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{{Short description|2003 American comedy-drama TV series}}
{{Infobox Television
{{Distinguish|Vegas (2012 TV series)}}
| show_name = Las Vegas
{{Infobox television
| image = ]
| caption = Las Vegas title sequence | image = Las Vegas (DreamWorks Television series) logo.svg
| show_name_2 = | caption =
| genre = ], ] | genre = ]
| creator = ] | creator = ]
| writer = | starring = {{Plainlist|
* ]
| director =
* ]
| creative_director =
* ]
| developer =
* ]
| presenter =
* ]
| starring = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]*<br>]*<br>]*<br> * = No Longer on Show <!-- All actors to be in infobox per WP:Television Project! See http://en.wikipedia.org/Template_talk:Infobox_Television#Starring.2FFormer_stars Do not remove. Fiction is written in present tense -->
* ]
| voices =
* ]
| narrated =
* ]
| theme_music_composer =
}}
| opentheme =
| opentheme = "]" by ] on US TV broadcasts ("Let It Ride" by ] was used in international and DVD versions)
| endtheme =
| composer = | composer = ]
| country = ] | country = United States
| language = | language = English
| num_seasons = 5 | num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 103 <!--(As of February 1, 2008)--> | num_episodes = 106
| list_episodes = List of Las Vegas episodes | list_episodes = List of Las Vegas episodes
| executive_producer = ], Matt Pyken, Kim Newton, Justin Falvey & Darryl Frank | executive_producer = {{Plain list|
* Gary Scott Thompson
| co_exec =
* Justin Falvey
| producer = ]<br> and ]
* Darryl Frank
| supervising_producer =
* ]
| asst_producer =
* Gardner Stern
| co-producer =
* Kim Newton
| editor =
* ]
| story_editor =
}}
| location =
| producer = {{Plain list|
* Stephen Sassen
* Jill Cargerman
* ]
* Howard Grigsby
}}
| cinematography = | cinematography =
| editor =
| camera = | camera =
| runtime = 41-45 ] (per episode) | runtime = 40–43 minutes
| company = {{Plain list|
* Gary Scott Thompson Productions
* ]
* ] (Season 1)
*] (Seasons 2–5)
* ] (Season 5)
}}
| network = ] | network = ]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2003|9|22}}
| picture_format = ] (]), <br> ] (])
| audio_format = | last_aired = {{End date|2008|2|15}}
| first_run = | related = '']''
| first_aired = ]]
| last_aired = present
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| related =
| website = http://www.nbc.com/Las_Vegas/
| production_website =
| imdb_id = 0364828
| tv_com_id = 17210
}} }}


'''''Las Vegas''''' is a ]tic comedy ] about a team of people working in the fictional Montecito Resort and Casino in ]&mdash;dealing with issues that arise within the working environment, ranging from valet parking and restaurant management to casino security. The show debuted on ] ] on ], immediately following the popular '']'' series. The show currently airs at 10pm on Fridays, a time slot that in the 90's became known for being the death slot for shows. Las Vegas is only the second show since Miami Vice to survive in the time slot. The show airs in over 70 countries. '''''Las Vegas''''' is an American ] television series created by ]. It was broadcast by ] from September 22, 2003, to February 15, 2008, airing for five seasons. It focuses on a team of people working at the Montecito, a fictional hotel and casino on the ]. The employees deal with various issues that arise within the working environment, ranging from ] to ] and ]. ''Las Vegas'' starred ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and eventually ]. The series originally centered on Ed Deline (Caan), a strict ex-CIA officer who serves as the president of operations for the Montecito. Former Marine ]/] (CI/HUMINT) officer, Danny McCoy (Duhamel), who is Ed's protégé, later becomes the Montecito's new president.


The ] began filming in March 2003, and was produced for $5 million, making it the most expensive pilot in NBC history. Production for a full season began later that year. Much of the series filming occurred at ] in California, where a set was constructed to represent the Montecito. Some filming also occasionally took place in Las Vegas. The ] and ], two hotel-casinos in the ], were sometimes used to portray the Montecito.
==Background==
The series originally centered around Ed Deline (] in his first television series role), a strict ex-] ] who went from Head of Security to becoming President of Operations of the Montecito, whose job is to run the day-to-day operations of the casino. Following his departure from the series in Season 5, former ] Danny McCoy (]), Ed's former protege, has become the Montecito's new President of Operations. Other characters that work with McCoy include current Head of Security and Surveillance, and former Head ], Mike Cannon (]) who plays an integral role in investigations due to his engineering degree from ]. Danny's childhood friend and ex-], Mary Connell (]), worked at the Montecito first as Event Director then got promoted to Hotel Manager in the third season until finally leaving in the fifth season. Sam Marquez (]), a manipulative businesswoman and self-proclaimed "best casino host in the world," has only one interest: to get high rollers to play at the casino. Ed's daughter Delinda Deline (]) serves as the Entertainment Manager, and runs all the food and beverages in the casino. She is currently living with Danny <!-- Misplaced Pages cannot be used as its own reference. Just because a POV article, especially a stub with no references,claims something doesn't mean it's fact. See verifiability policy. -->after previously having a romantic connection with him early in the first season. The ownership of the casino has changed quite a bit, currently AJ Cooper is the sixth owner.


''Las Vegas'' marked Caan's first starring role in a television series. Thomason left the series after the second season to pursue other projects, and Caan and Cox departed in 2007, after completing season four. Caan wanted to resume his film career, and Cox was let go due to budget cuts, which were needed in order to greenlight a fifth season. After Caan's departure, Selleck was added to the cast as a new character. The series originally aired on Monday nights, before being moved to Friday nights in 2006. Ratings declined following the move, and ''Las Vegas'' was eventually canceled on February 20, 2008, ending the series with several ]s.
=== Opening sequence ===

Different theme songs have been used, depending on where, how or when the show is aired. In Australia, Portugal, UK, Netherlands and other countries the theme song is ''Let It Ride'' by ] and Jon Ingoldsby while in other countries, such as the USA and Canada, the theme song is '']'' (the ] mix) by ]. For the American DVD, as well as, the episodes available for viewing on NBC's website, Clouser's song is used with the exception of the pilot episode on the American DVDs.
==Premise==
''Las Vegas'' is a ] that focuses primarily on Danny McCoy and his boss Ed Deline. They and others work at the Montecito, a fictional hotel-casino located on the ]. The employees deal with a variety of issues, such as ], ], and ]. Danny, a former U.S. Marine 1st Lt. ]/] (CI/HUMINT) officer initially works under the resort's head of security, Ed, former CIA counterintelligence chief. Early in the first season, Ed is promoted to president of operations. Danny has on-and-off relationships with Mary, a childhood friend; and Delinda, who is Ed's daughter.

The Montecito undergoes several ownership changes during the course of the series. The resort is demolished in the season-two finale in favor of a new Montecito, which opens in the third season under the ownership of Monica Mancuso. Following the end of season four, Ed and Mary go into hiding after killing her father, who sexually abused her as a child. In the fifth season, the Montecito is purchased by A.J. Cooper, a billionaire and former Marine. Danny becomes the new president of operations, and he moves in with Delinda, who is pregnant with their first child.

