I wish Amazon Prime and other apps would get this show, I can't even find it on reruns. This was one of the best series ever. I love the way Paul wenfield narrated the show for five years I believe, and then after he passed someone else narrated it another two years. It was a excellent show, to every episode had a 10! details were on point and then they always got the right guy free and the wrong guy / the bad guy locked up where they belong!!!
23 Reviews
It's the best show on television
Sylviastel26 June 2002
Paul Winfield can make any small town or city fascinating. He could sell ice to Eskimos or anything else. The language and description of towns like Skidmore, Missouri, Fairbanks, Alaska, Seattle, Boston, Hunt Country, Virginia, Philadelphia, St. Augustine, Florida, and Salem, Massachusetts can entice people to visit these places and buy the books about the famous crimes that have occurred there. He is a wonderful narrator of this show. He makes everything so trivial and mundane about these towns to be exotic and captivating. Winfield died and they replaced him with a narrator just as wonderful as Paul was in the role. Still it makes you wonder about your own hometown, what makes it special, unique and it's character to the other ones depicted on City Confidential. My favorite episode was Salem known for more than the witches. If you listen to his voice, it's like listening to poetry sometimes. He points out the irony and how a town will recover from it's crimes.
The Good & Bad Of 'City Confidential'
ccthemovieman-19 April 2008
GOOD - You learn interesting facts about different cities in the United States. The first part of this program is always about the place where a particular crime occurred. It's a fascinating little segment, every time, whether they are discussing a small town or a big city. The program is not only interesting but entertaining as the writers use all kinds of dramatic and often humorous ways to describe people, places and motives behind why they do things. You also get a good mix of locals commenting on a situation. The announcer, Paul Winfield, has a fabulous voice and a distinct way of presenting his material. When he died in 2004, the program suffered a huge loss.
BAD - After you've watched a half dozen episodes, cultural and political agendas jump out at you. For instance, they've never been able to resist showing anyone who goes to church and the commits a crime. The writers just can't get enough digs at anyone religious, particularly Christianity. In the dozen episodes I've watched, at least half of them put not-so-subtle propaganda in them directed at anyone who believes in the Bible or attending church. They also love - to the point where it's overt bias - to pick on rich, white people. You rarely (I'm still waiting) see a crime story involving a minority. What Liberal bias?
OVERALL - The program is so politically-correct it's pathetic, but it's so well-written and so well-narrated by Winfield that it's almost always a very entertaining show. At the very least, it's a great travelogue where you learn a lot of interesting facts about places around the United States. The show is never dull but, man, it's biased big-time. You're going to either love or hate some of these episodes.
BAD - After you've watched a half dozen episodes, cultural and political agendas jump out at you. For instance, they've never been able to resist showing anyone who goes to church and the commits a crime. The writers just can't get enough digs at anyone religious, particularly Christianity. In the dozen episodes I've watched, at least half of them put not-so-subtle propaganda in them directed at anyone who believes in the Bible or attending church. They also love - to the point where it's overt bias - to pick on rich, white people. You rarely (I'm still waiting) see a crime story involving a minority. What Liberal bias?
OVERALL - The program is so politically-correct it's pathetic, but it's so well-written and so well-narrated by Winfield that it's almost always a very entertaining show. At the very least, it's a great travelogue where you learn a lot of interesting facts about places around the United States. The show is never dull but, man, it's biased big-time. You're going to either love or hate some of these episodes.
In Memorium: Paul Winfield
harry-7626 March 2004
Who can forget the deeply resonant voice with a slightly cynical twang narrating "City Confidential"? That narration seemed in integral part of this outstanding series of intriguing case histories.
On the 7th of this month (March, 2004) Paul Winfield died. It's hard to imagine "City Confidential" without him. Although he was never seen, his narration became the series on-going "star," tightly wedded to the well written scrips.
On this month's occasion it seems fitting to pay tribute to the memory of this Emmy-award-winning actor, who so enriched our lives with his rich body of work, from the sixties through this year.
In a period in which many black actors digressed into the "blaxsploitation" genre, Winfield remained completely dignified in his career choices, and steadfastly dedicated to his craft. (His work in "Sounder" and "Roots" are indelibly imprinted in our minds.)
While "Confidential" moves on to another narrator, the Winfield years will remain a lasting, rich legacy in the recollections of many series viewers.
On the 7th of this month (March, 2004) Paul Winfield died. It's hard to imagine "City Confidential" without him. Although he was never seen, his narration became the series on-going "star," tightly wedded to the well written scrips.
On this month's occasion it seems fitting to pay tribute to the memory of this Emmy-award-winning actor, who so enriched our lives with his rich body of work, from the sixties through this year.
