Hack News
Here is a chronological history (most recent to less) of the stories on David Morse's CBS TV series, Hack.
Posted on Thu, May. 20, 2004
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Thu, May. 20, 2004
CBS axes 'Hack' after 2-year run
By Ellen Gray
graye@phillynews.com
HACK'S RIDE is officially over.
Posted on Tue, Mar. 02, 2004
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Thu, Dec. 18, 2003
Ellen Gray | 'Hack' cabbie Morse takes a write turn
Posted on Fri., Dec. 12, 2003
'HACK': NEW CHARACTERS, MORE ACTION
If you haven't checked out Hack in a while, you might be surprised by some of the changes: new characters - including a beautiful new neighbor, Liz (Jacqueline Torres), for cop-turned-cabbie Mike Olshansky (David Morse) - and a lot more action.
Philly's homegrown CBS drama has a new episode this week, though it might hit a little too close to home, involving as it does the rape and murder of a young woman whose body is discovered in Fairmount Park. Mike gets involved when his phone number is discovered written on her hand.
Chad Lowe, who played a man on death row last season, directs.
I'm still not sure I didn't like the kinder, gentler Hack better, since I've seen a lot more blood spatter this season than last. But there's still plenty of good, solid character development, particularly in Morse's interactions with co-star Andre Braugher, making one wonder why two of television's finest actors have to be buried together on Saturday nights.
November 12, 2003
Center City's Weekly Press
By Thom Nickels
Contributing Editor
Ellen Gray in the Philadelphia Daily News reports Hack's season premiere Saturday attracted some 9.1 million viewers, just about what it averaged on Fridays last season.
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2003
'HACK' ADDS SOME ACTION
Posted on Sun, Sep. 14, 2003
Fall Preview
Television
Critic's Picks
Best of Each Night
Saturdays
8 p.m. Cops (Fox) America will never run out of miscreants in undershirts, and the spit-and-polish peace officers to put them in their place. (Returned yesterday.)
9 p.m. Hack (CBS) Aided by the beautiful Jacqueline Torres, rough customers David Morse and Andre Braugher do as much as they can with the tormented-vigilante theme, and this weekly taxi ride to justice through the streets of Philadelphia usually stops at a side street marked entertainment. (Sept. 27.)
10 p.m. L.A. Dragnet (ABC) Saturday night. Tough neighborhood. Joe Friday. Tough guy. More cops. More crime. Those are the arresting facts. (Sept. 27.)
TVNow.com
Posted on Thu, Sep. 04, 2003
Celebrity News Date: Thursday, September 4
David Morse: When the cabbie, Mike Olshansky (Morse), returns to help his passengers on the CBS drama Hack , he will have a powerful ally in the form of an ex-nun who works as a probation officer. Jacqueline Torres , who has appeared on the series as a recurring cast member in the role of Liz Garza, has been added to the roster of featured actors on the show. When talking about the permanent change for Torres, executive producer Robert Singer hinted of a future romance between Morse and the actress when he said, " she definitely brings out Olshansky's charming side. " That still doesn't mean she'll get to ride in that taxi for free, not in the big city.
Posted on Thu, Sep. 04, 2003
Ellen Gray | Welcome to town
By Ellen Gray
elgray@phillynews.com
Jacqueline Torres, who earlier was announced as a recurring player on CBS' Hack, has been bumped up to series regular, playing an ex-nun-turned-probation officer in the Philadelphia-based series that stars David Morse as an ex-cop-turned-cabdriver.
New York Post
September 1, 2003
By PATRICK WALTERS
Sat Aug 23,12:37 PM ET
Entertainment - AP TV
By PATRICK WALTERS, Associated Press Writer
August 22, 2003
ABC Action News WPVI.com
Now Shooting in Philly: "Hack"
Posted on Thu, Aug. 14, 2003
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh characters promise to brighten the feel of the CBS series that's once again blocking off Philly streets.
By David Hiltbrand
Inquirer Staff Writer
July 28, 2003
Gearing Up For Fall 2003: Old Shows in New Time Period
"Hack/CBS Saturday 9:00 p.m. 7/19/03
HH: 3.5/ 7 (#2). Viewers: 4.79 million (#2), A18-49: 0.9/ 4 (#3t)
Once the fall season beings, expect the older skewing Hack to perform at similar Friday levels this season. In other words, it could be better but could be worse. (7/28)
July 19, 2003
By Nellie Andreeva
Posted on Thu, May. 15, 2003
Gail Shister | 'Hack' will still drive Philly streets, but on a new night
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Thu, May. 15, 2003
Reason to celebrate, Philly: 'Hack' will be back!
by ELLEN GRAY
Daily News Television Critic
Posted on Thu, May. 15, 2003
CBS Keeps Sharp Eye Out for Peacock Purse
"The vigilante crime drama Hack will move from Friday to Saturday, where CBS executives hope to make both the show and star David Morse a little less dour. "We've got to get him to smile once in awhile," Moonves admitted. "
May 14, 2003, 3:00 PM PT
CBS' Criminal Intentions
by Lia Haberman
"Two actors who won't be standing in line for unemployment next year are David Morse and Andre Braugher stars of the sophmore (sic) series Hack, which received an 11th hour pardon from network programming execs. Hack will fill the Saturday night slot vacated by recently nixed series The Agency. "
Posted on Mon, May. 12, 2003
Stu Bykofsky | Celeb Spotting
By Stu Bykofsky
"Mike Olshansky's" cab must have been in the shop because Hack star David Morse was standing in line at 30th Street Station buying a ticket to Noo Yawk. Morse, dressed in jeans, a plaid shirt and sneakers, waited patiently in line for about 15 minutes before people began to recognize him, including an Amtrak rep who pulled him out of line. The actor prefers to keep a low profile and did just that on the train ride.
Posted on Tue, May. 06, 2003
Will Phillywood shows survive?