==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Las Vegas episodes}}
{{:List of Las Vegas episodes}}


==Cast and characters== ==Cast and characters==
===Main cast and characters=== ===Main===
* {{visible anchor|Ed Deline}} (]) is initially the head of security and surveillance for the Montecito, but is promoted to president of operations in the eighth episode. He is portrayed as a loving husband and father, as well as a father figure to his employees, especially Danny. Nevertheless, he is a tough man and does not hesitate to use violence to get what he wants. As the former director of counterintelligence for the CIA, his past has come back to haunt him on several occasions. During season three, Ed is briefly in retirement due to disagreements with the new Montecito owner, although he soon returns to his position. Caan and his character depart the series in season five when Ed becomes a wanted man for killing Mary Connell's father.<ref name=THR2008/> Ed goes into hiding and resumes work for the CIA, being stationed in ].
* {{visible anchor|Danny McCoy}} (]) is initially Ed Deline's apprentice and good friend who is later promoted to head of security for the Montecito. During season three, Danny briefly serves as president of operations for the resort, after Ed resigns. Upon Ed's return, Danny is reinstated as head of security. Danny is officially named the new president in season 5. Danny was born and raised in Las Vegas. At the end of season two, his father Larry McCoy (]) dies in an accident and Danny inherits his father's house and construction company. Danny sells the house and uses the money to buy a condo. Danny is a former U.S. Marine, with ] and counterintelligence training. He is recalled into military service in Iraq at the end of season one. In season two, he is awarded the ] after calling in an air strike over his unit and himself when they were ambushed and overrun. Only he survives the strike. He is involved in an on-and-off relationship with Ed's daughter, Delinda, in season one. Danny and Mary have known each other since childhood, and they also have an on-and-off relationship. Danny proposes to Mary, but she calls off the engagement because she feels that he has a lot of things to sort out for himself. He ultimately begins living with girlfriend Delinda, who is pregnant with their first child in the final season.
* Mary Connell (]) is the special events director at the casino. A Las Vegas native, her father sexually abused her when she was a child, and Danny always came to her rescue. She is sometimes involved in a relationship with Danny, who proposes to her in season two – she accepts, then later calls off the engagement. In season three, Mary is promoted to hotel manager. In season four, she helps her stepmother and half sisters testify against her father – a case which is lost because of his connections. Near the end of season four, she purchases a gun to shoot her father. Cox departed the series and did not return for the fifth season. Explaining her character's absence, Mary is hiding from the law for her part in her father's murder,<ref name=THR2008/> but is apparently safe, as she sends Danny a photo with a house and white picket fence (her dream house).
* Mike Cannon (]) is Danny's friend who studied mechanical engineering at ]. He works as head ] for the first season, but is recruited by Ed to the security department to help during Danny's military absence. He stays on as security personnel following Danny's return. In season 5, Mike is promoted to head of security and surveillance. In the pilot episode, Mike has a wife and daughter; this plot line is seemingly abandoned thereafter. Mike and Nessa become close in season two, until she leaves to be with her father and sister. Mike and Piper get married in the final season.
* Samantha Jane "Sam" Marquez (]) is the self-proclaimed best ] in the world. She lives in a Montecito suite and is portrayed as a ruthless businesswoman whose sole interest is to get high rollers to play at the Montecito. However, in the fourth season, she reveals that she is only "cold and jaded because everyone expects it of her", and "underneath it all, she is weak and pathetic like everyone else."<ref name=Burning>{{Cite episode |title=The Burning Bedouin |series=Las Vegas |network=NBC |date=February 16, 2007 |season=4 |number=14 }}</ref> She was married to billionaire Casey Manning, from whom she was estranged for seven years prior to divorcing. She is also involved in an on-and-off relationship with Det. Woody Hoyt from '']'', until it ends in the fourth season. During this season, she is seen to be currently in love with and waiting for Jeremy, who fell into a 20-year coma after falling off a stool at a slot machine; he is the man who first brought her to Las Vegas from Austin, Texas.<ref name=Burning/> After Casey's death, Sam is left in control of the Montecito, but she fails to pay back taxes owed on the property. Her ownership lasts for a week, until A.J. Cooper buys the Montecito by paying off the taxes. In the season-five finale, Casey's younger brother Vic Manning visits the Montecito to take over ownership. At the end of the show, Sam and Vic plan to get married. When asked why Sam wants to marry Vic – she always stated she did not have feelings for him, though he loved her – she says it is because Vic understands her and will not try to change her; plus, he reminds her of Casey.
* {{visible anchor|Delinda Deline}} (]) is Ed and Jillian's daughter. She is the entertainment manager for the Montecito's clubs, and also works as the food and beverage manager for the resort. Delinda is shown to have a genius-level IQ, and once majored in psychology, but decided the human race's biggest problem is that they are boring. During season three, Delinda leaves the Montecito to work for another casino. She returns at the request of new Montecito owner Monica Mancuso, who is disappointed that club earnings have dropped without her. Derek, an old college flame, asks Delinda to marry him in season three. She accepts the proposal, but just before the ceremony, Ed is shot. In the fray of Ed's medical crisis, Delinda calls off the wedding. In season five, she becomes pregnant with Danny's child, and they begin a relationship. At the end of the season-five finale, Delinda becomes overwhelmed with pain after just learning that Montecito owner A.J. Cooper is alive; he was supposedly killed in a plane crash. Delinda begins bleeding, although the series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of her unborn baby unknown.
* {{visible anchor|Nessa Holt}} (]), also known as "The Ice Queen", is the head ] of the Montecito and is described as being the best in Las Vegas. She was born in Manchester, England, and has a shady past due to her father's connections with Ed Deline. Her father was a well-known gambler, cheater, and con artist, who was forcefully recruited into the CIA and faked his death. Nessa was raised by Ed and Jillian for some years, and is referred to as a sister to Delinda. At the opening of season three, Nessa is explained to have left Las Vegas and been given a new identity to be able to live with her father and long-lost sister. She and Mike had been getting closer to a relationship, although she fails to say goodbye to him.
* A.J. Cooper (]) becomes the latest owner of the Montecito in season five. He is a former Marine and cattle rancher from Wyoming who stirs things up at the casino. His net worth is about $2 billion. Cooper was a ] Marine in the Vietnam War and awarded the ] for his work. During his time in the Marines, he served in the ].<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Run, Cooper, Run! |series=Las Vegas |network=NBC |date=October 19, 2007 |season=5 |number=5 }}</ref> In the season five finale, Cooper's jet crashes during a business trip, and he is presumed dead. However, during the final moments of the show, Cooper arrives at his memorial service and appears to be fine.


===Recurring===
*'''A.J. Cooper''', (]), the new owner of the Montecito as of 2007. He is a former Marine and cattle farmer from Wyoming who stirs things up at the casino. It is said his net worth is about $2 billion. On his first day, he allowed a doctor to avoid jail for cheating by making him lose his winnings back and promising not to return to Las Vegas again. In "Run Cooper Run," it is revealed that Cooper was a ] Marine in the Vietnam war and awarded a ] for his work. In "Sex, Lies and Lamaze," Cooper admits that he was best friends with Piper's father, a fellow Marine. Before Piper's father died, Cooper promised he would watch over Piper. Cooper also owns condominiums in Florida, Wisconsin's largest paper mill, the largest cattle farm in Wyoming, and a high-tech company in California. He is in the process of attempting to build a casino in Macau, China.
* {{visible anchor|Monica Mancuso}} (]) becomes the new owner of the Montecito in season three. She is portrayed as self-centered and bull-headed, and is generally disliked by the staff. At age 25, she married an 83-year-old billionaire. Upon his death at age 93, she inherited his fortune and used it to purchase and upgrade the Montecito. Dedicated to proving that she is more than just a woman who inherited money, she is determined to make the Montecito a success. She uses the resort as collateral to try purchasing other casinos in Las Vegas. Nine episodes into the third season, Monica dies in a freak accident: a gust of wind blows her off the roof of the Montecito and down the ], before she crashes into a shoe store. Her outfit, with wing-like sleeves, contributed to her being blown off the roof. The scene was created to be humorous.<ref name=THR2008/><ref>{{cite news |title=Las Vegas I don't even know what… |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/las-vegas-dont-59951/ |access-date=January 10, 2021 |work=TV Guide |date=November 27, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Boyle takes a flying leap in 'Las Vegas' |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/boyle-takes-flying-leap-las-vegas-wbna10181267 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |date=November 23, 2005}}</ref> In accordance with her final wishes, the Montecito staff flush her cremated remains down a toilet in her suite at the resort.
* Casey Manning (]) is a shrewd and cunning businessman, and Sam Marquez's ex-husband. He buys the Montecito in the third season, following Monica's death. In season four, Casey is killed in a fishing accident: a giant squid envelops him off the coast of New Zealand. The autopsy reveals that he was poisoned before the accident.<ref name=THR2008/><ref>{{Cite episode |title=Bare Chested in the Park |series=Las Vegas |network=NBC |date=February 23, 2007 |season=4 |number=15 }}</ref> He leaves the Montecito to Sam, who faces tax problems he left. In the series finale, Sam plans to marry Casey's brother Vic, though she does not love him, because Vic reminds her of Casey.
* Piper Nielsen (]), the newest ] of the Montecito, is introduced in season five. She is fired for letting an underage person gamble, but Cooper pays a $1 million fine to hire her back, raising speculation among the casino staff about their relationship. Piper never knew who her father was, until Cooper reveals that they served together in the Marines. Before her father died, Cooper promised that he would keep an eye on Piper. As she moved to various states over the years, he did the same in order to be there for her, though without her knowledge. Mike and Piper get married near the end of the season.
* Mitch Sassen (]) is a regular member of the surveillance team, and like the actor who plays him, he is ] and uses a wheelchair.
* Jillian Deline (]) is Ed's wife and Delinda's mother. Jillian expresses growing resentment of Ed's time on the job. In the season-four finale, Jillian says she will leave Ed if he decides to purchase the Montecito. In the opening of season five, she is revealed to support Ed's decision for better or worse after learning of her future grandchild. She leaves Ed after they move away under sketchy circumstances.
* Luis Perez (]) is a Las Vegas police detective who appears in the first two seasons. He is a childhood friend of Danny and Mary, and friend of Ed Deline and his team. He also had served in the Marines, and his unit is later recalled for service in Iraq, where he dies in the first week there. A funeral is held in his honor with Ed and everyone attending, and he is discovered to have a child whose existence was unknown to him.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Letters, Lawyers and Loose Women |series=Las Vegas |network=NBC |date=May 2, 2005 |season=2 |number=22 }}</ref>
* Kathy Berson (]) is the Montecito's main legal adviser and lawyer, introduced in season two. If any legal issues arise, Kathy is the first person whom everyone asks.
* Polly (]) is a Korean manicurist in the Montecito's spa. She is introduced in season three, and later forms a friendship with A.J. Cooper. Polly openly discusses her sexual experiences.
* Sarasvati Kumar (]) is an accountant for the casino. She appears in the first three seasons, and eventually begins a relationship with Mike, although this ends in the season-three finale after she goes home with Delinda's bachelorette party strippers.
* Gunther (]), appearing in the first three seasons, is the temperamental executive chef at the Montecito's original restaurant. He habitually has issues that require Delinda's attention, and develops a rivalry with ] when the more famous chef opens a restaurant at the casino. Gunther eventually quits after losing a cook-off to Puck; he sells his restaurant to ].
* Erika (]), appearing in seasons three through five, is a hard-as-nails barmaid Danny hires on a lark when he sees her dealing with customers while tending bar at a strip club.
* Shannon (]) is a member of the Montecito's security. She plays a small role in six episodes, spanning the third and fourth season. She briefly shows interest in Mike.