In a period in which many black actors digressed into the "blaxsploitation" genre, Winfield remained completely dignified in his career choices, and steadfastly dedicated to his craft. (His work in "Sounder" and "Roots" are indelibly imprinted in our minds.)
While "Confidential" moves on to another narrator, the Winfield years will remain a lasting, rich legacy in the recollections of many series viewers.
Sherlock Holmes view of the countryside
SipteaHighTea19 February 2008
City Confidential reminds me of the Sherlock Holmes episode where he and Doctor Watson go to the countryside by train. Dr. Watson was taken in by the beauty of the countryside whereby Sherlock made the statement that the countryside hides a wide variety of crimes that goes on for years without being discovered. Sounds like Peyton Place where the author of the book was attacked by her own community because she dare expose about sexual abuse in her own small town community where you tried to give the appearance of being a safe place with people whose values are above reproach.
You could be a cop patrolling the countryside or upper class/rich class neighborhood where someone with a computer could be engaging in all sorts of white crimes and running their gun/drug activities for years, and you would not know about it. It happen in the city of Elk Grove, California where some person had reported a lack of activity in one of the fancy houses in her neighborhood. The cops investigated the matter and discover that the house was a place for cultivating marijuana. In the ensuring weeks, the cops uncovered about 10 or more houses within a 1 to 5 mile radius of the original house that were also growing marijuana and some of those houses were owned by the very same person.
If it wasn't for that person reporting the matter, the Elk Grove cops would have been patrolling those houses for years without noticing anything wrong with them. Like everyone else, the cops would have probably though that only drug and other criminal operations occurred in low income, ghetto areas. Being in a upper class residence areas is no guarantee of being immune from crime.
You could be a cop patrolling the countryside or upper class/rich class neighborhood where someone with a computer could be engaging in all sorts of white crimes and running their gun/drug activities for years, and you would not know about it. It happen in the city of Elk Grove, California where some person had reported a lack of activity in one of the fancy houses in her neighborhood. The cops investigated the matter and discover that the house was a place for cultivating marijuana. In the ensuring weeks, the cops uncovered about 10 or more houses within a 1 to 5 mile radius of the original house that were also growing marijuana and some of those houses were owned by the very same person.
If it wasn't for that person reporting the matter, the Elk Grove cops would have been patrolling those houses for years without noticing anything wrong with them. Like everyone else, the cops would have probably though that only drug and other criminal operations occurred in low income, ghetto areas. Being in a upper class residence areas is no guarantee of being immune from crime.
Well-done true crime docudrama...,
MarieGabrielle15 September 2006
This series is informative and imaginative; Paul Winfield was excellent as the initial narrator. The stories span communities all across the U.S. exploring the ..."It would never happen here"...mechanism of denial that people use to insulate themselves.
Some of the series which are particularly interesting are shown in Lopez Island, Washington; horse country of Northern Illinois (the Helen Brach/Brach candy murder) and several other affluent communities.
This series taps into the American conscience; like Stephen King, the underlying unrest that may exist in some of the most beautiful and "perfect" neighborhoods. 9/10.
Some of the series which are particularly interesting are shown in Lopez Island, Washington; horse country of Northern Illinois (the Helen Brach/Brach candy murder) and several other affluent communities.
This series taps into the American conscience; like Stephen King, the underlying unrest that may exist in some of the most beautiful and "perfect" neighborhoods. 9/10.
God, I miss this show.
Analog_Devotee2 August 2021
I've always been a true crime fan, but most of the television shows just never did it for me. They always felt rushed and a little too theatrical. My mother, on the other hand, has been a devoted viewer of these shows since their inception (long before they'd eventually have their own channel, which is still mind-blowing to me). For me, though, it was all about books.
On the other hand, City Confidential felt like a step above all these true crime shows I normally turned my nose up toward. The way the stories were told while focusing on the city at hand doesn't have the greatest elevator pitch, and yet it manages to make it incredibly engaging.
I see other reviewers asking for this show to be brought back. I can't really share their sentiment since Paul Winfield would no longer be able to narrate due to his passing. I'm afraid it just wouldn't be the same. However, I do wish there was an easy way to tune into some reruns. I have no doubt that there are episodes I missed during the original airing window.
If you do manage to find a place to watch this show, I implore you give it a shot. Saying it's a step above other true crime shows was fair during the time, but nowadays it's a massive understatement. Simply put, this show had class. The creators of today's true crime shows could learn a lot by taking a lookback at this forgotten gem.
On the other hand, City Confidential felt like a step above all these true crime shows I normally turned my nose up toward. The way the stories were told while focusing on the city at hand doesn't have the greatest elevator pitch, and yet it manages to make it incredibly engaging.