By Ellen Gray
Posted on Tue, May. 06, 2003
Gail Shister | Will 'Hack' be back? CBS may revoke its permit
By Gail Shister
Posted on Friday, May 2, 2003
'Hack'-ing into show business
Being an extra is exciting, and the series gives Philadelphia a weekly boost.
By Abe Goodhart
April 15, 2003
The Philadelphia Inquirer
It's a wrap
The CBS series Hack wrapped its first season last week. While the economic effects are still being totaled, here are some other figures: There were 176 days of shooting, local actors got 155 principal (speaking) roles, and Mike Lemon Casting got work for more than 4,400 extras. We learn in mid-May whether David Morse's Friday night drama is renewed for a second season.
Hack also provides the answer to the "Mystery of the Midnight Caller." A bunch of Center Citizens called authorities last week, aghast that the long-boarded-up Eric's Place movie theater at 1519 Chestnut St. bore a fresh sign for The Midnight Caller, a strip club. Eeep! Turns out it was just a prop - up for one day. City agencies even turned out to investigate, we hear.
Posted on Thu, Apr. 10, 2003
'Hack' weathers first season
And the Philly-based cab drama has finally got it in gear
BY ELLEN GRAY
elgray@phillynews.com
(airing Friday at 9:00 p.m. (ET) on CBS.)
Interviewed by: Amy E. Jones
Date of Interview: March 10, 2003
Posted on Thursday, March 6, 2003
Inqlings
By Michael Klein
Call off the choppers
Last evening's antiwar protests in Center City did more than snarl traffic. The thwack-thwack of the TV news helicopters frustrated crews shooting the CBS series Hack in a garage on 15th Street. The Hack types called Sharon Pinkenson, head of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, to see if she could "get them swept," according to producer Nan Bernstein. Just as Pinkenson starting calling, producers broke for dinner. When the crew returned, the skies were clear.
Posted on Fri, Feb. 21, 2003
Gar Joseph | Mayoral cameo
OK, so the Republicans on the court are likely to hand Street a defeat. On the plus side is an appearance in an upcoming episode of Hack, the CBS thriller filmed here.
In an episode filmed yesterday, the mayor did what comes naturally: breaking ground for a neighborhood improvement.
The scene was shot at 19th and South. After his acting stint, the mayor dutifully snapped a photo of his driver, Marion Wimbush with Hack star (and Chestnut Hill resident) David Morse.
Posted on Fri, Feb. 21, 2003
MAYORAL 'HACK' AT ACTING
Hack, the CBS series that's filmed on the streets of Philadelphia, yesterday got an assist from THE Street of Philadelphia.
Mayor Street pitched in to play himself in a scene at 19th and South that called for David Morse's character, cop-turned-cabbie Mike Olshansky, to be talking to a reporter who's attending the mayor's press conference. Though originally meant to be merely a background figure - the script called for an unnamed "politico," said Hack producer Nan Bernstein - the mayor, who spent about an hour and a half on location, eventually got bumped up to a line or two. The episode will air March 14.
Don't expect Street to be able to add anything to the city's general fund from an acting career, though.
"No money changed hands," Bernstein said, adding that Street's appearance would be uncredited.
Except, of course, by Tattle.
Posted on Thu, Feb. 20, 2003
Gail Shister | It took an army of snowplows to get 'Hack' rolling
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on January 28, 2003
These folks can 'Hack' the arctic weather, Frigid filming goes on for TV show
Posted on January 27, 2003
This Philadephia Inqurier story by Gail Shister mentions Hack, saying:
"Speaking of Hack, the freshman David Morse drama has a "better than 50-50" shot at getting picked up for a second season in the fall, says a CBS insider, who labels it "not a hit, but a solid performer." (1/28)
Posted on January 20, 2003
This Philadelphia Daily News story about American Dreams by Ellen Gray also mentions Hack saying:
"American Dreams wasn't the only set-in-Philadelphia show to get a boost from the boss last week: CBS CEO Leslie Moonves told reporters he was "extremely pleased with the performance of Hack," adding that the show, which is filmed in Philadelphia and is averaging 9.8 million viewers, has "the highest numbers on Friday nights at 9 o'clock since CSI premiered there." (1/20)
Posted on Thurs, Jan. 16, 2003
By Thom Nickels
Special to the Weekly Press
Disgraced Cop Rebuilds Life in 'Hack'
Wed Jan 15, 1:07 PM ET
By FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer
Posted on Sun, Jan. 12, 2003
There's reel life - and real life
By Alan J. Heavens
Inquirer Real Estate Writer
Posted on Tue, Dec. 03, 2002
On location, location, location
TV shows shot in the East - Hack, Dawson's Creek and CSI: Miami - gain much in atmosphere. But with writers and producers in Hollywood, the logistical headaches are many ...
Posted on Mon, Nov. 04, 2002
Gail Shister | With a show to carry, Morse is sweating the Nielsens
Nov. 14, 2002
Fare Share
'Hack's David Morse answers 10 stupid questions. He drives a cab AND does good for humanity? The talented actor fills us in
by Liane Bonin
October 29, 2002
CBS Gives Full Season Orders To The Top Three Highest-Rated New Programs of the 2002-2003 Season.
Posted on Tue, Oct. 29, 2002
'Hack' will be back
By Ellen Gray
Posted on Tue, Oct. 29, 2002
Gail Shister | 'Hack' wins more miles; that means millions for the city
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
October 28, 2002 08:46 PM ET
CBS Gives Full-Season Orders to Four Shows
The Programming Insider - Monday 10/28/02
CBS, which tied ABC for second on the night in the overnights, got some much needed good news with older-skewing 9 p.m. drama Hack (#2, 7.3/12) up 11 percent from its 48 Hours Investigates lead-in (#2: 6.6/11) and 12 percent above its week ago delivery (6.5/10 on Oct. 18). Compared to year ago occupant That's Life (6.0/10), Hack was up by 22 percent.
Posted on Sun, Oct. 27, 2002
Jonathan Storm | TV shakes out, shapes up
The winners, the losers and shows you ought to see. A good hard look at what prime time is looking like.