===Notable guest stars===
*'''Danny McCoy''', (]), He was initially Ed's apprentice, surrogate son, and best friend who was later promoted to Head of Security. After the resignation of Ed in 2005, Danny was made President of Operations of the Montecito Resort & Casino for a brief period. However, following Ed's return, Danny was officially made Head of Security in Season 3. He was born and raised in Las Vegas. Towards the end of Season two, his father Larry McCoy (]) died in an accident and he inherited his construction company, McCoy Construction, and house. Danny sold his father's house and used it to pay for his condo. Establishing shots suggest his condo is in the Turnberry Towers. He is a former US Marine, with guerrilla training and counter intelligence training. He was recalled into military service at the end of Season one. In Season two, he was awarded the ] after he called in an air-strike over his unit and himself when they were ambushed and overrun. It is implied that only he survived the air strike. He is currently living with his girlfriend, Delinda, who is pregnant with their child. He was involved in an on-and-off relationship with his childhood friend, Mary. At one point, the two were even (technically) engaged. The show was narrated by this character for the first few episodes. In Season 5, Danny finally gets Ed's job and is now President of Operations for the casino. Throughout the show history Danny runs into a fellow marine he knows or served with.
Various guest stars have appeared on the show, sometimes portraying themselves.<ref name=Griffin/><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Tucker |first=Ken |title=Las Vegas |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/04/30/las-vegas/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 30, 2004}}</ref><ref name=OC>{{cite news |last=Lerman |first=Ali |title=Nikki Cox: Humor Makes Her Drown in Good Fortune |url=https://www.ocweekly.com/nikki-cox-humor-makes-her-drown-in-good-fortune-6591488/ |access-date=January 13, 2021 |work=OC Weekly |date=May 9, 2014}}</ref> Notable guest stars have included ],<ref name=AP2003/> ],<ref name=Odds2/> ],<ref name=Wins>{{cite magazine |last=Wheat |first=Alynda |title=NBC wins big with ''Las Vegas'' |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/03/26/nbc-wins-big-las-vegas/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 26, 2004}}</ref> ],<ref name=Behind/> Las Vegas mayor ],<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Tune in 'world's happiest mayor' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jan-14-Fri-2005/news/25663615.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308103321/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jan-14-Fri-2005/news/25663615.html |archive-date=March 8, 2005}}</ref><ref name=Closes/> ],<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Taking stage fright to new heights |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-29-Sun-2006/news/5594954.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 29, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060910001319/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jan-29-Sun-2006/news/5594954.html |archive-date=September 10, 2006}}</ref> ],<ref name=Lawrence/> ] and ].<ref name="OC" /> ] and ] made a guest appearance in season 5 as characters named Larry and Roger, who are friends of A.J. Cooper. Selleck, Manetti, and Mosley had previously starred on '']'', and their appearance together in ''Las Vegas'' marked their first reunion since the ending of ''Magnum, P.I.'' in 1988.<ref>{{cite news |title='Las Vegas' will seem like a 'Magnum, P.I.' reunion |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/aug/10/las-vegas-will-seem-like-a-magnum-pi-reunion/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Looking In On: Entertainment |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/sep/11/looking-in-on-entertainment/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 11, 2007}}</ref>


==Production==
*'''Mike Cannon''', (]), an engineer (with a both undergraduate and graduate degrees from ] in Mechanical Engineering) who worked as head valet for the first Season, but was officially recruited by Ed Deline to the security department to help during Danny's military absence, (before he just helped security when they needed him). He stayed on as security personnel despite being paid less than his job as a ] and cured his claustrophobia at the end of season one. Mike and Nessa became close in Season 2, until Nessa left to be with her dad and sister without saying goodbye. Mike and Danny are best friends. In Season 5, when Danny accepts the job as the President of Operations for the Casino, Mike is promoted to Head of Security and Surveillance. Mike and Piper were recently married.
===Development===
]
''Las Vegas'' was created by ], who also served as an executive producer.<ref name=Jim/> The idea for the series dates back to ] vacations that Thompson would take in the late 1980s. On one trip, Thompson developed a vision of a dead body lying in the desert, and then "we pan up and there's the ] 50 yards away. That was what ended up in the pilot, that opening shot, but I couldn't ever figure out what that went to. So I had that thing in my head for 15 years." At various points, Thompson tried developing this idea into a novel or play.<ref name=King/>


