC America
Episodes: 23 (hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: August 19, 2012 — September 22, 2013
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Tom Weston-Jones, Kyle Schmid, Ato Essandoh, Tessa Thompson, Kevin Ryan, Tanya Fischer, Dylan Taylor, Ron White, David Keeley, Franka Potente, Anastasia Griffith, and Kiara Glasco.
TV show description:
This crime drama TV series is set in 1864 in New York City and is filled with intrigue, corruption, mystery and murder.
Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones) is an Irish-American former boxer who became a police detective. He returns from the Civil War to find that his wife is missing and his daughter is dead. Corcoran struggles to walk a straight line in New York City’s notoriously crooked Five Points neighborhood. Desperate to learn the truth about what happened to his family, he dedicates himself to seeking justice for the powerless and overlooked. He also finds himself thrust into the contrasting worlds of elegant and corrupt Fifth Avenue, and the emerging African-American community in Northern Manhattan.
Corcoran shares a secret from the battlefield with Robert Morehouse and Doctor Matthew Freeman that inextricably links their lives together. As he did in the Union Army, Corcoran proves intelligent, valiant and tenacious — stopping at nothing to bring those responsible to justice.
A handsome bon vivant and part of the Manhattan aristocracy, Robert Morehouse (Kyle Schmid) and Corcoran were mustered out of the 71st Regiment together. Though raised in a life of privilege, Morehouse was changed by the war and now sees the lower class as his equals — much to his father’s dismay. Spending more time drinking and cavorting with prostitutes than making a name for himself in the business world, Morehouse consistently falls short of his dad’s expectations.
An African-American physician, Doctor Matthew Freeman (Ato Essandoh) was Morehouse’s valet during the Civil War. When called upon, Freeman now assists Corcoran in murder investigations though receives no credit for his contribution. Freeman practices modern scientific methods of deduction, but precinct superiors believe this to be Corcoran’s work and he doesn’t tell them otherwise.
Freeman is devoted to his wife Sara (Tessa Thompson) whose two brothers were lynched during the Draft Riots. She’s left emotionally scarred, refuses to leave her house, and convinces her husband to leave Five Points in hopes of finding security in the African-American community of Carmansville in Northern Manhattan.
Detective Francis Maguire (Kevin Ryan) is Corcoran’s closest friend and his partner in the Sixth Precinct. Maguire assists Corcoran in his search for his missing wife, as well as in navigating the underground criminal world of Five Points. Though he cares deeply for those closest to him, Maguire possesses a quick temper and occasionally loses control. Enamored with Molly Stuart (Tanya Fischer), Maguire harbors a desire to settle down and marry the ambitious courtesan.
Flirtatious and beautiful, Molly works at at Eva’s Paradise and entertains several gentlemen from both Uptown and Five Points. Her big heart and free-spirited nature can embroil her in others’ affairs and, despite her taboo career choice, Molly possesses a deep sense of right and wrong.
Detective Andrew O’Brien (Dylan Taylor) is a colleague and companion to Corcoran and Maguire. Often teased about his acquiescence to his overbearing wife, he is fiercely loyal to his family and friends.
Captain of the Sixth Precinct, Ciaran Joseph Sullivan (Ron White) is more concerned about his reputation in the public eye than seeking justice for victims. Sullivan questions how the kingpins of New York society will be affected by the results of the tenacious Corcoran’s investigations.
Sergeant Padraic Byrnes (David Keeley) is a corrupt cop within the ranks of the Sixth Precinct and takes delight in thwarting Corcoran. He plays both sides of the law by manipulating Captain Sullivan as well as victims and criminals.
With a saloon and brothel located in the center of Five Points, Eva Heissen (Franka Potente), the Madame of Eva’s Paradise, is a shrewd businesswoman. A long list of patrons — including many coppers from the Sixth Precinct — help Eva maintain control over her employees with stern precision. Despite her tough-as-nails exterior, she shows her gentler side when she is with Corcoran — who finds comfort in Eva’s arms while his heart yearns for his missing wife.
Sophisticated, spirited and intoxicatingly beautiful, Elizabeth Haverford (Anastasia Griffith) is more than a mindless debutante. Far more business-savvy and politically astute than the other society ladies of Fifth Avenue, Elizabeth seeks to use her wealth and influence to improve the lives of others -– despite how it’s perceived by the rest of New York’s upper class. Though she meets Corcoran under horrific circumstances, Elizabeth enjoys his companionship and protection.
A young runaway who is growing up quickly, Annie Reilly (Kiara Glasco) is forced into prostitution to survive. After a memorable encounter with Corcoran, she becomes deeply attached as he endeavors to protect her from danger. Whip-smart with a predilection for mischief, Annie reminds Corcoran of his own daughter, and he goes out of his way to try to introduce her to a better life.