By Jonathan Storm
Inquirer Columnist
If RHD lies at the far fringe of the ratings, an inch away from despair, its brother show, Hack, CBS's other Friday entry, is only inches from success. The drama, shot here, started as the season's biggest ratings surprise, almost a shoo-in to make it to May, but it has lost audience every week. Optimists, however, see that it still performs about 50 percent better than That's Life, the show that occupied its time slot last fall.
Predicting series' success is as much art as science. Networks don't really care where a show finishes in the weekly lineup. They do consider how it compares with previous occupants of its real estate, how it does against its time-slot competition, how well it holds viewers from the show that precedes it, whether people tune out as the show progresses, and whether there's anything better (or cheaper) on the shelf with which to replace it.
Posted on Sat, Oct. 26, 2002
Post Wire Services (NYpost.com)
Zap2It.com
NBC Shows Dominate Friday
Sat, Oct 26, 2002 10:25 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Fast Affiliate Ratings for Friday, Oct. 25, 2002.
"Dateline NBC topped the 9 p.m. hour with 8.1/14 as CBS' Hack landed in second with 6.7/12. America's Funniest Home Videos kept ABC in third with 5.6/10 as FOX's John Doe trailed, 3.9/7."
Posted on Thu, Oct. 24, 2002
Morse's taxicab confessions
Posted on Thu, Oct. 24, 2002
Fare vs. unfair
Posted on Thu, Oct. 24, 2002
Real cabbies take their 'Hacks' -- Philly series does get some things right, they say
By ELLEN GRAY
Posted on Thu, Oct. 24, 2002
Stu Bykofsky | On the Town
Stu Bykofsky
stuspy@phillynews.com
David Morse visited Catholic War Veterans Post 652 (1524 S. 2nd) during a break from "Hack" shooting. The actor gladly signed autographs and posed for pictures after an extra, Tony Balkonis, commander of the CWV post, invited the star to swing by. The show was filming along Mountain Street and inside and outside of Dee's Place (1528 S. 2nd).
Posted on Tue, Oct. 22, 2002
Gail Shister | Happy Hack
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Great news, Hack fans. The cloud will be lifting from David Morse's dour Mike Olshansky, a disgraced Philly cop-turned-cabbie vigilante.
Executive producer Robert Singer, brought in to run the new CBS drama a week before its Sept. 27 launch, acknowledges that Hack was "a tad dark," and adds "there's no reason we can't inject some humor." Read the complete story here.
The Programming Insider - Tuesday 10/21/02
"CBS has a very disappointing Friday with week four of new 9 p.m. drama Hack at a series low (but still second place) 6.5/10. Even worse - much worse - was week four of lead-out Robbery Homicide Division also at an also series low (and third place) 4.4/ 7 - 32 percent below Hack. At 8 p.m., the tired 48 Hours Investigates came in third with a 5.4/ 9. Look for CBS to finish the night number four among adults 18-49."
Zap2It.com
NBC Sweeps Friday, CBS Slips
Sat, Oct 19, 2002 11:16 AM PDT
"At 9 p.m., Dateline NBC averaged 8.2/15. CBS' Hack, 6.0/11, took second but was off significantly from last week. Another edition of Funniest Home Videos gave ABC third, with FOX's John Doe, 4.0/7, in fourth."
The Programming Insider - Tuesday 10/15/02
Freshman Results in Primetime
HACK -- CBS/Friday 9 p.m.
Households: 7.5/13 (#2), Viewers: 11.22 million (#2), A18-49: 3.1/10 (#2)
Grade: B+
Although it was a given that the network's CSI: Miami and Without a Trace would score, consider the early success of Hack a real bonus for the growing Eye net. Compared to former time period occupant That's Life on the year-ago night (Nov. 12, 2001), Hack is up by 63 percent in households, 4.45 million viewers and 41 percent among adults 18-49. Full season pick-up, where are you?
The Programming Insider - Monday 10/14/02
In surprisingly good news for CBS, Hack looks like a keeper with a competitive 8.6/14 at 9 p.m. -- 26 percent above its 48 Hours Investigates lead-in (#2: 6.8/12), equal to its week-ago delivery and 54 percent ahead of former time period occupant That's Life (5.6/9) on Oct. 12, 2001. Although lead-out Robbery Homicide Division picked up some steam with a 5.9/10 (5 percent above the prior Friday's 5.6/9), the new crime drama still ranked third at 10 p.m., 12 percent below ABC's second-place 20/20 (6.7/10).
After totally deriding Hack in their September 27, 2002 issue, Entertainment Weekly featured Hack in their summary of the Nielsen ratings in their October 18, 2002 issue, with the headline, Big 'Hack' Attack.
Well, how could they argue the point. For the series that almost every critic had written off, including EW, before it even premiered, it had done rather well.
Although, they apparently couldn't resist getting their digs in with this blurb in their "What to Watch" section in that same issue:
HACK (CBS, TV-PG-LV)
Olshansky gets pinched for assault, but truth be told, the only reason we're writing this show up is because we just like saying the word hack. Go ahead, try it. You'll feel good. (10/12)
NBC Makes Up for Thursday with Friday Win
Sat, Oct 12, 2002 11:00 AM PDT
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Fast Affiliate Ratings for Friday, Oct. 11, 2002.
At 9 p.m., NBC pulled another win with Dateline NBC, 8.2/15, beating CBS' freshman drama Hack, 7.5/13. Baseball on FOX managed to beat ABC's substitute for the freshly cancelled That Was Then -- another episode of AFHV, 4.9/9.
ABC Cancels First Two Shows of Fall TV Season
October 11, 2002 08:17 AM ET
That Was Then, (Friday, ABC 9:00 PM) about a man who travels back in time to his high school days, is being dumped immediately after just two broadcasts, to be replaced this Friday and for the next two weeks by extra editions of America's Funniest Home Videos.
