High Velocity

“	Despite lasting just one season, High Velocity set a new standard for TV action sequences, with a level of stunt work usually reserved for the big screen.	”
	— The New York Times

High Velocity (1996) is an action series that follows an elite task force as they pursue the world's most dangerous criminals in a fast-paced world of organised crime. Each episode is filled with adrenaline-pumping car chases, explosive confrontations, and intense hand-to-hand combat, putting the team to the test in their mission to protect the city from rising threats.

Season Synopsis[]

Season One

In a city rife with corruption and syndicates, a specialised task force is assembled to bring down the most notorious criminals. Led by Commander Jackson/Josie Foster (name, role), the team consists of experts in tactics, technology, and combat. Each episode centres on a new case, where the team must race against time to outwit their adversaries. From breakneck car chases through city streets to dangerous undercover operations, the series blends action and suspense with everyday life seamlessly.

Cast[]

(name) as Commander Jackson or Josie Foster (season 1): A no-nonsense, tactical leader with a laser focus on justice.
(name) as Agent Landon or Lauren Barker (season 1): The hotheaded, impulsive agent who’s an expert in hand-to-hand combat.
(name) as Agent Taylor Kim (season 1): A tech genius with unmatched hacking skills.

(name) as Maggie or Mitch Carter (Episodes 2,5,6,7): The task force’s reliable field medic.

(name) as Chief Donna or Dirk Matthews (Episodes 1,4,7): The stern superior officer overseeing the task force.

(name) as Syndicate Leader Vincent or Veronica Steele (Episodes 6,7,8): The season’s main antagonist.

Reception[]

Critical[]

Despite these criticisms, High Velocity gained a small but loyal fan base that appreciated its edge-of-your-seat action and tense, suspenseful plots. The series’ cancellation after one season was seen as unfortunate, but many acknowledged the high production costs made it difficult to sustain.

Awards[]

Best Sound in a Dramatic Program or Series - Gemini Award
Best Dramatic Series - Gemini Award nomination

Trivia[]

The series was cancelled after just one season primarily due to a combination of high production costs and relatively low viewership. While the series garnered praise for its intense, well-coordinated action sequences (many of which were expensive to film), the show struggled to find a wide audience. The extensive use of practical effects, car chases, and on-location shooting made it costly to produce, and network executives were unwilling to continue without stronger ratings to justify the expenses. Despite this, the show earned a niche fanbase for its standout stunts and action scenes.
During an intense car chase scene, (actor)'s Agent Landon or Lauren Barker accidentally broke the car’s gearstick, forcing the stunt team to adapt on the fly.
Several of the show’s writers made cameo appearances as background criminals, often in scenes involving intense action or chases.
Many of the tactical vests worn by the task force were actually repurposed paintball gear!
During filming, the crew would often hold “themed” lunch breaks, with food matching the plot of the episode. For example, Episode 5’s Italian mob storyline was accompanied by a full Italian feast on set.