Episode #23 — “The Place I Called My Home”
In the wake of the President’s death, Detective Kevin Corcoran reels like the rest of the country. As Corcoran mourns with Robert Morehouse and Doctor Matthew Freeman, the three men decide to join a national effort once more. For the three friends, the mission elicits memories from the battlefield, resurfaces faces from the past, and creates opportunity for Five Points chaos to continue unabated.
First aired: September 22, 2013
What do you think? Do you like the Copper TV series? Are you sorry that there won’t be a third season?
I can’t believe they canceled Copper, what a shame. My daughter and I were
really looking forward to the next season. One of the better shows on TV.
It’s easy to see why Copper was cancelled. Had to make room for idiotic shows like Honey Boo Boo, Duck Dynasty, and Hill belly Hand Fishing. This country is consistently being dumbed down with moronic trash. No wonder other countries think were idiots. When I go overseas I tell people I’m Canadian.
I hear ya, what about that stupid Chrisley Knows Best crap!?
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I am very disappointed, I love Copper….one of the best series on TV and they cancelled it? Seriously? The characters were great and the whole series was a 10. I hope BBCA reconsiders and brings Copper back!! At least they could NOT leave us without a real series finale. They left so many unanswered questions. Bring Copper Back!!!
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I watched Copper faithfully & really enjoyed it. I was VERY disappointed to learn of it’s cancelation. Really wish BBCA would have invested the money & effort into continuing this great show instead of developing other new shows, like the new comedy about British aristocratic siblings coming to the US – no thanks. I want my Copper back!!!
As an avid TV viewer it amazed me that this extraordinary series was canceled. With all the mindless junk on TV, this show is not only historically accurate, but extremely well written, acted, produced and directed and appeals to all ages. It can be used as an educational tool for the youth of America as well as thought provoking entertainment for all. I have never been more disappointed in any shows cancellation as I have for “Copper” and BBC America should really re-think its decision or another network scoop this up.
I really don’t understand the reasoning in this decision of canceling Copper . It was a brilliant show , great writing , very talented cast , wonderful costumes & sets . But it was a really good show that didn’t seem to get the promotion it deserved ! Nothing on any networks quite like this show & did I mention it was really good ! Better than anything they seem to be promoting now on this network . In answer to the question, No I no longer watch your network , channel whatever . Think about what your viewers want… Read more »
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what a shame, they cancel a great show. why should that surprise me ..
I was very much looking forward to the 2014 season of Copper, to bad that’s not going to happen. It was a well made show with a great cast BBC should reconsider.
This was the best show to come around in years and I just learned it is being cancelled. Unbelievable. Don’t do it!!!!
Just when it was getting good, you cancel it. Big mistake!!!
Why even comment about anything on here? Not like the networks care about what the viewers want or don’t want? Highly unlikely they ever read anything from viewers, esp on here.
To “T” I comment and am glad others, because even though there is a part of me that totally agrees with you…Sometimes, other networks are watching to see what people want and if we are lucky, maybe someone will pick it up…If you just walk away, then they win for sure…Just my humble opinion….
if anyone has noticed, Ripper Street has started its season programming. It is pretty close to Copper in content but it is set in London instead of New York. Can this be one of the reasons that Copper was cancelled, but Ripper Street wasn’t? Both series are set in the same era and are fairly similar in premise. Ripper Street is also on BBCA.
No way! Why would you do that?! It’s a great show, with great characters! Please bring it back! Take one of those old stupid reality TV shows off instead! I’m in America and I love that TV series!
I have posted BBCA again inquiring as to the demise of this excellent series….This is my second post to them. I am sure I will get their standard curt reply as I did in the past…I did ask this time for at least a “movie” for closure. There are so many people who have posted here with regret over this really sad decision by BBCA….
I loved Copper and I can’t understand why you would cancel one of the best shows on TV. BBC America has flooded its channel with consent replays of Top Gear to the point that I hate that show, and the same goes with some of the other shows. Your channel has gone to the dogs. Wake up BBC A. Bring back Copper and make other shows like the ones you show in the UK. Please!!!
I love Copper! I was so angry to see them snatch it from the viewers just as the entire cast’s stories were finally coming together; further making me love it more! I don’t get it BBC; you’re network is open to many things without prejudice or political standings and it’s because of this that you have such successful programs. So much so that America takes your show ideas and use them, ie. Being Human… Anyway, please get it together and bring it back!
I enjoy watching the reruns of Copper just as much as when I saw them the first run.
I wish or rather hope BBC will bring the series back to life.