In 2002, Thompson had been working with ] on a ] for a different series; although this pilot was unsuccessful, NBC officials who worked with Thompson later asked him to create a Las Vegas-based series.<ref name=Jim/> At the time, Thompson felt that there was a lack of "fun" and entertaining shows on television, telling NBC that there were too many ]s such as '']'' and '']''.<ref name=King/> For ''Las Vegas'', Thompson was inspired by the city's evolving history and its megaresorts,<ref name=Jim>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=ABC's 'According to Jim' prepares for three-day shoot |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-31-Mon-2003/living/20993409.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 31, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041227113600/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-31-Mon-2003/living/20993409.html |archive-date=December 27, 2004}}</ref> saying, "If there are 127,000 (hotel) rooms in the city, that means I've got a potential 127,000 stories every week, because everybody's got a story, and so do all the people who live here."<ref name=Holiday>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=Holiday means down time for filming projects |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/May-26-Mon-2003/living/21342319.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 26, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229145406/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/May-26-Mon-2003/living/21342319.html |archive-date=December 29, 2004}}</ref> The show would be reminiscent of the 1970s series '']''. Originally known under the working title ''Casino Eye'', the new series would also include ] as producer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Don Johnson production has 'Eye' on Las Vegas actors, extras |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Feb-24-Mon-2003/news/20749218.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 24, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106120359/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Feb-24-Mon-2003/news/20749218.html |archive-date=6 November 2004}}</ref> Initially, ] was also going to serve as an executive producer, although he ultimately had no involvement in the final project.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Michael |title=Johnson dons new hat at firm |url=https://variety.com/2002/tv/news/johnson-dons-new-hat-at-firm-1117875551/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=November 5, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2003 Drama Pilots |url=https://variety.com/2003/tv/news/2003-drama-pilots-1117880038/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=February 3, 2003}}</ref>
*'''Samantha Jane "Sam" Marquez''', (]), the self-proclaimed best ] in the world, lives in a Montecito suite. She is portrayed as a ruthless business person whose sole interest is to get high rollers to play at the Montecito. However, in the Season four episode, ''The Burning Bedouin'', she reveals that she is only ''cold and jaded because everyone expects of her'', and that ''underneath it all, she is weak and pathetic like everyone else''. She was married to billionaire Casey Manning, whom she was estranged from for seven years prior to a divorce. (When she married Casey, he was just a millionaire then). She was also involved in an on-and-off relationship with Detective Woody Hoyt from '']'', which ended officially based on the events from Season four episode, "History of Violins". From "The Burning Bedouin", it is seen that she is currently in love with and waiting for Jeremy, the man who first brought her to Las Vegas from Austin, Texas. Following the death of her ex-husband Casey in a freak fishing accident (later revealed he was poisoned), is left control of the casino. She is the latest former owner of the Montecito Resort & Casino after failing to pay the taxes owed on the property. Her ownership of the Montecito lasted for a week, when A.J. Cooper bought the Montecito by paying off the back taxes. A.J. fired Sam when she was rude to the son of his ranch manager. After Delinda intervened, Sam and Cooper worked things out over a milk shake, bowling, beers, and cigars. Cooper agreed to rehire Sam.


===Casting and character changes===
*'''Delinda Deline''', (]), Ed's daughter and the entertainment manager/manager of all the food and beverage outlets in the Montecito: Mystique club, the former Wolfgang restaurant, Opus bar, and the Bella Petto Pool Bar. Delinda leaves the Montecito in the beginning of Season 3, until Monica forces Ed to hire her back. She is Danny's girlfriend after a long and complicated romantic history with him. They were "involved" briefly for the first episodes of Season 1 before calling it off. During Season 3, an old college flame returns and asks Delinda to marry him. She accepts but before the ceremony Ed is shot. In the fray of Ed's medical crisis, Delinda calls off her wedding to Derick. After leaving Derick, she again becomes involved with Danny and they are now living together and she is pregnant with their child.
]
] was among several actors considered for the role of Ed Deline, although the producers were initially unsure that they could get Caan to sign on.<ref name=Weinraub>{{cite news |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |title=James Caan Takes a Gamble On 'Las Vegas,' and Scores |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/17/arts/james-caan-takes-a-gamble-on-las-vegas-and-scores.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=May 17, 2004}}</ref><ref name=Lieberman/> Johnson was considered for the role, but turned it down.<ref>{{cite news |title=Don Johnson turns down series role |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30108110.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Irish Examiner |date=July 31, 2003}}</ref> Caan was cast at the last minute,<ref name=Weinraub/> marking his first starring role in a television series.<ref name=Archerd/> Caan later said that he took the television role due to a lack of film offers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Friess |first=Steve |title=Willing to gamble on good film roles |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-12-gd-vegas12-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 12, 2008}}</ref> He also said in 2005 that he had never watched the series.<ref name=EO/> Caan was initially doubtful about starring in a series;<ref name=Weinraub/><ref name=Lieberman>{{cite news |last=Lieberman |first=Paul |title=James Caan's next act |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-16-ca-lieberman16-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 16, 2004}}</ref> he insisted that his role require effort on his part,<ref name=AP2003/> and that the character be "multidimensional and complex."<ref name=Weinraub/> As originally written, the character would spend much of his time in a surveillance room looking at camera footage. Caan disliked this idea and considered the role limited, saying that Ed Deline should be "more elastic, so there could be some humor." Caan had the role rewritten, allowing his character to spend time outside of the surveillance room. Actress ] said about Caan, "If the writing's not good, or he doesn't like it, he's very picky, but that's what makes it good. He adds clout to our show."<ref name=AP2003/> Caan and Sims did not get along for the first two seasons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sims' Run-in With Caan |url=http://www.imdb.com:80/title/tt0364828/news |work=World Entertainment News Network |date=June 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230045147/http://www.imdb.com:80/title/tt0364828/news |archive-date=December 30, 2008}}</ref> Approximately 350 women auditioned for the role of Delinda Deline, before it eventually went to Sims.<ref name=EW100/>


The character of Danny McCoy was developed by Thompson to be a Las Vegas resident, like himself. He said, "It's a city of almost 2 million people. We wanted to capture not just the ]. People live here and it's their home, and we wanted to capture that."<ref name=SinCity/> ]'s character, Mary, was originally an ] in the pilot episode, although her title was changed to events planner for the rest of the series. According to Sims, "I believe the network felt that it would be 'unseemly' to have your protagonist's girl-next-door sweetheart and the ultimate love of his life be an escort."<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |title=Nikki Cox Dishes on Las Vegas and Mohr! |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/nikki-cox-dishes-41215/ |website=TV Guide |date=March 24, 2006}}</ref> The part of Nessa was originally written as a 60-year-old man, although Thompson was impressed enough with ]'s audition that he rewrote the role for her.<ref name=SinCity>{{cite news |last=Baird |first=Kirk |title=Sin (City) is In: 'Las Vegas' joins growing list of Strip-centric TV shows |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/sep/22/sin-city-is-in-las-vegas-joins-growing-list-of-str/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 22, 2003}}</ref> Thomason signed a seven-year contract,<ref>{{cite web |last=Rawson-Jones |first=Ben |title='Lost's Marsha Thomason Interview |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a46737/losts-marsha-thomason-interview/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=May 18, 2007}}</ref> but later departed the series after the second season, in order to pursue other projects.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |title=What's the real story behind ... |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/whats-real-story-30875/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=September 28, 2005}}</ref>
===Recurring cast and characters===
* '''Mitch''' (]), a regular member of the Surveillance team, Mitch, like the actor who plays him, is ] and uses a wheelchair. This does not stop him from being a valuable member of the security team. He is second in command of security.
* '''Piper Nielsen''' (]), the newest ] of the Montecito introduced in season 5. She frequently socializes with both Sam and Delinda. In the episode "The Glass is Always Cleaner," she was arrested at a ] with Sam and had to be bailed out by Mike. In her first episode, she states she is just 22 years old but later slips and says she is 25. She was fired for letting a minor gamble, but Cooper paid a $1,000,000 fine to hire her back. Piper never knew who her father was, but it was recently revealed that her father was a marine who was Cooper's best friend during the Vietnam war. He died sometime after Vietnam. Before he died, Cooper promised him that he would keep an eye on Piper. Mike and Piper were recently married but are pretending the marriage was annulled. Together they saw a judge who presented them with annulment papers. They attended an "annulment party" thrown by Delinda, but there is speculation among the other casino workers as to whether they went through with it. Delinda was right. In ''2 on 2'' it was revealed they didn't go through with the annulment.Was recently named Las Vegas's best ].
* '''Polly''' (]), a manicurist in at the Montecito's spa, who has recently formed a friendship with A.J. Cooper. Polly is always open about discussing her sexual experience, such as claiming she was one of ]'s 20,000 partners in ''2 on 2''. Sam once gave Ed a full body massage from Polly for Christmas, in which Polly attempted to give Ed a happy ending.
*'''Kathy Berson''' (]) The Montecito's main legal adviser and lawyer. If there are any legal issues, Kathy is the first person that everyone asks. Kathy helps Ed and Danny with many of their problems over the course of the show.