Starting Nov. 8, ABC's popular sitcom The Drew Carey Show and his improvisational comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway will move to the Friday night 9 o'clock hour from their current slots on the Monday night lineup.
TV-Zone
Smooth Ride - New Drama Hack Doesn't Lack Much
By Beth Danesco
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
Behind the scene photos of Hack
Entertainment
Front Page > Entertainment > TV Topics
With Morse to the rescue, 'Hack' is one heck of a show
Posted on 10/6/2002
The Programming Insider - Wednesday 10/09/02
Freshman Report Card:
The following most recent telecast grades for each new series are based on a number of factors including the competitive time period scenario, retention from the lead-in and/or year-ago time period, the network itself, the individual night and the historical time period perspective.
Hack: CBS/Friday 9 p.m. (#29: 12.46 million; A18-49: #44, 3.4/10): B+
The Programming Insider - Tuesday 10/08/02
New Series Scorecard:
-A Shoo-In For a Full-Season Pick-Up:
CSI: Miami (CBS) Hack (CBS), Without a Trace (CBS), American Dreams (NBC), Boomtown (NBC), Good Morning, Miami (NBC), Half and Half (UPN)
Living
Posted on Tue, Oct. 08, 2002
By DAN GROSS
grossd@phillynews.com
Big enough for two
We're glad the crews of Jersey Girl and Hack didn't come to blows over parking spaces yesterday.
There was plenty of room for both sets of trucks and trailers along 12th and Filbert streets, where both production companies set up shop.
Adopted homeboy Ben Affleck and Jason Biggs were shooting a scene for the Kevin Smith film inside the Hard Rock Cafe at 12th and Market, while Hack star and true local boy David Morse was shooting outside the Residence Inn by Marriott across from City Hall.
Good thing J.Lo wasn't on set; there might not have been enough parking for her entourage.
Posted on Tue, Oct. 08, 2002
Gail Shister | Hack Rules
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Hack keeps on rollin'.
The second episode of CBS's new, Philly-set David Morse drama drew 12.5 million Nielsen viewers Friday, easily winning the 9 p.m. time slot for the second week.
Dateline NBC had 9.8 million viewers, with ABC's frosh That Was Then - rumored to be headed for the chopping block - limping in with 6.1 million.
Though down 400,000 viewers from its Sept. 27 premiere, Hack was up 3 percent in adults 18 to 49. And compared with the time period last year on CBS (That's Life), Hack was up 89 percent in that demographic.
Locally, Hack had 427,401 homes, down 3 percent from Sept. 27. Still, it was No. 1 in prime time Friday for the second week, 24 percent ahead of its closest competitor, NBC's Law & Order: SVU.
Philadelphia repeated as the city with the highest rating among the top 55 markets. Lowest: Atlanta.
In its' October 7, 2002 The Programming Insider, Mediaweek.com checks in with these updated ratings for Friday's episode of Hack:
"At 9 p.m., new CBS crime drama Hack posted its second consecutive time-period win with an 8.6/14 -- 26 percent above NBC's competing Dateline (#2: 6.8/10) with retention of 91 percent from its week-ago series opener (9.5/16 on Sept. 27, 2002). If Hack holds up, consider this the biggest positive surprise of the new season."
October 6, 2002
 Actor Jonah Wanicur was featured in Hack's second Episode Favors playing Skinhead #2 (shown in the center of the photo at left, one of the two guys in the garage where Marcellus and Olshanksy find Olshansky's stolen cab). He has this to say about that experience:
"I recently worked with David Morse on Hack and I must say he is one of the nicest guys that I have met in the business - so is Andre Braugher. I was definitely very lucky to work with both of those actors.
"Besides their tremendous talent, I couldn't have asked for a more down-to-earth pair of actors to guide me through this new, somewhat nerve-wracking, but incredible experience. They made both Derik Frymire (Skinhead #1) and I feel very comfortable while shooting the scene."
Click here or on the photo for a larger image.
Zap2it.com
October 5, 2002
Friday nights Nielsen ratings are in based on fast national data:
Fast Affiliate Ratings for Friday, Oct. 4, 2002
"The new CBS drama Hack continues to thrive at 9 p.m., winning the hour with 8.1/14. Dateline NBC was in second with 6.8/12 as FOX's John Doe took third, 4.8/8. That Was Then still hasn't found an audience on ABC, trailing at 2.8/5."
A very strong showing for Hack, losing very few viewers from it's September 27th debut. (10/5)
October 2, 2002
Detailed Hack episode listings are now available for the Hack Pilot, which aired on September 27, the second episode Favors, which airs on October 4, and the third episode Domestic Disturbance, which airs on October 11.
Freshman Results in Primetime
Grading the Friday Entries
Wondering how the prime-time freshman class fared this past Friday? Take a look:
HACK -- CBS/Friday 9 p.m.
Households: 8.4/15 (#1), Viewers: 12.89 million (#1), A18-49: 3.3/11 (#1T)
First Episode Grade: A
If Hack can hold about 80 percent of this initial tune-in, consider the show a keeper (and, obviously, a potential sleeper).
Posted on Tue, Oct. 01, 2002
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Mediaweek.com is reporting these ratings for Hack on Friday night, with the show now placing first in the Friday, 9:00 PM time period:
"On a positive note for CBS was the series premiere of Hack with a first-place 9.5/16 at 9 p.m. -- 86 percent ahead of lead-in 48 Hours Investigates (season premiere: #3, 5.1/9) and 83 percent above the year-ago season premiere of former time period occupant That's Life (5.2/9 on Sept. 28, 2001). Based on fast nationals, Hack ranked second in the hour among adults 18-49 (3.3/11), 74 percent ahead of lead-in 48 Hours Investigates (#4: 1.9/7) but 15 percent below NBC's competing Dateline (#1: 3.9/12)." (9/30)
The Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.tv includes this interesting exchange of people giving their viewpoints and reactions to Hack.
