In a world saturated with countless streaming options, it is not uncommon for ‘great’ shows to slip through the cracks. And Tokyo Vice is a perfect example of this phenomenon.
About two years have gone by since the premiere of Michael Mann’s (two-time Primetime Emmy winner) crime-drama series, Tokyo Vice, which introduced us to yet another lonely yet determinant male character. Let us first praise a television show that actually knows its place. HBO Max’s crime series raises the bar for audacity by naming the show after its ‘real location’.
Created by J. T. Rogers, this series effortlessly raises the bar, and Tokyo gains the upper hand. The drama coexists with a celebration of all things surrounding Tokyo, from the vividly lit side alleys to the spacious, vibrant karaoke bars in the 17 episodes, especially the first one directed by Mann.
But, despite being hailed as one of the best shows ever created, it appears that no one is watching it. So, what exactly is going on with Tokyo Vice?
The Marketing Mystery Behind Tokyo Vice’s Lack of Viewership?
In Tokyo’s gritty underbelly, where crime and corruption abound, Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein dared to shine a light on the darkness. Tokyo Vice is a riveting story about a man’s journey through Japan’s seedy underworld, and it is not for the faint of heart, actually!
Based on the real experiences of American journalist Jake Adelstein, Tokyo Vice paints the story of a young reporter who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of the Yakuza, one of Japan’s most notorious crime syndicates. Delving deeper into the criminal underworld, he discovers shocking truths about the city he thought he knew.
Every episode of the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats; it is a masterclass in tension and suspense. From high-stakes investigations to heart-pounding chases through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, J. T. Rogers’ series never lets go of the adrenaline.
Not many people are still aware of it, even though it was hailed as one of the best shows ever produced. Having said that, not many people are tuning in to watch the show. So, what is Tokyo Vice’s current situation? Taking to X, even Justin Kroll, Senior Film Reporter for Deadline, fervently poses this question:
TOKYO VICE is the show no one is watching that everyone should be watching. This second season has just knocked it out of the park especially these final four episodes.
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 29, 2024
The show’s scant marketing efforts may be one of the primary causes of its low viewership. Compared to other highly anticipated TV series, Tokyo Vice has not gotten nearly as much exposure from billboards, social media, and talk shows. With an engagement score of 12.14 as of Mar. 28, 2024, Television Stats has the program ranked at number 30. With almost no marketing and a low viewership score, it is not surprising that many people are unaware of the show.
However, unique masterpieces like this know how to make their place over time!
Its viewership has grown significantly as a result of the show’s fresh and distinct appeal. Compared to the average US TV show over the preceding 30 days, Tokyo Vice has 21.8 times more viewer demand, per Parrot Analytics. At the time of this writing, the show has received an overall rating of 85% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes, and 27 critics have rated it 75 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Tokyo Vice, The Hidden Gem, Demands Your Attention!
Aside from marketing, Tokyo Vice deserves all of the praise that has been withheld. Set in Tokyo’s dark underbelly, the show follows the journey of an American journalist navigating the dangerous world of crime reporting in Japan. The crime drama has the potential to be a binge-worthy hit due to its gripping plot, complex characters, and stunning cinematography.
Indeed, visually, the show is definitely a feast for the eyes. The neon-lit streets of Tokyo are brought to life through stunning cinematography that captures both the city’s beauty and grit. The visceral energy of the well-choreographed action scenes keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.
The performances are top-notch overall. Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein shines in the lead role, bringing a perfect mix of vulnerability and determination to the character. His chemistry with co-star Ken Watanabe, who plays Adelstein’s father figure and guides him through the dark times, contributes significantly to the series’ tension. Of course, totally perfect for this kind of drama series.
The dialogue is witty and tension-filled, adding to the overall sense of unease in the series. The pacing is tight, with each episode building on the previous one to create a sense of escalating danger and tension.
If you are looking for a thrilling show, look no further than Tokyo Vice. This hidden gem will captivate viewers from start to finish, thanks to its riveting plot twists, stellar performances, and one-of-a-kind setting. So, do not pass up this underappreciated masterpiece; give it a chance and join the ranks of those who have already discovered its brilliance.
If given the chance, this could turn out to be a truly great underrated gem. The show was given a second season renewal in 2022, and it debuted on February 8, 2024.
Max is streaming both seasons of Tokyo Vice.