===Former characters=== ===Filming===
Filming for the ] began on March 17, 2003, in the ]. Filming locations included the ] resort, the ],<ref name=Jim/><ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=NBC pilot on casino security to begin production |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-17-Mon-2003/living/20894680.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 17, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221110926/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Mar-17-Mon-2003/living/20894680.html |archive-date=February 21, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McDarrah |first=Timothy |title=Celine has become Diva Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/mar/18/vegasbeat----timothy-mcdarrah-celine-has-become-di/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 18, 2003}}</ref><ref name=EW100/> and a warehouse that the production crew used to build a surveillance room set.<ref name=Jim/> The pilot cost $5 million,<ref>{{cite web |last=Archerd |first=Army |title=Woods helms from, and for, the heart |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/columns/woods-helms-from-and-for-the-heart-1117883682/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=March 26, 2003}}</ref> making it the most expensive in NBC history.<ref name=Home>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=New FX series, NBC pilot call Vegas home |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-06-Sun-2003/news/21039032.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 6, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041228194318/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-06-Sun-2003/news/21039032.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 28, 2004}}</ref><ref name=Thing>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title='Las Vegas' starring James Caan looks like sure thing for fall TV |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/May-12-Mon-2003/news/21298622.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 12, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229143401/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/May-12-Mon-2003/news/21298622.html |archive-date=December 29, 2004}}</ref> Filming lasted nearly three weeks,<ref name=Jim/><ref name=Home/> and the pilot was picked up shortly thereafter.<ref name=Thing/> Series production began in July 2003, with an eight-day shooting schedule for each hour-long episode.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=NBC's 'Las Vegas' pondering how much time to spend in Glitter City |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jun-23-Mon-2003/living/21575665.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 23, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029014301/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jun-23-Mon-2003/living/21575665.html |archive-date=October 29, 2004}}</ref> Each episode initially cost $2.3 million to produce,<ref name=Wins/> although the budget was gradually raised to $2.7 million as the series progressed.<ref name=Peacock>{{cite web |last=Archerd |first=Army |title=Peacock tries for better hand |url=https://variety.com/2005/legit/columns/peacock-tries-for-better-hand-1117926265/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=July 20, 2005}}</ref><ref name=Place/>
*'''Ed Deline''' (]-]), (]), Former President of Operations and Head of Security of the Montecito Resort & Casino, and also a former member of the Board of Directors. Deline was, at one point, the ] of the series, portrayed as a loving husband and father, as well as a father figure to his employees, especially Danny. Nevertheless, he is a tough man and doesn't hesitate to use violence to get what he wants. As the former Director of Counter Intelligence for the ], his past has come back to haunt him in several occasions, most recently during his daughter's wedding in "Father of the Bride Redux." During season 3, Ed was briefly in retirement until the Maloofs tried to hire him for their potential casino in Mancu, eventually Ed returned to his position when Casey Manning bought the casino. Currently Ed is wanted by the Las Vegas police for killing Mary Connell's father. He has gone into hiding.<!-- There is no evidence Jillian went with him, she is still listed as recurring on various websites. As Ed just disappeared, and DeLinda is still in Vegas, Jillian can return. --> In Season 3's "For Sail By Owner," Ed reveals that he is a cigar aficionado, explaining to Casey Manning how Cuban cigars that Mike confiscated are made and its delicacy in smoking it.
*'''Mary Connell''' (]-]), (]), the Special Events Director at the casino. Originally she was suppose to play the casino's personal hooker, but as the last minute during the pilot filming Gary Scott Thompson changed it back to events director. A Las Vegas native, her father abused her when she was a teenager (Danny first term in the Marines). In season three, she was rehired and promoted to Hotel Manager. In the fourth season, she helps her stepmother and half-sisters testify against him - a case which was lost. In the episode "Bare Chested in the Park," she was shown purchasing a revolver to shoot her father in the following episode. She was involved in an on-and-off relationship with Danny, who later proposed to her in Season two - a proposal which she rejected. Mary is currently hiding from the law for her part in the murder of her father, but is safe as she sent Danny a photo with a house and white fence (her dream house).
*'''Jillian Deline''', (]-]) (]), Ed's wife and Delinda's mother. Jillian had been expressing growing resentment of Ed's time on the job, and appeared to become extremely frustrated near the end of season 4, straining their relationship. In Season 3, it was revealed Jillian used to be a model when she was younger and that she was the only one who liked Monica.
*'''Nessa Holt''' (]-]), (]), "The Ice Queen." Former head ] of the Montecito, thought to be the best in Las Vegas. She was born in Manchester, England, but has a shady past due to her father's connections with Ed Deline. She was raised by Ed and Jillian for some years. When the third season started, she had left Las Vegas and been given a new identity to be able to live with her father and long-lost sister. Nessa failed to say goodbye to Mike, as they were getting closer to a relationship. Her father was a well known gamblier, cheater and con-artist. He was forcefully recruited and faked his death.
*'''Monica Mancuso''' (]), (]), Former owner of the Montecito. She was portrayed as a self-centered and bull-headed. In the first episode of season three, it was revealed that at age 25, she married an 83-year-old billionaire and upon his death at 93, she inherited his fortune, using it to purchase the Montecito and upgrade it to its current facility. She later used the casino as collateral to try to purchase other casinos in Las Vegas. Determined to prove that she was more than just a woman who inherited money, she was determined to make the Montecito a success. In the season three episode "Mothwoman," she dies in a freak accident: a gust of wind blows her off the roof of the Montecito, and down the strip into a shoe store at the Wynn. Because this character was generally disliked by the other characters in the series, and typically was portrayed as a buffoon, her death was constructed mostly for humor. Casino employees disposed of her ashes by flushing them down the toilet (as per her wishes) in her suite at the Montecito. She was a waitress in the morning and a stripper at night before she married the billionaire in Ohio.
*'''Casey Manning''' (]-]), (]), A shrewd and cunning businessman, Sam's ex-husband and former owner of the Montecito Resort & Casino. In the Season four episode "Bare Chested in the Park", his character was killed off in a fishing accident: a giant squid enveloped him off the coast of New Zealand. The autopsy revealed that he was probably poisoned before the accident. After his death, he leaves the Montecito to Sam, who faces tax problems.
* '''Sarasvati Kumar''' (]), She is an accountant for the Casino and one time love interest of Frank (Sylvester Stallone), and later Mike (2004-2006). Her relationship with Mike ended officially after she went home with Delinda's bachelorette party strippers.


Although most of the production occurred in California, some filming also occasionally took place in Las Vegas.<ref name=Winning/><ref name=Flavor/> Filming primarily occurred at ] in California.<ref name=Flavor/><ref name=Behind/><ref name=Weinraub/> Steindorff said that the writers would make regular visits to Las Vegas to "immerse themselves in that world".<ref name=Behind>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Behind the Scenes: It's All Make-Believe |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jan-02-Sun-2005/living/25546673.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 2, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050103102327/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jan-02-Sun-2005/living/25546673.html |archive-date=January 3, 2005}}</ref> Thompson said that during these trips, the team would ask real security guards "if it's too far-fetched if we do X, Y and Z. They say, 'Are you crazy? That happens all of the time'".<ref name=Griffin>{{cite web |last=Griffin |first=J. R. |title=Las Vegas: Gamble pays off for Peacock |url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/awards/las-vegas-1117906604/ |website=Variety |date=June 16, 2004}}</ref>
===Notable guest stars===
* ] as Jack Keller, an ex-CIA employee and ex-colleague of Ed, episodes 12 and 32.
* ] as William, Piper's Ex-Boyfriend, episode 98.
* ] as Penny Posin (a ] selling Danny's father's house)<!-- Need episode numbers -->
* ] as The Professor, episode 4
* ] as Patty, episode 65
* ], as Connor Mills, episode 14
* ], as Dr. ] of '']'' in several crossover episodes
* ], as Madison, Connor Mills fiancee, episode 14
* ] as Soli Tendar Monk, episode 76
* ], as Jon Castille, manager of the Montecito's sister casino in ], LA, episode 16
* ], as Fred Puterbaugh, episodes 14, 25 and 46
* ], as Bob, episode 20
* ], as Anthony Demby, episode 12
* ], as Detective Woody Hoyt of '']'' in several crossover episodes. He was involved in an on-and-off relationship with Sam.
* ], as Frank, episodes 35 and 41
* ] as Alex Avery, episode 66