Here is a new story from the Associated Press about David and Hack:
Entertainment - AP TV
Actor Recalls Cab Driving Days
Fri Sep 27, 4:24 PM ET
TV Guide Online's Hack page is listing this as the plot line for the 2nd episode of Hack.
October 4: Favors: Mike helps a gambler (Fisher Stevens) who owes money to a bookie, but comes to regret it; Marcellus requests his old partner's assistance in apprehending a suspected killer.
You can also read TV Guide's review of Hack, but like many other critics they don't give it a very favorable prospect. (9/27)
Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) September 26, 2002 Thursday Broward Metro Edition
Copyright 2002 Sun-Sentinel Company Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
September 26, 2002 Thursday Broward Metro Edition
SECTION: LIFESTYLE; TOM JICHA TV/RADIO WRITER; Pg. 6E
LENGTH: 451 words
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
September 26, 2002 Thursday
Five Star Lift Edition
Copyright 2002 St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Inc.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
September 26, 2002 Thursday Five Star Lift Edition
09/26/2002 - Updated 07:34 PM ET
USA Today
BEYOND WORDS
Fall TV
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2002
Inqlings | Hack Watch
By Michael Klein
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2002
Gail Shister | Here, there, everywhere: 'Hack' roams Phila.
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2002
Ellen Gray | TV brings us Philly, both dark and light
HACK. 9 p.m. tomorrow, Channel 3.
The Philadelphia Daily News
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2002
Reader Reviewers love 'Hack' ride
Posted on Thu, Sep. 26, 2002
'Hack': Down and out in Philadelphia
By Jonathan Storm
INQUIRER TELEVISION CRITIC
Reprinted from the Sept. 15 issue
Variety
Future Looks Black for CBS' 'Hack'
Thu Sep 26, 4:34 AM ET
By Michael Speier
The San Francisco Chronicle
SEPTEMBER 25, 2002, WEDNESDAY,
Copyright 2002 The Chronicle Publishing Co. The San Francisco Chronicle
SEPTEMBER 25, 2002, WEDNESDAY, FINAL EDITION
September 25, 2002
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
by Joanne Weintraub (Journal Sentinel TV Critic.)
Television - Variety
New Passenger Boards CBS' 'Hack'
Sun Sep 22, 9:38 PM ET
By Josef Adalian
The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo) September 21, 2002 Saturday Final Edition
Copyright 2002 Toronto Star Newspapers, Ltd. The Record (Kitchener-Waterloo)
Hack Review
September 21, 2002 Saturday Final Edition
This story in the Vancouver Sun, It's sci-fi and crime on freaky Friday nights also has some good things to say about Hack:
Hack Rating 3
Fridays, 9-10 p.m., Global and KIRO-CBS, beginning Sept. 27
Critics have been lining up to lambaste Hack, a vigilante-style mystery anthology featuring David Morse as a down-on-his-luck ex-cop forced to drive a cab to make ends meet, but I see solid potential for a long-running series. It could become the modern-day equivalent of The Equalizer, which made an unlikely star and thinking woman's sex symbol out of the fine Australian actor Edward Woodward in the late 1980s. Morse has a natural empathy as a performer and the supporting cast includes Andre Braugher, late of the unfairly cancelled Gideon's Crossing, and George Dzundza (Law & Order). (9/20)
This article in the Calgary Herald Lone Ranger,Spider-Man have nothing on Hack: CBS creates an Everyman hero out of former cop gives a good spin on Hack. (9/20)
The results are in from that Entertainment Weekly poll where you could go vote saying whether you plan to watch Hack or pass on it. The final results show that 26% plan to watch it and 74% plan to pass on it. (9/19)
The September 23, 2002 issue of People Magazine is also running the CBS full page ad for Hack. And thanks to Lynda of the DMFC sending me a scan of it, here it is for your enjoyment.(9/18)
The Philadelphia News is recommending Hack, saying:
"CBS' Hack. Philadelphians particularly will want to see how the city comes off in this drama about a cop-turned-cabdriver (David Morse) that's been shooting here since late July. The cabbie-vigilante motif may be a little hokey, but Morse is terrific, and he's backed up by a cast that includes Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street) and George Dzundza (Law & Order). 9 p.m. Fridays, Channel 3. Premieres: Sept. 27.
The Philadelphia Inquirer features this story: 'Hack' can be hailed for more than its Phila. setting. (9/15)
TV Guide magazine's latest issue (Sept. 14-20) features their Fall Preview, and they have this to say about Hack. Ah, what do they know.
Although, the TV Guide print edition features a much better photo of David than the photo that is shown accompanying their web story, click here to view the photo.Thanks, Lynda, for scanning the photo! (9/10)
This Associated Press story gives a mini-review of Hack, saying:
Hack (Sept. 27):
"Mike Olshansky was a decorated cop in Philadelphia who lived by a code justifying "hazard pay every once in a while, as long as it doesn't come out of the city's pocket." But then he got caught taking money from a crime scene. He was booted off the force.
Where to now for the disgraced, jobless Mike? Driving a cab, of course. But when he picks up a fare who's in desperate straits, he can't resist getting involved. The reasons are one part self-redemption and one part a fix — he desperately misses his old life.
Giving Mike assistance from the inside is his former partner, Marcellus Washington (Andre Braugher), who took money, too, but didn't get caught.
The pilot episode, while impressive, seems unrepresentative of the series to come since Braugher is barely seen. Presumably this splendid actor will be more prominent in subsequent episodes.
But David Morse is affecting as Mike, a man learning that, even without authority or recognition, he can still right wrongs. The cab just gets him there." (9/6)
Ellen Gray from the Philadelphia Daily News features this story today about Hack, Hacking It. Be sure to also check out the candid stills featured with the story. (8/27)
The Philadelphia Daily News checks in today, saying:
Philly rocks!
