Miami Vice was One of the Most Iconic TV Shows of the 80s

Miami Vice was a cultural touchstone that influenced everything from fashion to music, making it one of the most iconic TV shows of the 80s.

No other television shows of the 80s created such a lasting impact on fashion, music, and culture, quite like Miami Vice. Airing from 1984 until 1990, the show managed to redefine how people viewed the police. They managed to blend stylish visuals and a unique sense of cool and cutting-edge music into every episode. This single TV show was able to fully encapsulate the entire decade’s vibrant spirit and desire for a more glamorous and gritty life. Today, Miami Vice remains as one of the most iconic TV shows of the 80s.

The Popularity of Miami Vice and TV Shows of the 80s

The 1980s saw significant changes in the economy, culture, and society as a whole. People around the country were fascinated by the consumerism that was fueled by expanding disposable incomes. Everyone wanted wealth and excess, and Miami Vice gave that to them. The city had become a hub for the cocaine trade as well as organized crime. And, the TV show reflected that gritty reality. Miami Vice managed to mix the glamorous beachfront mansions with the dark and seedy underworld that controlled it.

Visual style was everything, and Miami Vice capitalized on this trend. Each episode was designed to appear as if it was a music video on MTV. It appealed to a younger audience, to those who are more style-conscious and were eager for entertainment that mirrored the flash and flair of the era. They wanted that beach life, the sharp outfits, and of course fast cars. Miami Vice embodied all of this, which is why it continued to air until 1990.

How Miami Vice Changed A Generation of TV Shows of the 80s

Miami Vice changed an entire generation, by introducing the world to new fashions and styles and mixing music with storytelling in a unique cinematic fashion.

Fashion and Style in TV Shows of the 80s

Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of the show was its distinctive fashion. Miami Vice quickly became a trendsetter during the mid to late 80s. Don Johnson who played Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas who played Ricardo Tubbs were known for their stylish pastel outfits. They often wore T-shirts under blazers, and loafers without socks. This created a more casual yet elegant look. And, that look became emblematic of men’s fashion around the country.

More and more people with disposable incomes began buying up suits from designers like Hugo Boss and Giorgio Armani. Armani chose to use very light fabrics and pastel colors that made them perfect for casual wear. And, these quickly became synonymous with that perfect Miami look. It wasn’t just about trying to look like your favorite character on TV, it was a bold fashion statement that moved from the silver screen out into the streets.

Music as A Storytelling Tool

Thanks to MTV, music quickly became a storytelling tool during the early 80s. But no TV show had ever attempted to use music as a storytelling tool until Miami Vice. This was a groundbreaking innovation that helped to set the tone and mood of each episode. Unlike other TV shows in the 80s, Miami Vice integrated pop music and rock into their plot. And, big-name artists like Phil Collins, Tina Turner, and Glenn Frey became an integral part of their dialogue.

Without question, one of the most memorable uses of music came during the episode In the Air Tonight which features Phil Collins’s haunting song of the same title. They managed to blend action and emotion in a way that had never been seen before on TV. This approach not only helped to make Miami Vice feel more modern and cinematic, but it also introduced viewers to new forms of music. This gave artists a whole new platform to reach millions of fans across the country. The combination of music and visuals became a defining characteristic of TV shows of the 80s.

Cinematic Techniques

Of course, the cinematic techniques that were used in each episode also helped to improve his popularity. While other TV shows of the 80s were focused on sitcom comedies that were filmed before a live studio audience, Miami Vice was filmed as if it were an actual movie. Every single shot was given the same amount of attention to detail that was usually reserved for blockbuster films. And, the director who was responsible for all of this distinctive visual styling was none other than Michael Mann. He utilized long wide shots in order to create a stark contrast between the rich and the poor classes within the show.

The Cast and Creators of Miami Vice

The success of Miami Vice was not just about the cinematic techniques. The vast majority of the TV shows of the 80s success was driven by its cast. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Sonny Crockett quickly made him a sex symbol of the 80s. And, Philip Michael Thomas’s portrayal of Ricardo Tubbs added sophistication and balance to the team. Together, this deal created one of television’s most beloved crime-fighting teams.

How Miami Vice Changed Television and Pop Culture

Miami Vice had a long-lasting impact on both television and movies. His revolutionary use of music and fashion helped create a template for more modern television shows. CSI played on the same similar techniques in their filming, which helped to create one of the largest and longest-lasting TV franchises in American history. But, the impact extended well beyond TV shows of the 80s. In fact, you can see this same style and cinematic technique in the popular film series Bad Boys.

The show itself left a lasting legacy in the fashion industry. It includes men’s styles forever. Today, casual yet polished trends are still popular styles for men around the world. And, designers like Armani have become household names due to their association with the TV show. Even decades after the show was canceled, pastel suits and rolled-up sleeves still remain popular along the sunny shores of Florida and California.

Conclusion

In the end, Miami Vice was more than just another TV show in the 80s. It was an entire cultural revolution that redefined the decade. His use of music and fashion helped shape the 80s. And its influence has left a lasting legacy on television and in pop culture.