The series premiered in September 2003, and its success prompted NBC to greenlight nine additional episodes for the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |title=NBC rolls 9 for 'Vegas' |url=https://variety.com/2003/tv/news/nbc-rolls-9-for-vegas-1117893985/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=October 14, 2003}}</ref> The show went over budget in its first season, necessitating the need for a cheap episode that would keep the cast on the Montecito set in California. As a result, an episode was written in which a blackout and a murder occur simultaneously at the Montecito, keeping the characters at the resort. Thompson said, "We were not allowed to have any guest appearances. I thought, 'How do we trap them all in the casino.'" The episode received some criticism from people who doubted that a casino blackout was possible, although such an event occurred at the ] resort a few months after the episode aired.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Writer sheds light on casino blackout |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Apr-16-Fri-2004/news/23669825.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 16, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041208210738/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Apr-16-Fri-2004/news/23669825.html |archive-date=December 8, 2004}}</ref>
===Notable cameos===<!-- List is to go in alphabetical order, add new cameos in order by last name or first letter of a group. -->
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To refresh the series, Thompson wrote in the demolition of the Montecito for the end of season two, with a new version of the resort being opened in the third season.<ref name=King/> In addition, ] was cast as Monica Mancuso, the new owner of the Montecito, in July 2005.<ref name=King/><ref>{{cite news |title=Actress Lara Flynn Boyle will join 'Las Vegas' cast |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2005/jul/13/actress-lara-flynn-boyle-will-join-las-vegas-cast/ |access-date=January 13, 2021 |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=July 13, 2005}}</ref> For the role, Boyle took inspiration from ]: "I always daydreamed about being one of the ]. Shirley MacLaine could really hold her own with the boys. I feel the same way — never let them see you sweat or cry."<ref>{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Mary |title=Las Vegas Bets on Lara Flynn Boyle |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/lara-boyle-vegas-35724/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=August 22, 2005}}</ref>
==Crossing Jordan crossover==
''Las Vegas'' is set in the same universe as fellow NBC series '']''. In the season 2 episode "Double Down, Triple Threat", a case brought ] (]) and Det. Woody Hoyt (]) to Las Vegas. Woody and Sam got very well acquainted and maintained a long-distance relationship. However, based on events that happened in Season 4 episode "History of Violins", the relationship seems to be off. As of the end of Season 4, O'Connell has appeared in a total of five episodes of ''Las Vegas''. Vanessa Marcil has also appeared as Sam in two ''Crossing Jordan'' episodes. Jordon and Danny also become involved, but both agreed it was only for fun. No relationship came from it. The crossover is in part due to the fact that Las Vegas was on during Crossing Jordan's usual time during the fall since the producers of Crossing Jordan decided not to shoot any episodes while their star ] was pregnant.


==Episodes== ====Montecito====
Early on, the Culver Studios complex had eight sets that depicted the Montecito resort, including a {{convert|20000|sqft|abbr=on}} casino set.<ref name=Flavor/><ref name=Winning>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title=A Winning Hand: Actor Josh Duhamel's turn in 'Las Vegas' helped him land the lead in 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-23-Fri-2004/weekly/23032074.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 23, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230203216/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jan-23-Fri-2004/weekly/23032074.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 30, 2004}}</ref> Other sets depicted hotel rooms, hallways, elevators, a dance club,<ref name=Flavor/> and the Montecito's surveillance room.<ref name=Archerd>{{cite web |last=Archerd |first=Army |title=This year's Emmy may be a somber event |url=https://variety.com/2003/tv/columns/this-year-s-emmy-may-be-a-somber-event-1117892476/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=September 15, 2003}}</ref> A coffee shop set was added for the second season.<ref name=Flavor>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title='Las Vegas' returns to film local flavor for NBC drama |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-09-Mon-2004/living/24483788.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 9, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030040705/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Aug-09-Mon-2004/living/24483788.html |archive-date=October 30, 2004}}</ref> Some Montecito scenes were also filmed at the Mandalay Bay,<ref name=WSJ/> particularly in the casino and at the resort's ].<ref name=LVA/> Glenn Schaeffer, the president of ], also made several appearances in early episodes.<ref name=WSJ>{{cite news |last1=Binkley |first1=Christina |last2=Nelson |first2=Emily |title=NBC Casts Casino In a Starring Role |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB106003449573032800 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=August 5, 2003}}</ref> During season 1, the ], a hotel-casino in ], was also used to portray the Montecito.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title='CSI' ready to film at Green Valley Ranch, Boardwalk |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-11-Mon-2003/living/21903401.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=August 11, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029081349/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Aug-11-Mon-2003/living/21903401.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 29, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McDarrah |first=Timothy |title=Vegas weekend will have heads spinning |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/mar/05/vegasbeat----timothy-mcdarrah-vegas-weekend-will-h/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 5, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cling |first=Carol |title='CSI,' 'Will & Grace,' 'Dr. Vegas' headline busy week |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Apr-05-Mon-2004/living/23579720.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 5, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060105013230/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Apr-05-Mon-2004/living/23579720.html |archive-date=January 5, 2006}}</ref>
{{main|List of Las Vegas episodes}}


A new Montecito set was created for the third season, measuring {{convert|40000|sqft|abbr=on}} and occupying three stories across six ]s.<ref name=Peacock/><ref name=LVA>{{cite news |title=Question of the Day |url=https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/question/2005-11-19/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Advisor |date=November 19, 2005}}</ref> The production team incorporated product placement into the set to alleviate its high cost. Among the brands featured in the third season was ], which is shown to have a dealership at the Montecito. This was done following the opening of a ] dealership at the new ] resort. Thompson wanted the series to feel current with the latest attractions in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brands Bet on New Casino in NBC's 'Vegas' |url=http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/brands-bet-on-new-casino-in-nbcs-vegas-153586 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Casino City Times |date=September 20, 2005}}</ref> A ] restaurant was also added to the set, and Puck appeared as himself in the series.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wolfgang Puck Restaurant To "Open" in Fictional NBC Casino |url=http://www.imdb.com:80/title/tt0364828/news |work=Studio Briefing |date=December 12, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225164459/http://www.imdb.com:80/title/tt0364828/news |archive-date=December 25, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Puck Restaurant Added to 'Las Vegas' |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/12/13/puck-restaurant-added-to-las-vegas/ |work=East Bay Times |agency=Associated Press |date=December 13, 2005}}</ref>
==DVD releases==


As of season 4, the Montecito set included 146 slot machines and 24 table games. This set went $2 million over budget, but was built in eight weeks to meet the deadline for the start of filming.<ref name=Place>{{cite web |last=Archerd |first=Army |title=Place Your Bets |url=https://variety.com/2006/voices/columns/place_your_bets-1200571458/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=August 16, 2006}}</ref> Exterior shots show the Montecito at the south end of the ], across the street from the ] resort, although the views from interior shots imply different and contradictory locations on the Strip.<ref name=LVA/><ref name=Mustache/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=Nevada's TV boom began in 'Vega$' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nevadas-tv-boom-began-in-vega/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 12, 2014}}</ref> Ahead of the fifth season premiere, Thompson joked about the Montecito's location, "We're just going to keep moving it around, just to piss people off."<ref name=Mustache>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=Tom Selleck bringing his mustache to 'Las Vegas' |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/christopher-lawrence/tom-selleck-bringing-his-mustache-to-las-vegas/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 24, 2007}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"

|+
===Final seasons and cancellation===
Season 3 saw a drop in ratings, and ''Las Vegas'' was only renewed for 17 episodes in its next season, instead of the standard 22. The series was facing cancellation after the premiere of its fourth season. For the season finale, Thompson told NBC, "I'm gonna make this the biggest cliffhanger anyone's ever seen. And if you cancel us, you're gonna have 15 million fans pissed off at you, not me."<ref name=Reflect>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=New season to reflect changing face of 'Las Vegas' |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-05-Mon-2007/living/12903850.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627012135/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Mar-05-Mon-2007/living/12903850.html |archive-date=June 27, 2007}}</ref> The fate of a fifth season was contingent on budget cuts.<ref name=Reuters>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title=Tom Selleck checking in to NBC's "Vegas" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/television-selleck-dc-idUSN1143622820070411 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Reuters |date=April 10, 2007}}</ref> NBC announced a fifth season in February 2007, while stating that Caan and ] would depart the series. Caan had wanted to resume his film career; he previously had to pass on several film opportunities due to conflicts with the ''Las Vegas'' production schedule.<ref name=Reflect/><ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |title=NBC reups 'Vegas'; Actors Caan, Cox leave show |url=https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/nbc-reups-vegas-1117960256/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 9, 2021 |date=February 27, 2007}}</ref><ref name=THR2007>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title='Vegas' rolling on without Caan |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/vegas-rolling-caan-131040 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 28, 2007}}</ref> Cox was let go from the production due to budget cuts.<ref name=EO>{{cite news |last=Serpe |first=Gina |title=Caan, Cox Leaving Las Vegas |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/54537/caan-cox-leaving-las-vegas |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=E! Online |date=March 1, 2007}}</ref><ref name=THR2007/> Although she was upset and surprised by the decision,<ref name=THR2007/> she had also suggested during season 4 that it may be time for her to move on from the series.<ref name=Reflect/> Like Cox, Caan's departure would also allow for budget cuts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |title=I heard that Las Vegas canned ... |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/heard-las-vegas-30712/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=March 7, 2007}}</ref> The writers were caught off-guard by the cast departures, which were announced at the last minute.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |title=Last-minute Cast Cuts Leave Las Vegas in Lurch |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/last-minute-cast-cuts-14144/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=March 7, 2007}}</ref>

