Exclusive Preview: AMC’s Star-Studded ’61st Street’ is a Must-See

AMC’s eagerly anticipated new show, ’61st Street,’ is premiering in the UK tonight (29 March).

Emmy Award winner Courtney B. Vance, British force Tosin Cole, and Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis star in the gripping drama – which is executive co-produced by Michael B. Jordan by way of his Outlier Society imprint.

The series, which was created by BAFTA-winner Peter Moffat, unravels the infamous Chicago criminal justice system and chronicles the police and prosecutor investigation of a deadly drug bust that runs the risk of unravelling the cop code of silence.

Set to premiere tonight (29 March) on AMC (BT TV Channel 332 and in HD on Channel 381), ’61st Street’ – which has already won the Audience Award at SXSW – is all sorts of a must-see.

To celebrate the new series, join That Grape Juice below as we take a look at the ’61st Street’ cast and the team behind this thrilling new drama.

Tosin Cole plays Moses Johnson

Born in the US, Tosin Cole relocated to the UK at the age of 8 and has been on an incredible trajectory ever since. Indeed, the rising actor has seen his star shine with increasing luminosity in recent years.

Starting his career the age of 17 in the contemporary reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Cole has appeared in multiple notable productions, including ‘Doctor Who’ and 2015’s ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’

With ’61 Street,’ the talented force further reaffirms why he has been generating buzz on a global scale.

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Aunjanue Ellis plays Martha Roberts

A seasoned force, Aunjanue Ellis has carved out quite the career with powerful performances across TV and film. Matriarchal figures have been a mainstay for the actress, who has wowed as Mattie Moss Clark in the critically revered biopic ‘The Clark Sisters’ and her Oscar-nominated turn in ‘King Richard’ as Oracene Price.

Of all her achievements, perhaps most incredible is the reality that Ellis’ ascend is only just starting. And her magnetizing showing in ’61st Street’ looks set to turbo-charge her acceleration in the minds and hearts of the masses the more.

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 Courtney B. Vance plays Franklin Roberts

As actors go, few come as revered as Courtney B. Vance.

Hailed for his unwavering ability to illuminate the most complex of characters, the star’s talents have earned him accolades for performances both on the screen and on the stage. Indeed, he’s won Primetime Emmy Awards (for ‘The People vs O.J Simpson’ and more recently ‘Lovecraft Country’), as well as a Tony Award for ‘Lucky Guy.’

Rather than resting on his laurels, Vance marches forward, delivering dazzling performances that emotionally pierce. His potent portrayal of Franklin Roberts is already drumming up award talk – and rightfully so.

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Mark O’Brien plays Johnny Logan

Canadian star Mark O’Brien has been steadily showcasing his acting gravitas across a slew of TV shows, such as ‘Hannibal,’ ‘City of on a Hill,’ and ‘Republic of Doyle.’

In ‘61st Street,’ O’Brien’s performance as Jonny Logan proves central to the narrative.

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Holt McCallany plays Lieutenant Brannigan

No stranger to authoritative roles, Holt McCallany (who previously starred in ‘Mindhunter)’ takes on the character of Lieutenant Brannigan.

On his latest outing in ‘61st Street,’ he helms a hard, unscrupulous squad – who he draws on to forcefully keep peace on the streets – no matter the cost or circumstance.

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Peter Moffat (Creator & Executive Producer)

Multihyphenate defines Peter Moffat, the creator and executive producer of ‘61st Street,’ in earnest.

Beginning his career as a real-life barrister, the Scotland-born creative brought his legal love to the screen by way of a number of British television dramas – such as ‘Northsqaure,’ ‘Silk,’ and ‘Criminal Justice.’

Continuing to deliver compelling output in this sphere, Moffat went on to helm HBO hit ‘The Night Of’ – which earned five Primetime Emmys.

With ‘61st Street,’ Moffat adds to his revered tapestry with another stellar piece.

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Michael B. Jordan (Executive Producer)

Easily one of Hollywood’s most sought-after superstars, Michael B. Jordan is making major moves behind the camera too by way of his production imprint, Outlier Society.

Serving as one of the executive producers of ‘61^st Street,’ it sees the show implement Jordan’s much-praised inclusion mandate – which necessitates diversity within creatives involved in the making of any production Outlier is attached to.

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’61^st Street’ premieres on 29 March at 9pm on AMC exclusive to BT TV customers.
The full box set will then be available for 90 days following the finale.

AMC is available on BT TV, channel number 332, and is also available in HD on AMC HD (channel 381). AMC content is also available to watch as catch up on the BT Player.