Don't believe us that Philadelphia's at the epicenter of the new TV season? Then maybe you'll believe Esquire, whose September issue includes CBS's Hack and NBC's American Dreams on its list of five shows to check out this fall. Hack, which stars Philadelphia-based actor David Morse, is being filmed here. Dreams, which is set in 1963 Philly, is a strictly Hollywood production. (8/22)
Gail Shister from the Philadelphia Inquirer features this story today about David:
Gail Shister | 'Hack' could bring star more attention than he wants
Posted on Thu, Aug. 15, 2002
By David Hiltbrand
Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted on August 12, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
Ride At Home
David Morse took long road back to TV, Philly
Posted on August 12, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
Made for screen, big or small
Posted on August 5, 2002
Suddenly, Philadelphia's a showbiz darling
The city's novelty has cameras rolling.
By David Hiltbrand
Inquirer Staff Writer
Shyamalan isn't the only Philadelphian with a homing instinct. CBS is shooting Hack, its vigilante cabbie series, here only because star David Morse expressed a strong desire to work near his Chestnut Hill residence. So the network brought the mountain to Morse.
Hack is the first prime-time series since 1993's Homicide: Life on the Streets to shoot entirely on location outside of Los Angeles or New York. The financial stakes are heady: "If Hack shoots a full commitment of [22] episodes, they say they're going to spend $40 million a year here," Pinkenson said.
"This is a fresh, visually exciting city," said Hack producer Nan Bernstein. "In New York, with all the episodic televison that's been shot there in the last 10 years, I don't think there's a building that allows shooting that hasn't been used." (8/5)
Posted on July 30, 2002
The Philadelphia Daily News
Hot & happening
How convenient: The CBS series Hack, having rented a garage on 15th near Callowhill, will be shooting thisclose to Your Favorite Columnist. The show, about a cop-turned-cabbie crime-fighter, stars Chestnut Hill's David Morse and will shoot through December, longer if the series is a hit. (No Philly-based series has ever been a hit.) From what I hear, producers are complaining about the attention I have paid them. Let me get this straight: You shoot a TV series in Philly and you expect to be ignored?...
Posted on July 29, 2002
USA Today
CBS
High hopes: Robbery Homicide Division
Sometimes hope rides on little more than a name and a promise. In terms of ratings performance, CBS probably has higher hopes for CSI Miami and Without a Trace, solidly made cop shows sparked by two of the season's best new actor additions: David Caruso on Miami and Anthony LaPaglia on Trace. But for those looking for something different, the draw could be Robbery, a cop show from Michael Mann of Miami Vice and Heat. Mann says he'll give the series a unique visual style and take us into L.A. ethnic neighborhoods never before explored by television. As all Mann had to show were a few clips, we have to take him at his word. Isn't that what hope's about?
Low Expectations: Hack
On the other hand, sometimes the drive to be different leads to an apparent dead end. Created by Spider-Man's David Koepp, the unfortunately named Hack stars David Morse as a vigilante ex-cop cabdriver -- an idea that makes Spidey seem plausible. Producer Gavin Polone says the goal was to transplant a Western hero like Shane to modern life without making him a cop, a lawyer or a doctor. The result looks like Touched by an Angry Cabby, which can't be what he had in mind."
Posted on July 28, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
"Hack, the CBS series starring David Morse now shooting in town, is trying to keep locations under wraps. But it was hard to miss the camera crew that was set up Friday in a garage on 15th Street between Hamilton and Callowhill Streets - across the street from the Inquirer-Daily News Building."
Posted on July 25, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
Tinseltown watch
Shooting starts today locally on the CBS drama Hack, in which Chestnut Hill transplant David Morse plays a disgraced cop-turned-cabbie. Much of the Hack crew - as well as crew for the soon-to-start-shooting film Jersey Girl - is staying at the new Phoenix apartment building at 16th and Arch Streets. It's a point of pride for Phoenix developer Dan Keating. He was a cab driver in a previous life. (Jersey Girl principals Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck won't bunk at the Phoenix. Suitable accommodations - two singles? a double? - are being conjured up.) (7/25)
Posted on July 18, 2002
Mediaweek.com
As exciting as it is to see two great actors like David Morse and Andre Braugher together in a new series, the pilot was a disappointing bore. If the show doesn't work, maybe some smart network programmer will get the gang from St. Elsewhere back together for a movie remake. Denzel, are you available?
Posted on July 18, 2002
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Encore Section
by Joanne Weintraub (Journal Sentinel TV Critic.)
Posted on Wed, Jul. 17, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
Posted on Wednesday 7/17/02
Mediaweek.com
The Programming Insider
Marc Berman
Posted on Tue, Jul. 16, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
Posted on Tue, Jul. 16, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
CAN A TV show about a disgraced ex-cop who drives a cab and the City of Brotherly Love find happiness together?
We're about to find out.
Posted on Sun, Jun. 30, 2002
They dream of stardom - or at least a call
By Chris Gray
Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted on Tue, Jun. 18, 2002
The Philadelphia Inquirer
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Tue, Jun. 18, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
TAKE A 'HACK' AT ACTING
If you're looking to be part of the CBS production of Hack, starring David Morse and Andre Braugher, when it shoots in Philadelphia this summer, here's the info for extras casting. Producers are looking for all types and all ages (18 and older).
If you're a member of SAG and/or AFTRA, bring your paid-up union card to Mike Lemon Casting from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, June 28.
Non-union? Bring a photo, which will not be returned, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 29.
Casting agency is at 413 N. 7th St. (between Callowhill and Spring Garden), suite 602.
Can't make it? Send a picture/resume to the above address. The ZIP is 19123. No phone calls.
Posted on Monday June 17 06:20 PM EDT
Mediaweek.com
By Marc Berman
Posted on Thu, Jun. 13, 2002
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Gail Shister | Hack Flash
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
The Greater Philadelphia Film Office has received more than 500 resumes for jobs on CBS's Hack, says czarina Sharon Pinkenson. The new drama, starring David Morse as a disgraced Philly cop-turned-cabbie, begins production here in mid-July.
About 300 people have put in for acting jobs, 200 for crew positions, Pinkenson says. Many department heads will be local hires - an unusual move for an out-of-town director, she adds.
