# Spin City (1996)

> Michael J. Fox plays Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty, who keeps New York City's chaotic administration running with a staff of personally troubled aides.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/2240

## Facts

- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 145
- Episode runtime: 22 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: comedy
- Created by: Gary David Goldberg, Bill Lawrence
- Network: ABC
- Cast: Michael J. Fox, Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Barry Bostwick, Richard Kind, Alan Ruck, Michael Boatman, Connie Britton
- TMDB rating: 7.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115369/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: breezy, witty, irreverent, sardonic

## What critics say

Critics broadly regard Spin City as a fast, witty workplace sitcom carried by its ensemble and Michael J. Fox, though its appeal weakened after his departure.

## Synopsis

Spin City (1996-2002) is a US network political sitcom created by Gary David Goldberg and Bill Lawrence for ABC. Michael J. Fox stars as workaholic Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty, the strategist who handles Mayor Randall Winston (Barry Bostwick) and keeps New York City government moving. His engine is constant damage control: every day brings a new crisis that he must smooth over before the press or the mayor notices. Around him orbit an anxious press secretary played by Richard Kind, a boorish chief of staff played by Alan Ruck, and a groomed gay activist played by Michael Boatman, all professionally capable but personally challenged. Each episode is a brisk, self-contained workplace comedy of city hall scheming, bruised egos and last-minute fixes, delivered in a fast, breezy register. The six-season run follows the same office ensemble through shifting cast changes and election-year pressures. Fans of The West Wing, Parks and Recreation and Veep will find resonance in its sharp political satire and its affection for flawed public servants.

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- [The Brittas Empire (1991)](https://ember.film/tv/227)
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- [NewsRadio (1995)](https://ember.film/tv/3775)
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- [The Michael J. Fox Show (2013)](https://ember.film/tv/52721)

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