Network: TNT
Episodes: 20 (hour)
Seasons: Two
TV show dates: June 22, 2010 — August 16, 2011
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard, Abraham Benrubi, Celia Weston, DJ Qualls, Leonard Earl Howze, Robyn Lively, and Sam Hennings.
TV show description:
A detective series that revolves around a Memphis detective who moonlights as an Elvis impersonator. Just as music is integral to the city of Memphis, it’s integral to this show as well.
Detective Dwight Hendricks (Jason Lee) is the son of a cop who was killed in the line of duty. This has left him very devoted to both his mother and his city. He also has a deep love of music and moonlights as an Elvis impersonator. He sees himself as “the keeper of Memphis,” always very protective of his hometown. He’s laid-back and easygoing as a person and as a detective, and often uses his intuition on the job. He’s still good friends with his ex-wife, Alex, despite only being married to her for eight weeks.
Dwight’s boss is the recently transferred Lt. Tanya Rice (Alfre Woodard). She still has that suburban sensibility and is learning that things are a little different in the big city. She doesn’t feel so much like a boss as she does a mother. Having raised five children, she sees the police squad as an extension of her family. That maternal instinct can come in handy when dealing with perps.
Davey Sutton (DJ Qualls) completely idolizes Dwight and wants to be his protégé, but Dwight doesn’t exactly see it the same way. He tries so hard to get Dwight to notice him, that he often comes off as not being very intelligent, even though this isn’t the case. If Dwight would open up his eyes a little, he’d see that Davey has nearly as much insight into Memphis and its people. Although Davey would like to be Dwight’s partner, Charlie “Whitehead” White (Sam Hennings) has the job. He’s an old-school detective who has a way with dogs. He’s also a little eccentric and comes with high blood pressure issues.
Reginald Greenback (Leonard Earl Howze) is another detective. His wife would like to get him on a diet, and off the Southern cooking. He has two teenage daughters who are constantly into his wallet, causing him to ponder getting a second job.
Sgt. JC Lightfoot (Abraham Benrubi) wears a braided pontail that goes back to his Native American heritage, as he’s 1/16th Chickasaw. Because of that, he feels its his duty to dole out tribal wisdom to the others in the squad. At home, though, he has a volatile relationship with his wife.
Dwight’s mom, Paula Ann Hendricks (Celia Weston), sells cosmetics door-to-door and dotes on her son as much as he dotes on her. She makes it seem to him that she’s dependent on him ever since her husband died, but she’s really more independent than that. She starts dating the next door neighbor without Dwight’s knowledge.
Episode 20 — The Feud
A family feud reaches a fever pitch, resulting in the shooting of a girl. Meanwhile, Dwight’s peers discover he has a new girlfriend. Dwight tries to separate his love life from his professional life, but that proves difficult.
First aired: August 16, 2011.
Image courtesy TNT.
I am sooooo looking forward to Memphis Beat’s return and I hope TNT will realize what a terrific show they have and give it two seasons instead of just one. It is really nice to watch a good, clean, funny, drama, etc. My husband and I love the whole package, especially the music. We have all the episodes recorded on our DVR and have watched them numerous times. The writers and actors have done a superb job and am hopeful Memphis Beat will continue for many years to come.
Good job!!!!!
When is Memphis Beat going to air ? I really like to watch Jason Lee
I certainly hope this show is coming back, Its about time we can watch a crime drama which is also funny in places
Please bring back Memphis Beat!!! I miss it so much! It is a great show, with a great cast, with great plots! Creative, Funny, Witty and Enjoyable!
I am looking forward to seeing it soon!
PLEASE keep this show on the air. I only discovered it a short time before the season was over but I swear I’ll be faithful from here on …
One of the best shows ever!
Memphis Beat is the most entertaining new show in a long, long time. Totally watchable.
TNT, I sincerely hope you realize the treasure you have and protect it for all of us. IT IS
A KEEPER, PLEASE.
I love Memphis Beat. The laid back humor is just what I need after a long day’s work. I can even handle the music though I prefer ass kicking hard core heavy metal. The actors compliment each other so well. Thumbs up, Four stars etc………….
PLEASE DON’T CANCEL THIS SHOW, i LOVE IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING IT EVERY WEEK. I TVO IT SO iI CAN WATCH IT ON WEEKENDS
This is a fantastic show!! I’ve seen all the episodes and look forward to more!! Please bring it back soon. I love to hear Dwight (Jason) sing. He’s really good. Where can I get a cd??
I love this show …Please DO NOT CANCEL..The most interesting part about this show //There is NO VIOLENCE, We can actually see a show with a plot and No one gets shot by the cops…Nice job.
Please don’t cancel this show I look forward to watching it every week.
A refreshing cop show that needs to come back soon. Develop the ex-wife involvement some more. Please don’t cancel!!!
I LOVE Memphis Beat~! I can’t miss an episode once I started watching it~!
I love Memphis Beat. I tried to watch My name is Earl and couldn’t get into it. Probably because I older than most of the younger people watching it. I thought it was dumb. Memphis Beat is a great change and we like it very much. I like the music ,and that’s probably another reason , it’s in my generation.
Oh…I miss My Name is Earl.
Cancel Memphis Beat and bring back Earl!