I see other reviewers asking for this show to be brought back. I can't really share their sentiment since Paul Winfield would no longer be able to narrate due to his passing. I'm afraid it just wouldn't be the same. However, I do wish there was an easy way to tune into some reruns. I have no doubt that there are episodes I missed during the original airing window.
If you do manage to find a place to watch this show, I implore you give it a shot. Saying it's a step above other true crime shows was fair during the time, but nowadays it's a massive understatement. Simply put, this show had class. The creators of today's true crime shows could learn a lot by taking a lookback at this forgotten gem.
Where did it go?
anthonymootry1 January 2021
Loved This Show!
mcoberly426 December 2021
As much as I loved Paul Winfield's narration, I also loved the piano music whenever the show would cut away to a commercial. I wish they would have left the music and just had a different narrator after Mr. Winfield's passing.
As good as it gets
lawnmorgan12 September 2021
Classic Storytelling Personified
patricia-haertlein24 September 2021
I absolutely loved each engrossing episode of local culture, characters, and murder so foul. Paul Winfield drew us in with his charm and storytelling genius, and I've greatly missed this show. I'm praying that the new reboot maintains the high standards and lowbrow love of gritty dirty crime.
Background makes the difference
aritchey-14 July 2006
The element that distinguishes City Confidential from its sister show, American Justice, and so many other true crime shows, is the background on the setting of the crime. Sometimes it's a whole half hour before we know who's been murdered (usually it's a murder) because we're learning about the environment of the crime. Sometimes the background takes a shorter portion of the show, but it's always fascinating to learn about small towns and big cities across the country. And the cases they choose to highlight are generally interesting.
I thought Paul Winfield's narration (from the beginning till his death in 2004) was as close to perfect as possible. The new narrator is fine, it's just that his voice is not as resonating as Winfield's. I'd love to hear James Earl Jones narrate -- but I doubt the producers could afford him!
I thought Paul Winfield's narration (from the beginning till his death in 2004) was as close to perfect as possible. The new narrator is fine, it's just that his voice is not as resonating as Winfield's. I'd love to hear James Earl Jones narrate -- but I doubt the producers could afford him!
Snore
fraserkieran3 September 2020
Ill admit Paul Winfeild is an entertaining narrator(till he passed away) and the replacements kind of worked(Danny Glover was probably the best) but it didnt save the series from being boring for about 30 mins before it got entertaining
great show, sarcastic scripts, interesting and entertaining
blanche-223 July 2005
City Confidential is a wonderful show that unfortunately has lost something with the death of its original narrator, Paul Winfield. The heavy sarcasm in the scripts suited his voice beautifully. However, the show's formula goes on without him. Each episode looks at a major scandal in a city - a scandal that usually belies the wealth, beauty, or old money residents of the area. What makes the series a cut above is the history given of each city and a profile of its typical residents at the time of the crime. And the narration! "Why, you could see the sweat roll off him as if it was a July day on the Bayou." The episodes also include interviews with residents, reporters, and witnesses.
All in all, City Confidential is a fascinating series. The new narrator is less intrusive, which says that the producers did not try to replace the flamboyance of Winfield. Probably a good move, because they couldn't have done so.
All in all, City Confidential is a fascinating series. The new narrator is less intrusive, which says that the producers did not try to replace the flamboyance of Winfield. Probably a good move, because they couldn't have done so.
surprisingly perceptive.
rmax30482316 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
"City Confidential", the name conjures up images of B crime features starring people like Preston Foster, or tabloid journals featuring sensational or sensationalized events and featuring photos of celebrities now grown old and fat.
And this program deals with unpromising materials, criminal events in towns small and large across America. Who killed whom, and why? There must be a dozen such series floating around, "The FBI Files," "Watching the Detectives," and so forth.
But, unlike the others, this series seems to have been written and produced by people who have at least graduated from elementary school.
For me, the best part is the introduction to the crime, the historical evolution of the community and its separation into distinguishable nuclei. And it's not "Community Development 101" either. The narration (by the late actor Paul Winfield) sounds insinuating and skeptical -- and it is -- but the cynicism is appropriate to the situations being described. When an interested party makes a defensive statement, the narrator comments, "Well -- maybe." The descriptive narration is understandable and apparently accurate. The media people are the most enjoyable interviewees. They have no dog in the hunt and can be cheerfully iconoclastic.
Then, after we learn how the town got to be the way it is, the rivalries and intrigues, we get into some plausible coverage of the local police and the other parties involved.
It isn't a masterpiece, of course. It's a commercial television enterprise. But I find myself actually LEARNING something from it, about living with neighbors, about power, about rage. And I'm a sociologist.
