
"The Night Of" premiered on HBO in July 2016 as an eight-episode limited series. It was created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian and starred Riz Ahmed as Nasir "Naz" Khan and John Turturro as John Stone. Upon its release, the show was met with critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling, nuanced character development, and powerful performances, especially from Ahmed and Turturro. Critics praised its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system and the moral complexities it explored. While it garnered a strong viewership on HBO, some felt its slow pacing might not appeal to all audiences. Over time, "The Night Of" has maintained a strong reputation and is often cited as one of the best limited crime dramas of the 2010s. It is regarded as an underrated gem rather than a cult classic or dated relic, continuing to find new viewers through streaming services and discussions about crime television drama.