] was cast in April 2007, as the Montecito's new owner, A.J. Cooper.<ref name=Reuters/><ref>{{cite news |title=Finally |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-10-wk-quick10.5-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 10, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Las Vegas |url=https://people.com/post/las-vegas-2/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 18, 2007}}</ref> ''Las Vegas'' marked Selleck's first main role on a television series since '']''<ref name=Reuters/> Selleck was Thompson's first choice for the role.<ref name=Odds2>{{cite magazine |title=''Las Vegas'': Against all odds (page 2) |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20170500_2,00.html |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115225842/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20170500_2,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 15, 2008}}</ref> To prepare, Selleck watched the previous season on DVD.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bobbin |first=Jay |title=Selleck Plays the Odds on 'Las Vegas' |url=https://www.mcall.com/zap-story-tomselleck-lasvegas-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Zap2It |date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> Selleck's character would fill the void left by Caan, while a new female concierge (ultimately played by ]) would serve as a replacement for Cox's character.<ref name=Reuters/><ref>{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt |title=Las Vegas Hires Prison Breaker as Heavenly Host |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/las-vegas-hires-13693/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=July 19, 2007}}</ref> Filming for the fifth season began at the end of April 2007, three months earlier than usual. Production began early to avoid a potential ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Producers prepare for possible strike |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-apr-24-fi-strikeplans24-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 24, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Producers Preparing for Possible Writers Strike |url=http://imdb.com/news/sb/2007-04-24/#9 |work=Studio Briefing |date=April 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914000528/http://imdb.com/news/sb/2007-04-24/#9 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 14, 2007}}</ref> Three episodes ultimately went unproduced because of the strike, leaving the season with 19 episodes.<ref name=Closes/><ref name=TVG>{{cite news |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |title=Exclusive: Vegas Boss Declares, "We All Feel Bad" |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/exclusive-vegas-boss-8130/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=TV Guide |date=February 25, 2008}}</ref>

Due to low ratings, NBC canceled the series on February 20, 2008, five days after the airing of the season 5 finale.<ref name=Closes>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=Montecito resort closes its doors |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/montecito-resort-closes-its-doors/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 22, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |title=Exclusive: NBC's Leaving Las Vegas |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/exclusive-nbcs-leaving-8151/ |work=TV Guide |date=February 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924054325/https://www.tvguide.com/news/exclusive-nbcs-leaving-8151/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hank |first=Melissa |title=Lights go out on 'Las Vegas' |url=http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Cancelled/TVNews/Articles/080222_las_vegas_cancelled_MH.htm?isfa=1 |work=TV Guide |date=February 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404092408/http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/Cancelled/TVNews/Articles/080222_las_vegas_cancelled_MH.htm?isfa=1 |archive-date=April 4, 2008}}</ref> Thompson said, "I sold my soul to get a Season 5, so I didn't have a soul left to sell. We fought an uphill battle from day one. We were the little big show that could."<ref name=TVG/> Thompson said that the series did not receive adequate promotion,<ref name=Odds2/> and Caan later said that some poor episode plots helped contribute to the show's downfall.<ref name=Icon/>

The series ended with several cliffhangers, including the fate of Delinda Deline's unborn baby.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Warner |first=Denise |title=I'm Still Not Over ... The ending of 'Las Vegas' |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/08/12/las-vegas-ending/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 12, 2013}}</ref> In reaction to the cancellation, upset fans sent ] and dolls to NBC, demanding a proper ending.<ref name=Closes/><ref>{{cite news |title=That's Nuts! Fans of Canceled Las Vegas Send Baby Booties to Execs |url=https://people.com/tv/thats-nuts-fans-of-canceled-las-vegas-send-baby-booties-to-execs/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=People |date=February 26, 2008}}</ref> Discussions had been held about making a two-hour film to serve as a finale.<ref name=TVG/> In the event that a proper resolution should not be possible, Thompson had an alternate plan for Danny McCoy and Delinda Deline to cameo in an episode of '']'', carrying their newborn.<ref></ref> Due to ''Knight Rider''{{'s}} cancellation, however, Danny and Delinda's cameo appearance never came to fruition.<ref>Hickerson, Michael (March 6, 2009). . ''Slice of SciFi''.</ref>

==Music==
A soundtrack for the series was released in September 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Las Vegas Sounds Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/13/las-vegas-sounds-off |website=IGN |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=September 13, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Loftus |first=Johnny |title=Las Vegas |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/las-vegas-original-tv-soundtrack-mw0000170979 |website=AllMusic |access-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>

Various theme songs have been used for the opening credits, depending on where, how, or when the show has aired. In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK, and other countries, the theme song is "Let It Ride" by ] and Jon Ingoldsby, while in other countries, such as the US and Canada, the theme song is "]" by ], off of the album '']''.

For American DVD releases, episodes available for viewing on NBC's website and reruns shown on the cable network ], Clouser's song is used (with the exception of the pilot episode), most likely because the original ] for use of the Presley song did not extend to syndication and home video sales.

==Release==
===Broadcast===
''Las Vegas'' aired on NBC and premiered on September 22, 2003. It originally aired on Monday nights, but was moved to Friday nights starting on March 3, 2006. NBC had acquired the rights to air '']'', through a contract with the ] (NFL). The NFL sought to distance itself from the city of Las Vegas, and a clause in the contract prohibited any mention of the city during ''Sunday Night Football''. This would include next-night promotion of ''Las Vegas'', prompting the change to Fridays.<ref name=Closes/><ref>{{cite news|last=Clarke|first=Norm|date=February 5, 2006|title=NBC execs force 'Las Vegas' move|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-05-Sun-2006/news/5726464.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060208033940/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-05-Sun-2006/news/5726464.html|archive-date=February 8, 2006}}</ref>

The third season ended with several cliffhangers, and the season 4 premiere was delayed twice, eventually premiering on October 27, 2006.<ref name=Lawrence>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Christopher |title=Care to guess how much viva NBC has for 'Las Vegas'? |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-16-Mon-2006/living/10173847.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 16, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022114008/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-16-Mon-2006/living/10173847.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 22, 2006}}</ref><ref name=Lives>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=TV fans assured 'Las Vegas' lives |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-21-Sat-2006/news/10323860.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 21, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115112902/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-21-Sat-2006/news/10323860.html |archive-date=November 15, 2006}}</ref> This was done in order to give '']'', a popular new game show, another Friday night in the timeslot, while providing more time to promote the season premiere of ''Las Vegas''.<ref name=Lives/>

The series aired its 100th episode on January 11, 2008.<ref name=EW100>{{cite magazine |last=Bierly |first=Mandi |title=''Las Vegas'': Against all odds |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/01/11/las-vegas-against-all-odds/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 11, 2008}}</ref>

The American channel ] purchased the rights to air reruns, beginning in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dempsey |first=John |title=TNT's betting on VOD |url=https://variety.com/2005/tv/news/tnt-s-betting-on-vod-1117924861/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=June 21, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rice |first=Lynette |title='Las Vegas': Rediscovering Josh Duhamel's hotness on the treadmill |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/12/23/las-vegas-in-ap/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=December 23, 2008}}</ref> ] later started airing reruns, in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ray |first=Alyssa |title=Molly Sims Shares Behind-the-Scenes Memories From Las Vegas Ahead of E! Marathon |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1164503/molly-sims-shares-behind-the-scenes-memories-from-las-vegas-ahead-of-e-marathon |website=E! Online |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=June 24, 2020}}</ref> ] acquired the broadcast rights in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=COZI TV Acquires Monk, Bones and Las Vegas; HBO Max Renews Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin |url=https://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2022/09/cozi-tv-acquires-monk-bones-and-las.html |website=blog.sitcomsonline.com |access-date=May 20, 2023 |date=September 8, 2022}}</ref>

