Kevin Bacon Shines in City on a Hill
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Kevin Bacon truly shines in City on a Hill, a crime drama series created by Charlie MacLean and based on a story by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. It is a rather dark look at Boston in the early 1990s, a time when crime, corruption, and racial tension shaped the city.
The show originally aired on Showtime from 2019 to 2022 and stars Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge in the lead roles. I recently streamed the series on HBO/Max.
The series has both raw authenticity and stellar performances. If you enjoy gritty crime dramas, this one should be on your watch list.
What Is City on a Hill About?
In the early 1990s, Boston was a violent, corrupt, and racist part of life. To make matters worse, the local law enforcement agencies backed it.
The series is set in Boston during the “Boston Miracle” era. FBI agent Jackie Rohr (Kevin Bacon) is a corrupt but charismatic investigator who thrives in a system built on backroom deals and shady compromises.
Jackie Rohr (Kevin Bacon) partners with DeCourcy Ward (Aldis Hodge). Ward is an idealistic assistant district attorney determined to bring justice to a broken system. The story follows the uneasy alliance between two career-minded men with differing moral values.
The series blends gritty police drama with courtroom intrigue, exploring themes of morality, justice, loyalty, and gray areas of power. It’s steeped in the atmosphere of Boston, highlighting the city’s neighborhoods, culture, and long-standing divides.
The Two Main Characters of City on a Hill:
- Jackie Rohr (Kevin Bacon) – a corrupt, swaggering FBI veteran who bends the law to his advantage. Rohr thrives in Boston’s underworld of shady deals and personal vices.
- Decourcy Ward (Aldis Hodge) – a principled, idealistic assistant district attorney from Brooklyn. He’s determined to bring justice and reform to a city where systemic corruption runs deep.
Together, Rohr and Ward form a reluctant partnership to take on violent criminals, specifically a family of armored car robbers. At the same time, they set about exposing the broader network of political and law enforcement corruption.
Their clash of methods drives much of the show’s tension and character development. It focuses on Jackie’s cynical street smarts versus Decourcy’s idealism.
Themes of loyalty, betrayal, race, and power struggles make the series more than just a crime drama. It’s a study of morality in a city struggling to reinvent itself.
Kevin Bacon’s Standout Performance
Kevin Bacon delivers one of the most unforgettable roles of his career as Jackie Rohr. His character is morally ambiguous. He’s often repulsive, yet strangely magnetic. Bacon balances Jackie’s sleaze and swagger with a raw vulnerability that keeps viewers hooked.
The tension between Jackie’s corruption and Decourcy’s idealism keeps viewers hooked from episode to episode.
Critics praised Kevin Bacon’s performance for its depth, making Jackie Rohr both a villain and a character you can’t look away from.
A Strong Ensemble Cast
While Bacon is a scene-stealer, Aldis Hodge as DeCourcy Ward provides the perfect counterbalance. His principled and passionate performance highlights the tension between old-school corruption and a new wave of justice.
The supporting cast includes Jill Hennessy, Lauren E. Banks, and Jonathan Tucker. These characters bring additional layers to the story, fleshing out Boston’s gritty landscape.
Why You Should Watch City on a Hill
- Realistic storytelling – Inspired by actual events in Boston’s history.
- Complex characters – No simple heroes or villains, only shades of gray.
- Strong writing and atmosphere – Captures the 1990s era with authenticity.
- Kevin Bacon’s performance – Arguably one of his best roles in recent years.
The series balances gritty crime storytelling with social commentary on race, power, and justice. Its authentic Boston setting adds to the realism, highlighting the city’s culture and divisions in the 1990s.
Strong Acting and Chemistry:
Many critics highlighted the performances of Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge, noting their strong chemistry. They said that the show “comes alive” when these two are in scenes together.
Kevin Bacon at the Top of His Game:
City on a Hill is a gripping exploration of crime, corruption, and justice that showcases Kevin Bacon at the top of his game. If you’re a fan of intense dramas like The Wire or Godfather of Harlem, this series offers the same raw storytelling with a uniquely Boston flavor.
It offers a mix of crime drama, legal battles, and character-driven storytelling that feels both entertaining and relevant.
Whether you watch for the history, the moral conflicts, or Kevin Bacon’s commanding presence, City on a Hill is a must-see for crime drama enthusiasts.
An Upcoming Movie by Ben Affleck & Matt Damon:
Writer-director Joe Carnahan’s upcoming crime thriller movie, The Rip, is the latest collaboration between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
What It’s About: Upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray. As outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question — including who they can rely on.
“The title for The Rip is simply Miami cop parlance for ‘taking the bad guy’s stuff,’ which is known as ‘ripping’ it,” Carnahan says. “In the event of a seizure of cash, drugs, or weapons, the confiscation itself is known as the ‘rip.’
The Rip is scheduled to be released on January 16, 2026, on Netflix.
I like Kevin Bacon. I think he’s a great actor. I think I’d like this series. So it wasn’t picked up for a 4th season? Did they wrap up the storylines? I hope they didn’t leave on a cliff hanger! I think the show Nashville did that and fans were so upset. Another network ended up picking up the show. It’s so upsetting when you really love a show and get invested in the characters, and then it gets cancelled.
I felt that the storyline had reached an end.
Sounds like something my husband and I would enjoy. I appreciated the good information about what food and plants are harmful to pets. My great aunt would give her dog chocolate almost everyday. And my great uncle would give one of his prescription pills to his dog every day when he took his. So you know how long ago that was because these days you can’t get your prescriptions early if you run out. I was too young to know how it affected the dogs but I do remember the stories. Hope you are feeling better. I am keeping you in my prayers. Thirty years ago when I moved here there was one stop light in the whole county. We are in the big time now, Michael’s just opened up. It’s a beautiful store with lovely things but I donated towels to the animal shelter and shopped at their thrift store finding some adorable fall items so I was in and out of Michael’s without buying anything. We love our thrifting, don’t we! Have a good weekend everyone!
Yes, we do love our thrifting!
Brenda I watched City on the Hill from the start. I was shocked when it was not picked up for a fourth season. Kevin was compelling and the cast was outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the local filming. I concur it’s a must watch!
I SO wanted another season to watch!