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A Groundbreaking Budget
The high production value of Miami Vice also translated to a hefty $1.3 million price tag per episode, making it one of the most expensive television shows of the 1980s. The financial commitment was primarily due to on-location shooting in Miami and the use of licensed music, which cost around $10,000 per episode—significant for that era.
The Musical Phenomenon
Composer Jan Hammer's theme for Miami Vice swiftly climbed to fame, topping the Billboard charts in 1985 and shaping the landscape of TV music. The show’s unique integration of contemporary pop and rock music transformed how music was utilized on television, allowing artists like Phil Collins and U2 to gain broader exposure through the series.