Posted on Mon, Jun. 03, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
Posted on Sun, Jun. 02, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
Actress hails a 'Hack' to stardom
By Jake Wagman
Inquirer Suburban Staff
Posted on Thu, May. 30, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
Gail Shister | Hack Alert
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Sharon Pinkenson of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, just back from Cannes, checked in with an employment update on Hack.
Those looking for crew jobs with the new CBS drama should send their resumes to the film office via fax (215-686-3659), e-mail (hack@film.org) or snail mail (100 S. Broad St., Suite 600, Philadelphia 19110).
Production begins in mid-July. Casting info next week.
Posted on Wed, May. 29, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
Gail Shister | Hack Jobs
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Hack jobs. Finally, some details about jobs with Hack, the new CBS drama to be produced here as of mid-July.
For crew positions, producer Big Ticket Television will accept resumes, with cover letters, via fax only at 323-468-4092. No phone calls.
Casting details should be available by Tuesday, CBS says. Hack stars David Morse as a disgraced Philly cop-turned-cabdriver. André Braugher costars as his best friend and former partner.
Posted on Fri, May. 24, 2002
Philadelphia Daily News
THE WORD ON 'HACK': GET ME REWRITE!
Posted on Wed, May. 22, 2002
Philadelphia Inquirer
Gail Shister | What can 'Hack' do for Phila.? 'Homicide' offers a clue
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Posted on Monday, May 21, 2002
Mediaweek.com
This Media Life Magazine story covering the CBS fall season features a great Hack photo.
Fri May 17, 3:35 AM ET
Hollywood Reporter
Drama queen of fall skeds
Cynthia Littleton
"On Friday, five new dramas will duke it out for a piece of the audience that has turned NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit into a hit in the 10 p.m. berth. Fox's sci-fi entry Firefly will have the younger drama demo all to itself in the 8 p.m. hour, but it'll be a three-way brawl at 9 p.m. among Hack, CBS' quirky cab-driver vehicle that was a hit with ad buyers at the network's upfront presentation, ABC's That Was Then and Fox's John Doe. CBS' RHD/LA squares off against Law & Order: SVU at 10 p.m. " (5/17)
Thursday May 16 06:30 PM EDT
MediaWeek.com
CBS in Fall 2002
Friday:
Even with a new title change (and without Dan Rather), 48 Hours Investigates is still likely to lose the ratings battle to NBC's tired Providence. And given the competition at 8 p.m. (not much in my opinion),I personally would have liked to see CBS open the night more aggressively. Although NBC's Law & Order: SVU has no worries opposite the Miami Vice-like RHD/LA, a potential sleeper next season is CBS's Hack, which inherits the time period that CSI successfully debuted in two years ago. If anything, maybe Hack will open the door to some new male Emmy acting nominations in the drama category next season."
Here is CBS' official Hack page.
Thu May 16, 2:03 AM ET
The Hollywood Reporter
Letterman's a 10 at CBS upfront
"As for the main event, the unveiling of CBS' new primetime slate, Moonves described the new crop of comedies and dramas as "stylish," "cool" and, in certain cases, "a little out of the ordinary for CBS." The new shows that generated the strongest buzz among buyers were the comedy Still Standing, revolving around a blue-collar Chicago couple with three kids, and Hack, a drama about a cop-turned-taxi driver who seeks redemption for past wrongs by helping people in need.
"I think they have some really good possibilities," Carat USA president Charles Rutman said. "I think Still Standing has possibilities, and Hack looks very interesting."
Thu May 16, 3:13 AM ET
Variety
New CBS Schedule Gives Letterman a Lift
"CBS' only new drama not landing a 10 p.m. slot is Hack, which will instead air Fridays at 9 p.m. Moonves seemed particularly high on this "Equalizer"-like hour about a crimsolving ex-cop (David Morse) who now drives a taxi. "
Posted on Wed, May 15, 2002
PRNewswire
CBS Announces 2002-2003 Schedule That Makes A Strong Lineup Even Stronger
HACK (Friday, 9:00-10:00 PM) stars David Morse (Proof of Life, The Green Mile) and Andre Braugher Homicide: Life on the Street) in a drama about Mike Olshansky (Morse), an ex-cop turned taxi driver who seeks redemption for a fall from grace by fighting for and righting the wrongs of others. Once a decorated police officer, Mike is abruptly let go from the force after he's caught taking money from a crime scene. Now he must get used to a new life as a cabbie with a boss, Nicolai Zosimov (Mark Margolis), who's always riled up about something, and long days and nights that require a steady supply of caffeine and eye drops.
When one of Mike's passengers is beaten by a group of thugs and another fare asks Mike to help him locate his daughter, he realizes he can still use his police know-how to help those in need. As he contemplates moonlighting as a crime solver, Mike seeks support and assistance from his longtime friends including, Marseilles Washington (Braugher), his former partner who owes his job to Mike since they share a secret that could shatter Marseilles' own police career. Marseilles, forever in Mike's debt, gives him inside information that Mike needs to help others, and in return, Mike can go places for Marseilles that a cop just can't go.
Father Tom "Grizz" Grzelak (George Dzundza, Law & Order) is both Mike's drinking buddy and forthright friend. At home, Mike has a lot of issues to resolve with his estranged wife, Heather (Donna Murphy), and son, Michael Jr. (Conor O'Farrell). The closer he examines his own life, the more he finds himself unable to stop from intervening in the lives that flow in and out of the back of his cab.
Acclaimed screenwriter David Koepp (Spider-Man, Panic Room, "Jurassic Park), film and television producer Gavin Polone (Panic Room, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilmore Girls) and director Thomas Carter (UC Undercover, Save the Last Dance) are executive producers for Big Ticket Television in association with CBS Productions.
Posted on Wed, May 15, 2002
The Philadelphia Daily News
'Philly' is out, but city to get TV's 'Hack'
New show to be filmed here, star Phila. actor
by ELLEN GRAY
elgray@phillynews.com
Posted on Wed, May. 15, 2002
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Gail Shister | Philadelphia a star in new CBS series
The network is to announce its plans today for Hack, a drama to be produced and shot entirely in the city.