And this program deals with unpromising materials, criminal events in towns small and large across America. Who killed whom, and why? There must be a dozen such series floating around, "The FBI Files," "Watching the Detectives," and so forth.
But, unlike the others, this series seems to have been written and produced by people who have at least graduated from elementary school.
For me, the best part is the introduction to the crime, the historical evolution of the community and its separation into distinguishable nuclei. And it's not "Community Development 101" either. The narration (by the late actor Paul Winfield) sounds insinuating and skeptical -- and it is -- but the cynicism is appropriate to the situations being described. When an interested party makes a defensive statement, the narrator comments, "Well -- maybe." The descriptive narration is understandable and apparently accurate. The media people are the most enjoyable interviewees. They have no dog in the hunt and can be cheerfully iconoclastic.
Then, after we learn how the town got to be the way it is, the rivalries and intrigues, we get into some plausible coverage of the local police and the other parties involved.
It isn't a masterpiece, of course. It's a commercial television enterprise. But I find myself actually LEARNING something from it, about living with neighbors, about power, about rage. And I'm a sociologist.
Keith David is a worthy successor to the late Paul Winfield
TexAggie16 November 2004
I was concerned that "City Confidential" would suffer after the untimely death of Paul Winfield, its magnificent narrator. Having seen all but one of the new season's episodes, though, I can safely say that Keith David has stepped in and carried on Winfield's standard of excellence. Much credit, of course, must go to the writers, but as a fan I'd come to consider Winfield's voice the "star" of the show. While I may still miss Winfield as an actor, I no longer have any fears that one of my favorite A&E programs will decline in quality with his passing. Keith David's mellow voice, precise diction and expressive delivery set just the right tone. Kudos to whoever recognized him as the right match of talent to task.
Also can be found on YouTube
higuys-713374 January 2022
Real "Reality TV" at it's finest
Deceptikon2256 June 2003
It's shows like this that is the reason I love A&E Network. Paul Winfield's narration is just masterful. I believe his voice is right up there with James Earl Jones and the late Robert Stack as one of the most powerful and recognizable in all of showbiz. The show can make the sleepiest of towns sound like a place you genuinely would want to be. I also love how they do a brief history of the towns before they get into the crimes that made them famous or infamous (you be the judge). It also gets extra kudos for doing a feature on my hometown, Baton Rouge.
Coming back to a "City" that's changed.
SeanTheCanadian8 January 2022
The 2021 reboot of this series is lacking in two great areas that the old version had going for it. One they couldn't do anything about and one they shouldn't have played with.
They couldn't do anything about the fact that the voice of the old show, Paul Winfield, passed away. His narration was half the reason the show was great.
The second thing is that they only spend 3 minutes describing the town/city in each episode. The old show would spend at least 20 minutes on describing all the good things and history. This really gave you a feel for the place and almost made you feel like a citizen (almost).
Lacking these two things really doesn't differentiate the show from any of the other true crime shows out there. It's not bad but it's not the "City" I used to know.
They couldn't do anything about the fact that the voice of the old show, Paul Winfield, passed away. His narration was half the reason the show was great.
The second thing is that they only spend 3 minutes describing the town/city in each episode. The old show would spend at least 20 minutes on describing all the good things and history. This really gave you a feel for the place and almost made you feel like a citizen (almost).
Lacking these two things really doesn't differentiate the show from any of the other true crime shows out there. It's not bad but it's not the "City" I used to know.
De-li-cious
FifthHorseman9 November 2002
Winfield's oily narration is fantastic, and compelling enough on its own to make the show a must-see. Every simple fact he relates seems to be bringing him great pleasure, both sinister and, ahem, lascivious. He can say "Amityville, New York" and it will sound de-li-cious, like he's really a old guy at the bar blessed with a great voice, reminiscing about some tawdry encounter he had as a youth. Good stuff!
Best Show on TV.
bt082813 December 2002
From beginning to end this is one heck of a show. Paul Winfield is masterful in his narration of the show. The history lesson of each town and then the murder that takes place is narrated well. Don't miss this show!!!!
I LOVE THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM!!
monifest24 May 2003
Paul Winfield
Rongorongo26 February 2005
His saucy, edgy, mischievous and frequently jeering commentary will be sadly missed. It made the show. The new narrator really doesn't have the same, ummm- sarcastic twist and spin. I really like this show it's one of my favorites, but without Paul Winfield it's just another la de da crime doc. I'd rather listen to somebody like Woody Allen or the Donkey in Shrek narrate this show. (Sorry Keith!) In fact I can't even imagine anyone better than Paul Winfield. When I first saw this show Keith was the narrator, and I didn't pay much attention until I finally saw a repeat with Winfield. The way he allows the irony to just roll off his tongue is priceless.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
