Nash Bridges movie on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 9/8c on USA Network (November 23, 2021)

See the official trailer on YouTube.

There's also a behind the scenes video.

The San Francisco Chronicle had two articles:

• 'Nash Bridges' is back on the streets of S.F., and star Don Johnson couldn't be happier
• Why we never get tired of seeing San Francisco as a backdrop in TV shows and movies

Official Nash Bridges DVDs available at Amazon.com (December 29, 2008)

The Official Nash Bridges DVDs were recently made available at Amazon.com (as an Amazon Associate, purchases through Amazon links earn us commissions):

• Nash Bridges: The First Season
• Nash Bridges: The Second Season
• Nash Bridges: The Third Season

Note that several Amazon Customer Reviews suggest that, like many official TV series DVDs, the official Nash Bridges DVDs do not have the original music and there may be other edits: Review 1, Review 2, Review 3.

We have synopsis and commentary for all 122 episodes of Nash Bridges, which ran for 6 seasons from 1996 to 2001. It's hard to believe that it took seven years to release the first official DVD of the First Season in 2008, with the Second Season slated for release in 2009 (now released). At last Nash fans, it was worth the wait!

We still get e-mail from around the world about NASH BRIDGES (it seems that the series is always on somewhere in the world!) The most frequently asked question is will NASH BRIDGES ever return? We think it is unlikely, though you can never rule it out completely. After all, who would have thought that Cheech Marin would, in post-Nash mode, join up with his original partner in crime Chong and tour as a comedy team once again?

But we will add this: like all very popular and much loved TV series, the set and props to NASH BRIDGES were auctioned off soon after the show was finished. Some of the more prized items (like the 'Cuda) brought in high prices. It's not known what happened to Nash's gun and badge (those were presumably kept by the star or his associates).

Postmortem: NASH BRIDGES Victimized by NBC's LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT (May 18, 2001)

In the end, NASH BRIDGES was done in by its competition on NBC according to Tim Goodman, the SF Chronicle's TV critic in his column of May 18th. LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT regularly beat out NASH BRIDGES in the ratings every week. NASH BRIDGES was getting fair ratings, but it slid down the Nielsen ratings.

Ratings are the rules of the game - remember that NASH BRIDGES knocked off NBC's HOMICIDE several years ago (see NashBITS "Postmortem on HOMICIDE" of May 15, 1999 and "NBC's HOMICIDE Murdered by NASH BRIDGES" of April 17, 1999). So what goes around comes around.

Reporter Goodman is also revealing that CBS wanted another season of NASH BRIDGES, but Paramount, a major financier of the show, balked at the nearly $2 million dollar cost per episode. We can add that if NASH BRIDGES could have at least broken in the Top 20 in ratings, it might have had a chance at renewal, but the show could never muster those kinds of ratings.

The Chronicle article of May 18th also confirms what we reported in a NashBIT of May 8th - that Don Johnson no longer wanted to do the show. Elliot Mintz, Don Johnson's publicist, confirms that Don wanted out, that "Don was ready to move on." Mintz reveals that he talked to Don on Wednesday (May 16th) and Mintz says of the feeling he got from Don: "I got the feeling there was a sense of relief."

Postmortem: Our Unofficial Side of the Story: The Last Months of NASH BRIDGES (May 18, 2001)

There were two stories that unfolded about the impending NASH BRIDGES cancellation. The one part was from the NB production in San Francisco, which put up a brave front implying that the show was going forward with a seventh season. Everything was rosy as far as the NB production was concerned.

The other part was from CBS headquarters in New York, which had the final say on whether NASH BRIDGES was to be renewed or not. The story here was far more negative, with the feeling that NASH BRIDGES was as good as finished. Low ratings with no improvement, creatively played out, and just plain old-fashioned, NASH BRIDGES was on the outs.

Only the key players could have known this, mainly Don Johnson, Carlton Cuse, and the other major financiers of the show (Rysher Entertainment, Paramount, and CBS).

We do not believe that Don is the sole financier of NASH BRIDGES - all the major financiers must wait for years in syndication to recoup their investment in the show. With 122 total episodes, at an estimated $2 million per episode, a total of $244 million dollars was invested which must be recouped in syndication or during its original run. The majority of cost is recouped by CBS during its original run, but the other key investors must wait for syndication to see a return on investments.

Only the producers of NASH BRIDGES know the true story, but Don Johnson and Carlton Cuse had to have known for several months that this was the last season of NASH BRIDGES. Such information was probably withheld to maintain the NB crew's morale and to hold the production together until the end. But until official word from CBS was given, nothing was certain.