By Gail Shister
Inquirer Columnist
Wed May 15, 1:24 PM ET
The Associated Press
CBS' Schedule for the Fall Season
Friday
8 p.m. — 48 Hours Investigates
9 p.m. — Hack
10 p.m. — RHD/LA
May 15, 2002 12:12 PM ET
Reuters
CBS to Beef Up Drama Slate for Fall Schedule
On Friday nights, CBS is moving 48 Hours to 8 p.m. from 10 p.m. The news program, hosted by Dan Rather, which Moonves said would be "edgier and cooler" than typical news programs.
The network is adding two new dramas to the Friday night slate: Hack about an ex-cop who becomes a taxi driver, and RHD/LA, a cop drama about the robbery and homicide division of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Tue May 14, 2:16 AM ET
Hollywood Reporter
CBS high on Bruckheimer
By Nellie Andreeva and Cynthia Littleton
Bruckheimer will be joined by another big-name filmmaker, Spider-Man and Panic Room scribe David Koepp, who will make his TV debut with Hack, which was picked up by CBS on Monday in advance of the network's fall schedule presentation, set for Wednesday.
As part of the Hack pickup, David Shore, most recently an executive producer on CBS' Family Law, has been tapped as the showrunner on the Big Ticket/Pariah/CBS Prods. show, which stars David Morse as a cop-turned-taxi driver. Shore will executive produce alongside Koepp and Gavin Polone. "
Mon May 13,12:31 AM ET
Hollywood Reporter
The WB, ABC making fall picks
By Nellie Andreeva
Sources said CBS has given an official order to the Mark Addy-Jamie Gertz starring blue-collar family comedy, Still Standing, from 20th Century Fox TV and CBS Prods. Other strong contenders for orders were the Big Ticket/Pariah drama Hack, which has received a green light to begin staffing.
Posted on Tue, May 9, 2002
CBS wants more 'Hack' scripts; 'Third' renewed
By Nellie Andreeva
"In an encouraging sign for the future of the CBS drama pilot Hack, the network has ordered additional scripts for the Big Ticket TV/Pariah/CBS Prods. drama.
Hack stars David Morse as a former cop turned crime-fighting taxi driver and Andre Braugher as his former partner."
Posted on Tue, May 9, 2002
Hollywood Reporter
WB Net starting its own 'Family'
By Nellie Andreeva and Cynthia Littleton
"On the drama side, CBS is said to be considering its pilot Hack, about a former cop-turned-taxi driver, for a Saturday slot."
Posted on Tue, May 9, 2002
Reuters
Fate of Dozens of TV Shows Perched on 'Bubble'
By Steve Gorman
"They (current TV programs) are competing against dozens of new "pilot" programs being screened this month for network executives in search of the next big thing. Their future will be sealed when the broadcasters reveal their new slate of shows next week to advertisers at the annual "upfront" presentations in New York."
Posted on Tue, May 7, 2002
Reuters/Variety
Frank Marshall Strums Reinhardt Biopic
By Michael Fleming
"The record $114 million opening weekend of Spider-Man is further proof of David Koepp's talent for writing successful film franchises.
Before the webslinger, other Koepp scripted blockbusters were Jurassic Park ($920 million worldwide gross) Lost World ($615 million worldwide) and Mission: Impossible ($454 million worldwide). And the Koepp-scripted Panic Room is on course to do $100 million domestically.
Endeavor recently brokered a deal for Koepp to adapt Stephen King's Two Past Midnight: Secret Window, Secret Garden to direct himself, and he's got a pilot creation, Hack, in contention for CBS' fall schedule. "
Wow! With such talent as that, not to mention the strong cast, I'd say Hack really has a chance at being picked up.
Posted on Tue, Apr. 21, 2002
Another Hack Report!
Philly resident Ken McGraw checks in with "David Morse was outside the Doubletree Hotel on Locust and Broad on 4-18. He was shaking hands and talking to bystanders. They were filming with a taxi all wired with lights and cameras. Friday morning they were all gone."
Posted on Tue, Apr. 18, 2002
Was it all a dream? More from Eileen, on Hack:
"Well, It was if they were never there, I walked by after work (4/17) and the building, with the exception of some open windows and a big crane that use to have cameras on it ... everything else was gone. Same thing this morning (4/18), except the crane was gone. I'm not sure if they're done shooting in Philly... or if they just moved to another location, but I'll keep my eyes open and ear to the ground!!"
Posted on Tue, Apr. 17, 2002
And here's another Hack update from Eileen:
"I tried to go by the set this morning (4/17) but they were still filming!! (That's the first i've seen something going on other then set up and people cleaning up.) My co-worker who also tried to go down Sansom said that they had each end of Sansom Street blocked off, and that the street was full of people and cameras. (No David sightings yet!)"
Posted on Tue, Apr. 16, 2002
Philly resident Eileen W. checks in with this report on Hack:
"I have a Hack update for you! I live in the Rittenhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia...right around the corner from my home, between the blocks of 19th & 20th on Sansom street they have turned an old vacated buliding "The Warwick", into a set for The Hack. I have not seen David Morse, for they seem to be filming only at night. I have a feeling today maybe the last night of filming (as per some Police signs for temporary "no parking" along 20th Street). I walk past there every morning on my way to work and they seem to be cleaning up from the filming from the night before. Tonight (4/16) on my way home from work (around 5:15pm) they were starting to set up for filming. (Food trucks and all) I spoke to a guy who watches over the set, and he confirmed that it is the set for The Hack."
Posted on Tue, Apr. 10, 2002
Philadelphia Weekly
Moulin Rouge
ROBIN RINALDI(rrinaldi@philadelphiaweekly.com)
Posted on Tue, Apr. 04, 2002
roxREVIEW.com
Cresson St. made a TV set
By Saranne Miller
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