Ben Affleck, the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker, played a significant role in bringing the crime thriller series City on a Hill to life. Combining elements of classic police procedural storytelling with a contemporary legal drama, the series achieved an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as one of the most underrated shows of the past decade. The show is available to stream now and remains a standout example of the Ben Affleck crime thriller series genre.
Beyond his extensive Hollywood acting career, which includes blockbuster hits like Justice League, Affleck is also a respected director, screenwriter, and producer. His acclaimed works span from directing the Academy Award-winning film Argo to co-writing Good Will Hunting. Although his television credits are fewer in number, he has been involved in producing several TV projects, including Incorporated and We Were the Lucky Ones, showcasing his range across media platforms.
Ben Affleck’s Creative Role in Developing the Show
One of Affleck’s most notable contributions to television is his involvement in City on a Hill, a Showtime series that stars Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon. Affleck co-wrote the original concept alongside series creator Chuck MacLean, who is recognized for the Boston-based comedy film The Instigators, featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
Set against the backdrop of early 1990s Boston, the series explores a city transitioning from its gritty, blue-collar roots under the shadow of mobster Whitey Bulger. Bacon portrays Jackie Rohr, a corrupt and complex FBI agent, who teams up unexpectedly with Aldis Hodge’s Assistant District Attorney Decourcy Ward. Although not a direct retelling of historical events, the story draws inspiration from the real-life Boston Miracle, a period marked by a remarkable decline in violent crime and racial tensions.
Through their alliance, Rohr and Ward are depicted as pivotal figures who help transform Boston into a safer, more hopeful city, reflecting the narrative’s focus on justice efforts during a turbulent era.
Strong Performances from a Talented Cast Elevate the Series
The chemistry between Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge as the primary leads greatly contributes to the show’s appeal. Their partnership is supported by a robust ensemble, including Lauren E. Banks, Jill Hennessy, Matthew Del Negro, Amanda Clayton, and John Doman, all of whom deliver compelling performances that deepen the storytelling.
Despite the show’s quality, City on a Hill did not receive any Emmy Award nominations. Nevertheless, it remains one of the finest crime dramas set in Boston, a city often explored in Ben Affleck’s creative works such as The Town. Affleck, along with his brother Casey and longtime friend Matt Damon, has become a leading voice in portraying Massachusetts-based stories in Hollywood.
Reasons Behind the Series’ Conclusion After Three Seasons
City on a Hill aired three seasons in total, beginning with a 10-episode first season, followed by two shorter seasons of eight episodes each. The final episode aired in September 2022, bringing the series to a close. While it did not enjoy the same longevity as other Showtime staples like Ray Donovan, Shameless, and Dexter, the show’s three-season run offered a concise, well-crafted narrative.
Its cancellation coincided with a period of internal change within Showtime’s content strategy. The series likely struggled to attract the viewership numbers necessary to justify continued production costs. Nevertheless, the full run of the Ben Affleck crime thriller series is currently available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, allowing new audiences to discover its engaging story.
