Wiseguy
With friends like his who needs enemies
Created by Stephen J. Cannell, Frank Lupo
On CBS
A serialized undercover crime drama built on sustained psychological tension between a man's dual identity and the family bonds that anchor his sense of self.
Vinnie Terranova does time in a New Jersey penitentiary to set up his undercover role as an agent for the OCB (Organized Crime Bureau) of the United States. His roots in a traditional Italian city neighborhood form the underlying dramatic base throughout the series, bringing him into conflict with his conservative mother and other family members while acting undercover as syndicate enforcer.
Clusters
Questions people ask
Is Wiseguy violent? Yes. More violent than 85% of series.
Is Wiseguy scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 73% of series.
Does Wiseguy leave you hopeful? Not especially. Less hopeful than 73% of series.
Is Wiseguy sad? Somewhat. More sad than 72% of series.
Is Wiseguy easy watching? Not especially. Less comforting than 70% of series.
These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
Familiar shape, done well.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Like Wiseguy
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Wiseguy
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Wiseguy, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Wiseguy, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Wiseguy, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
