Based on 3 seasons, 26 episodes · through September 25, 2022
City on a Hill is a gritty crime drama set in 1990s Boston. It follows an idealistic Black assistant district attorney who forms an uneasy alliance with a corrupt white FBI agent to clean up the city's justice system. The series places a noticeable emphasis on racial reform, depicting traditional white police officers as corrupt and racist. The show also features prominent Black female characters leading ACLU legal battles and community activism, along with minor queer characters.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for City on a Hill.
Woke representation / casting
Prominent diversity is featured with Black reformer Decourcy Ward and his brilliant attorney wife, Siobhan Quays, who works for the ACLU. Season 2 introduces loud Black community activist Grace Campbell. In Season 3, the show includes anachronistic queer representation, such as when Jackie shares a hospital room with a young gay assault victim, and characters' modern acceptance of LGBT individuals. This LGBTQ+ inclusion elevates the representation score.
50%
Woke political dialogue
The series contains noticeable dialogue focusing on dismantling "the machinery" of systemic racism and police corruption. Later seasons feature heavy activist rhetoric, especially during Siobhan’s civil rights and ACLU legal battles, where modern social-justice themes are openly spoken about.
55%
Identity-driven story themes
The core narrative shifts away from simple cops and robbers to focus on systemic racism, inequality, and the fight to reform a corrupt justice system. Storylines such as the Braxton Summit housing project conflict and ACLU battles are deeply rooted in identity politics and systemic oppression.
65%
Western institutional / cultural critique
Traditional institutions like the BPD and the FBI are depicted as corrupt, racist, and abusive. The show critiques traditional male roles through the despicable behavior of Jackie Rohr, while his wife Jenny's arc serves as a critique of traditional patriarchal marriages and domestic abuse.
60%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The series is an original drama loosely inspired by historical events, with entirely fictional characters, so there are no changes to established canon or existing characters.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some viewers complained on forums like Reddit that the show's emphasis on racism, corrupt white police officers, and virtuous Black reformers is annoying. However, because of its low-key release and gritty style, it avoided large-scale mainstream backlash.
30%
Creator track record context
The creative team is a blend of neutral old-school figures like Tom Fontana and Matt Damon, and progressive activists like directors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, as well as writers P. Carter and J.M. Holmes.
38%
Production
