One Chicago Star’s Neglected Crime Drama Is Blowing Up on Its New Streaming Platform

Five years ago, Monica Raymund departed One Chicago and headed to Starz’s Hightown, which is enjoying new life on streaming. Created by Rebecca Cutter, the series centered on troubled federal agent Jackie Quiñones as she became part of a murder investigation that expanded to local organized crime and opioid epidemic.

Having garnered rave reviews from critics, with season 1 holding an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Hightown was only a modest performer in its ratings. Nonetheless, the strong reviews earned it season 2 and 3 renewals, with the latter serving as its final season.

However, just over a year after the show came to an end, it has landed on Netflix as of July 23, and Hightown has already landed the No. 8 spot in Netflix’s Top 10, per Tudum. Between July 27 and July 30, the series rose from the No. 9 to the No. 8 spot, having since gone back to the No. 9 spot.

What Hightown’s Success Means For Netflix & The Show

The Streamer Could Consider A Revival

The fact that Hightown is getting new life with Netflix’s help and grabbing the attention of global audiences showcases how so many shows get cancelled or end before audiences can fall in love with them. This also indicates that Hightown could continue for a season 4 on Netflix if a deal is made between the streamer, Lionsgate Television and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Cutter has also previously expressed a desire for Hightown to continue, saying in an interview just after the original series finale that she wanted to keep writing stories for Raymund’s lead character. Netflix has made no comments about whether they’re interested in producing new episodes, though if it continues to be a hit, it’s feasible they’d start to consider it.

Our Take On Hightown’s High Viewership On Netflix

Audiences Love A Bingeable Show

It makes perfect sense that Hightown is being watched on Netflix, simply because the streaming audience is looking for a bingeable show. Since the show was originally airing weekly on Starz, it’s no surprise that it was overlooked by viewers, but people now look for content to watch in one or two viewings, making this underrated crime thriller perfect.

Another reason Hightown may be resonating with audiences so much is that it may serve as a replacement for Netflix’s Ozark. The Jason Bateman-led crime series was a huge hit, and with its coastal setting and some similar themes, Hightown looks to be filling the void left by it for some viewers.