Daniel Sunjata as Reggie Jackson in The Bronx is Burning
Premiere: July 17
Starring: Oliver Platt, John Turturro, Daniel Sunjata
Network: ESPN
SPN shortened the title of Jonathan Mahler's book, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning, but that's all that seems to be abbreviated about this ambitious miniseries. Set in the summer of 1977, the show uses the '77 Yankees as the focal point for a summer of social upheaval that included the Son of Sam killings and the New York blackout and riots. Oliver Platt, John Turturro and Rescue Me's Daniel Sunjata play, respectively, George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson, the fiery, pugilistic trio who brought drama and hope to New York City baseball and New York City itself.