In the Heat of the Night

In the Heat of the Night (1988-1995)

EndedScripted showDrama, Crime, Mystery

Based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name, this series provided a hopeful, yet honest look at life in the new South. Set in the fictional Sparta, Mississippi, the show was a marvelous blend of heartfelt drama and folksy humor. It portrayed both the professional and personal pursuits of Sparta P.D's officers.

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Networks
Scheduleevery Friday (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S08E04Grow Old Along with MeMay 16, 1995
S08E03By Duty BoundFeb 17, 1995
S08E02Who Was Geli Bendl ?Dec 9, 1994
S08E01A Matter of JusticeOct 21, 1994
S07E24Give Me Your Life (2)May 11, 1994
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'In the Heat of the Night' premiere?

'In the Heat of the Night' premiered on March 6, 1988.

Where is the show set?

The show is set in the fictional town of Sparta, Mississippi.

Who played the lead character, police chief Bill Gillespie?

Carroll O'Connor played police chief Bill Gillespie.

Who played the role of Detective Virgil Tibbs in the series?

Howard Rollins played the role of Detective Virgil Tibbs in the series.

Who played Althea Tibbs, Virgil's wife?

Anne-Marie Johnson played the role of Althea Tibbs, Virgil's wife.

What was the relationship between Gillespie and Tibbs like at the beginning of the series?

At the beginning of the series, Gillespie and Tibbs didn't get along, but they developed a friendship as the series progressed.

What was the premise of the series?

'In the Heat of the Night' focused on the investigations of the Sparta police department and the relationships between its officers.

Did the show feature any episodes based on real-life events?

Yes, some episodes were based on real-life events, such as the Ku Klux Klan trial of Vernon Dahmer in the episode "Bubba's Baby."

Who wrote the novel 'In the Heat of the Night' on which the series was based?

John Ball wrote the novel 'In the Heat of the Night' on which the series was based.

Was the series a ratings success?

Yes, 'In the Heat of the Night' was a ratings success and won several awards during its run.

Did the show tackle social issues?

Yes, 'In the Heat of the Night' tackled social issues such as racism, police brutality, and corruption.

How many episodes were there in total?

There were 146 episodes of 'In the Heat of the Night' in total.

Cast

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Characters

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Also known as

  • Az éjszaka árnyai (Hungary)
  • Полуночная жара (Russian Federation)

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