This meant putting out a barrage of public relations that the show was going for a seventh season. Even the local CBS affiliate KPIX was coaxed into "reporting" that NASH BRIDGES was going on for "one more." The Official NB web site was doubting the credibility of our NB informants who were telling us otherwise.

We, as the Unofficial site, have no way of verifying the information given to us from NB informants. However, we can compare the various sources information, and if they're all singing one tune, we can be relatively sure what is really happening. We published one of the most credible of our NB informants, who proved to be, on the whole, correct in their information. Our informant (dubbed "NB"), in retrospect, proved far more accurate than what was reported (see NashBIT of May 6th) on the CBS affiliate KPIX TV station here in San Francisco.

It's Over (May 16, 2001)

CBS announced the cancellation of NASH BRIDGES today (Wednesday, May 16th, 2001). The last original episode aired on May 4th. NASH BRIDGES has been on for six seasons, with a total of 122 episodes.

In the new CBS 2001 Fall schedule, the entire Friday night line-up has been re-vamped. Also cancelled in the Friday night wipe-out was THE FUGITIVE and DIAGNOSIS: MURDER.

Various sources have reported on the NASH BRIDGES cancellation: cbs.com, zap2it.com, and usatoday.com among the sources.

More on the Last of NASH (May 8, 2001)

Our inside source "NB" from the NASH BRIDGES production sent us this today (May 8th). It really doesn't look good for a renewal, fans:

Gordon,

Just a little info regarding the Nash Bridges show from a reliable source. I learned that the fate of the show's renewal won't be known until about the 25th of this month. Apparently Don has said that's the end of the show and the network has said the same thing. Pending a last moment reprieve, things can still change. You'll have to remember that producing a show can cost the network millions per episode. Nash Bridges has a loyal audience but not enough to put the show in the top 20 of the ratings every week. The show has over 100 episodes in the can so the network can make their money back in syndication rights.

The fan who emailed about the missing barge [see NashBIT of May 3rd] is partially right. The barge is missing but that's because it's moved back to their TreasureIsland location at the end of every season for storage. Let's hope it'll be back along with the rest of the cast for a 7th season.

"NB"

So let's wait until May 25th or maybe sooner for word about renewal of NASH BRIDGES for next season. Let's hope for good news, but don't hold your breath, Nash fans.

KPIX Promo and Report on Charges Against Don Johnson - Case Closed (May 6, 2001)

KPIX, the CBS local affiliate here in San Francisco, did it again. Right after the NB season finale aired, on the NB closing credits, the 11 o'clock Eyewitness News opening tease asked: "Plus NASH BRIDGES star Don Johnson finds out if he'll face criminal charges in a sexual harassment case. The News starts now."

Here's what the KPIX newscast reported: "A 36 year old woman accused the NASH BRIDGES star of grabbing and propositioning her at a Marina district sushi bar in January. The San Francisco District Attorney's Office talked to several witnesses and investigated her complaints. Today (Friday, April 4th) the DA closed the case, saying there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the actor. An attorney for Johnson says the TV star is very pleased."

Writers Strike Settled (May 6, 2001)

The Writers strike was settled Friday, May 4th as the WGA, the Writer's Guild of America, held a news conference announcing an amicable settlement.

The writer's settlement comes just in the nick of time for the television industry, as new series and renewal orders are now being decided for the coming fall season. Writers show their stuff at this crucial time, pitching new story ideas and scripts to network executives. Had a strike been held, this would definitely have disrupted the start of the fall season.

The next looming strike is the actor's strike. The deadline is in July, just in time for television industry to start casting for the fall season.

TV shows are on hiatus during the summer months. TV production returns from hiatus in July to begin shooting for the fall season. So the timing of the strike is again crucial, and negotiations will probably come down to the wire.

For NASH BRIDGES and the city of San Francisco, the stakes are high. Cancellation of the six-year long series would mean millions in lost revenue for the city.

In KPIX Interview with Cheech Marin, KPIX Assures Audience NASH BRIDGES Will Be Back (May 6, 2001)

On that same Friday night (May 4th) broadcast, KPIX also featured an interview with Cheech Marin. Cheech talked about his world class Chicano painting collection which is currently on a five year tour with major museums across the nation.

Reporter Dana King, along with reporter Hank Plante, engaged in banter almost designed to re-assure the audience that NASH BRIDGES will return as she says: "... (Cheech) he's enjoying living and working in San Francisco and has no intentions of leaving."

