Magic City

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  • TV-MA
  • 2012
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.6  (12,972)

Magic City is a television series that takes place in Miami Beach, Florida during the late 1950s. The show premiered on Starz in 2012 and ran for two seasons until 2013. It is a drama series that revolves around the lives of the Miramar Playa Hotel's owner, his family, and the hotel's employees. The main character, Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is the owner of the Miramar Playa Hotel. He is a self-made man who has worked hard to create a luxurious hotel that attracts Miami's elite. He is married to Vera (Olga Kurylenko), a former showgirl who struggles to adapt to the upper-class lifestyle. Ike's right-hand man and confidant is his hotel manager, Victor Lazaro (Yul Vazquez), who is also a close friend. The show is set during the height of the Cuban Revolution and the Cold War, and the political tensions of the time are interwoven into the storyline. Ike is always looking for ways to keep the hotel afloat, and one of the ways he does this is by getting involved with organized crime. He is in constant negotiations with Ben "The Butcher" Diamond (Danny Huston), a local mob boss, and trying to stay one step ahead of him. Ike's son Stevie (Steven Strait) becomes entangled in the criminal world despite his father's efforts to keep him out of it. Aside from the criminal activities, the show also explores the personal lives of the characters. Ike and Vera's relationship is put to the test as they face adultery, financial struggles, and other obstacles. Stevie falls in love with Lily Diamond (Jessica Marais), Ben's wife, leading to a complicated love triangle. Victor is dealing with his own secrets and personal life while trying to manage the hotel and support Ike. The show is visually stunning, with a focus on the Miami Beach aesthetic of the 1950s. The set design, costumes, and music all transport the viewer back in time. The hotel serves as a central location for many scenes, and the glitz and glamour of the era are on full display. One of the highlights of the show is the performances from the cast. Jeffrey Dean Morgan brings depth to Ike Evans, portraying him as a man who is both ruthless and vulnerable. Olga Kurylenko shines as Vera, showcasing her talent for playing complex characters. Yul Vazquez is excellent as Victor, bringing a quiet intensity to the role. Danny Huston is a standout as Ben Diamond, creating a character who is both terrifying and charismatic. Overall, Magic City is a compelling drama series that is well-written and well-acted. It offers a glimpse into a fascinating time in American history and the fascinating characters who inhabit it. The show's cancellation after only two seasons was a disappointment to many fans, but despite its short run, it remains a beloved series.

Magic City
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Seasons
The Sins of the Father
8. The Sins of the Father
August 9, 2013
Ike and Ben's future depends on the outcome of the gambling bill. Klein considers Ike's offer to get The Butcher. Stevie and Lily confront the end. Vera's heart is broken.
...And Your Enemies Closer
7. ...And Your Enemies Closer
August 2, 2013
Miami sees the arrival of Sy Berman. Ben and Stevie set their new arrangement in motion. Klein plots to ruin Ike, while Ike suffers consequences with Victor on his plans for the Havana Hotels.
Sitting on Top of the World
6. Sitting on Top of the World
July 26, 2013
Stevie's sex and booze-soaked deejay convention overwhelms the hotel. Mercedes makes a revelation to Vera. Ike sets his plan in motion for the Cuban lottery. Ben seeks revenge in the wrong places.
World in Changes
5. World in Changes
July 19, 2013
Ike and Meg bond as Meg uses connections to fight the gambling bill. Vera must confront her dancing future. Danny's world roils due to the busted arms deal. Ben makes Stevie an offer.
Crossroads
4. Crossroads
July 12, 2013
Ike proposes a risky offer to mob boss Sy Berman. Danny commits to Jack Klein and learns the truth about Ben Diamond. Ben ruins an arms deal with the Cubans, with tragic results.
Adapt or Die
3. Adapt or Die
June 28, 2013
Ike heads to Cuba to retrieve Maria's ashes and things are set in motion to oust Ben. Meanwhile, Stevie offers a chemical solution when Vera struggles with exhausting rehearsals.
Angels of Death
2. Angels of Death
June 21, 2013
Ike's plot to rid the hotel of Ben Diamond is set in motion. Simultaneously, Ben requests permission to put a hit on Ike. Later, Stevie and Lily go on an actual date; and Meg threatens Vera.
Crime and Punishment
1. Crime and Punishment
June 14, 2013
In the second season opener, Ike faces a murder rap and his family rallies together in an attempt to raise bail money, which leads them to discover just who his silent partners are. Meanwhile, Ben is worried Ike will fold under pressure and offers to help.
Description

Magic City is a television series that takes place in Miami Beach, Florida during the late 1950s. The show premiered on Starz in 2012 and ran for two seasons until 2013. It is a drama series that revolves around the lives of the Miramar Playa Hotel's owner, his family, and the hotel's employees.

The main character, Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is the owner of the Miramar Playa Hotel. He is a self-made man who has worked hard to create a luxurious hotel that attracts Miami's elite. He is married to Vera (Olga Kurylenko), a former showgirl who struggles to adapt to the upper-class lifestyle. Ike's right-hand man and confidant is his hotel manager, Victor Lazaro (Yul Vazquez), who is also a close friend.

The show is set during the height of the Cuban Revolution and the Cold War, and the political tensions of the time are interwoven into the storyline. Ike is always looking for ways to keep the hotel afloat, and one of the ways he does this is by getting involved with organized crime. He is in constant negotiations with Ben "The Butcher" Diamond (Danny Huston), a local mob boss, and trying to stay one step ahead of him. Ike's son Stevie (Steven Strait) becomes entangled in the criminal world despite his father's efforts to keep him out of it.

Aside from the criminal activities, the show also explores the personal lives of the characters. Ike and Vera's relationship is put to the test as they face adultery, financial struggles, and other obstacles. Stevie falls in love with Lily Diamond (Jessica Marais), Ben's wife, leading to a complicated love triangle. Victor is dealing with his own secrets and personal life while trying to manage the hotel and support Ike.

The show is visually stunning, with a focus on the Miami Beach aesthetic of the 1950s. The set design, costumes, and music all transport the viewer back in time. The hotel serves as a central location for many scenes, and the glitz and glamour of the era are on full display.

One of the highlights of the show is the performances from the cast. Jeffrey Dean Morgan brings depth to Ike Evans, portraying him as a man who is both ruthless and vulnerable. Olga Kurylenko shines as Vera, showcasing her talent for playing complex characters. Yul Vazquez is excellent as Victor, bringing a quiet intensity to the role. Danny Huston is a standout as Ben Diamond, creating a character who is both terrifying and charismatic.

Overall, Magic City is a compelling drama series that is well-written and well-acted. It offers a glimpse into a fascinating time in American history and the fascinating characters who inhabit it. The show's cancellation after only two seasons was a disappointment to many fans, but despite its short run, it remains a beloved series.

Magic City is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on April 6, 2012.

Where to Watch Magic City

Magic City is available for streaming on the Starz website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Magic City on demand at Google Play, Apple TV and Peacock.

  • Premiere Date
    April 6, 2012
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (12,972)