And then reporter Dana King says: "And what about the future of NASH BRIDGES after six years?" Cheech responds "We'll probably be back for one more." And Cheech gives a hopeful thumbs up. And as if to hammer home the point, Dana King says "One more."

Hank Plante then responds: "Great to have him here. It's always fun to see the San Francisco scenes in the show." And again Dana King hammers home the point: "That's true. With the negotiated settlement in the writer's strike, they'll be here."

Now if only CBS will confirm that... The renewal decision on NASH BRIDGES is still pending (it should be in about two weeks). Stayed tuned, NASH fans, we let you know as soon as the news is announced.

Fan Action (May 6, 2001)

A loyal NB fan has started some pro-active action on doing something about re-newing NASH BRIDGES:

When I heard through your site that "Nash Bridges" may be cancelled I immediately sent an email (on the CBS.com Feedback page) to CBS requesting a "Nash" renewal. I have been doing it every day since and so have other family members. It has almost 10 million viewers a week which is very good I would think. It would be a huge hit on FOX, WB, or UPN. Maybe you could provide the link to the CBS feedback page on your site so other Nashfans can send their thoughts. Nash deserves at least a 7th season, it is such a great show.

One more thing: I sent in a question to USA TODAY Television critic Robert Bianco's weekly chat (Monday April 23) asking if he thought "Nash" would be renewed for Fall 2001. Of course he is only predicting he said their was a 40 % chance of "Nash" being renewed. I sure hope the 40% pulls through.

Thanks Much,
Matt B.
Buffalo, NY

Again, the fate of the show has not been decided yet. NASH BRIDGES is just done shooting for this season. News about NASH BRIDGES renewal or cancellation will be forthcoming (in about two weeks), stay tuned NB fans...

NASH BRIDGES "On the Bubble" (May 3, 2001)

The fate of NASH BRIDGES could be decided within the first two weeks of May. NASH BRIDGES is "on the bubble" or vulnerable to cancellation (as reported in the May 1st NY Times in an article by Bernard Weintraub). This is the time of year when networks decide the new schedule and order up pilots. The new schedule will be announced in two weeks for potential advertisers to begin buying commercial time.

NASH BRIDGES has held on to its ranking in the ratings, and has never taken a drastic nosedive. NASH BRIDGES has hung in there for six seasons, and is awaiting renewal for a seventh. Ratings have been modest this season.

The renewal process is tenuous and unpredictable. Les Moonves, president of CBS Television, has not indicated a positive response (see NashBIT of April 9th) to the current Friday primetime line-up (of which NASH BRIDGES is the anchor show). The entire Friday line-up is likely to be re-vamped with a new line-up of shows.

Looming Writers and Actors Strike Could Finish Off NASH BRIDGES (May 3, 2001)

The Writers strike deadline passed this first week in May, with negotiations still in progress. The Actors strike deadline is in July, and could potentially cripple the start of the new TV fall season.

NASH BRIDGES fate hangs in between these two potential strikes. NB production has wrapped up for this season, with the show's renewal in grave doubt. If it is renewed, just when production is supposed to be gearing up and returning, the Actors strike could hit.

The SF Chronicle of April 30th is reporting that "Strike could paralyze industry that pumps millions into economy." In an article by Edward Epstein, NASH BRIDGES is revealed to spend $24 million in the city of San Francisco. "That includes $2.9 million for union labor, such as electricians, drivers and carpenters, $1.3 million for hotel rooms, $7.9 million for the local production crew and $385,000 for rent on studio space on Treasure Island."

NASH BRIDGES Meets THE SIMPSONS? (May 3, 2001)

Faithful SIMPSONS watcher Mark Ybarra tells us that there was a hilarious reference to NASH BRIDGES in the April 29th episode of THE SIMPSONS.

The Police Chief wires a kid up for sound, but somehow the transmitter goes berserk. The Police Chief complains "Why can't I have a decent transmitter like they have on NASH BRIDGES?"

Shooting is Done for the Season - The Barge is Gone (May 3, 2001)

Jose Sanchez of San Francisco reports:

I work a couple of blocks away from the NB Barge at Pier 32 and yesterday 4/18/01 I noticed that the barge was missing. This leads me to believe that the show has been cancelled, hopefully im wrong, but i thought you would want to know.

No, the fate of the show has not been decided yet. NASH BRIDGES is just done shooting for this season. News about NASH BRIDGES renewal or cancellation will be forthcoming, stay tuned NB fans...