===Home media===
All five seasons were released on DVD. The DVDs include extra scenes that were too sexual for network television.<ref name=THR2008/><ref name=King>{{cite news |last=Baird |first=Kirk |title=King of 'Las Vegas' |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/jul/22/king-of-las-vegas/ |access-date=January 13, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 22, 2005}}</ref> These scenes were shot specifically for the DVDs, as Thompson said that extra features helped DVD sales.<ref name=King/> As of early 2008, the series had sold 500,000 DVD copies in North America, with four seasons available at the time.<ref name=THR2008/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;" width="550px"
|+
! Name ! Name
! Ep # ! Episode #
! Region 1 ! ] 1
! Region 2 ! Region 2
! Region 4 ! Region 4
|- |-
| Season One ! Season One
| align="center" |23 | align="center" |23
| ] ] | January 4, 2005
| ] ]<br><small><small> | March 14, 2005<br />
| ] ] | November 28, 2005
|- |-
| Season Two ! Season Two
| align="center" |24 | align="center" |24
| ] ] | September 13, 2005
| ] ]<br><small><small> | December 5, 2005<br />
| ] ] | November 28, 2005
|- |-
| Season Three ! Season Three
| align="center" |23 | align="center" |23
| ] ] | September 12, 2006
| ] ] | November 30, 2006
| ] ] | November 15, 2006
|- |-
| Season Four ! Season Four
| align="center" |17 | align="center" |17
| ]] | September 11, 2007
| ] ] | October 29, 2007
| April 1, 2009
| ] ]
|- |-
! Season Five
| align="center" |19
| July 22, 2008
| October 13, 2008
| December 2, 2009
|} |}


==Program information== ===Online media===
The series is available to stream on ] since December 29, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |title='Las Vegas' Heads to Streaming for First Time; Peacock Premiere Date Set|url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/las-vegas-streaming-peacock-premiere-date-james-caan-josh-duhamel-1235681217/ |access-date=December 22, 2023 |work=]|date=December 22, 2023}}</ref>
===Scheduling===
The show had aired at 9:00 p.m. ]/] on Mondays since ], ], but was moved to Friday nights at 9:00 p.m. following '']'' in March 2006. This move has been attributed to reports that the NFL won't allow NBC to air ads for the show during NBC's broadcast of '']''.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} This caused some doubts about the future of the show, as Friday nights are known for its ]. The 5th Season Premiere had a 5.8/11 rating for the first half and a 6.1/11 during the second.


==Reception==
===Season information===
===Critical response===
The show has four complete seasons, all of them are available on DVD. The show was renewed for a fifth season on ] ].<ref name="S5R">{{cite web |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20070227nbc03 |title=NBC bets on renewing 'LAS VEGAS' for a fifth high-rolling season 2007-08 |work=TheFutonCritic.com |accessdate=2007-02-27}}</ref> On ] ], it was announced that James Caan and Nikki Cox would be leaving the series. Caan's departure is because he wants to return to acting in feature films, while Cox's departure seems to stem from budget cuts.<ref></ref> Tom Selleck replaced James Caan as head boss in season 5. Currently 19 episodes of the originally planned 22 episode season has been filmed.
] of '']'' reviewed the pilot episode. She was critical of Caan's acting, but wrote that the show "manages to be slick, fast-paced and engaging", concluding that it "leaves enough mysteries open to keep viewers coming back for another look".<ref>{{cite news |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |title=Television Review; Arriving in Las Vegas With the Casino Crew |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/22/arts/television-review-arriving-in-las-vegas-with-the-casino-crew.html |access-date=January 13, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=September 22, 2003}}</ref> Robert Lloyd of the '']'' described Caan as the show's only "sign of real life", finding the other actors to be attractive but otherwise lacking: "They are not so much characters—not yet, anyway—as extensions of their clothes, or cleavage. You don't relate to them so much as simply stare." Lloyd considered the production values to be "extremely high" and wrote, "This may be trash, but it comes in an attractive can."<ref>{{cite news |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |title=The cast is hot but the story runs cold |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-sep-22-et-robert22-story.html |access-date=January 13, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=September 22, 2003}}</ref>


Phil Gallo of '']'' called the series a ] and described the tone as "light and unforced", thanks to the actors and "some sharp editing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gallo |first=Phil |title=Las Vegas |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/awards/las-vegas-4-1200539235/ |website=Variety |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=September 17, 2003}}</ref> Reviewing the first season, ] described ''Las Vegas'' as a "fast-paced, slick, and attractive television series that rarely takes itself too seriously and never fails to entertain."<ref>{{cite web |title=Las Vegas: Season One |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13898/las-vegas-season-one/ |website=DVD Talk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717172936/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/13898/las-vegas-season-one/ |archive-date=July 17, 2010 |date=January 1, 2005}}</ref>
==Location==
The location of the fictional Montecito has changed from season to season. Some of the first episodes were taped at the ] which is located south of the intersection of ] and the ] (next to ]). Because of its similarity to ], many of the show visuals place the Montecito at the far southern end of The Strip, albeit usually across the street from ] on the airport side of ]. The exact location and rotation of the building seems to vary a lot within this area, indeed the CGI zoom shots of the building exterior in the season two episode, "Montecito Lancers", shows the building in three slightly differing locations for three different shots. In Season 5, the Montecito seems to have the consistent location across from ].


In a review for the second season, Charlie McCollum of '']''/'']'' called ''Las Vegas'' a guilty pleasure and wrote, "Flashy, often trashy and slickly produced, the drama may be fluff, but it's good, sexy fluff with James Caan on hand to provide a bit of gravitas."<ref>{{cite web |title=Las Vegas: Season 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/las-vegas/season-2 |website=Metacritic |access-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>
Many of ]'s interiors and exteriors (including its wave pool) have been used as Montecito exteriors, although (according to the ]) the actual set of Montecito is located at Culver Studios, in ], so the interiors are a replica of the ]. These studios are where ''Gone with the Wind'' was filmed. The Season 3 set of 'Las Vegas' has been said to be the biggest set for a TV show ever.
During the first season of the show, many of the Montecito's suites overlooked various parts of the middle part of the Strip, placing the hotel near where ], ], or ] are currently, before the more consistent location at the southern end of the Strip was finalized.


===Television ratings===
During the first season except for the pilot episode, the rest of season one sets were being built as they filmed.
Originally, ''Las Vegas'' was not expected to succeed.<ref name=EW100/> However, it proved to be a ratings success in its first season,<ref name=AP2003>{{cite news |title=Caan moves to 'Las Vegas' |url=https://www.deseret.com/2003/12/29/19803450/caan-moves-to-las-vegas |access-date=January 9, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |date=December 29, 2003}}</ref><ref name=Winning/><ref name=Flavor/> despite competition from '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=Wins/><ref>{{cite news |title=NBC chief doubtful on Vegas becoming major filming center |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/oct/27/nbc-chief-doubtful-on-vegas-becoming-major-filming/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 27, 2003}}</ref> Ratings dropped after the series moved to Friday nights in 2006, with episodes averaging less than 9 million viewers.<ref name=EO/> Caan said that the move to Fridays was "like a death sentence."<ref name=Icon>{{cite news |last=Clarke |first=Norm |title=True 'Vegas Icon' Caan back in town |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/true-vegas-icon-caan-back-in-town/ |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 20, 2008}}</ref>


As of early 2008, the series aired in multiple countries. It was popular among viewers in Australia, France, and Spain, but received limited viewership in Germany.<ref name=THR2008>{{cite web |title='Vegas' odds and ends |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/vegas-odds-ends-102277 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 13, 2021 |date=January 11, 2008}}</ref>
In Season 3, Ed Deline's office appears to be in the middle of the strip, overlooking ], ], ], and ], which puts the Montecito near where ] is located. This is inconsistent with the flyover shots of the Montecito, which would place Ed's office over 2 miles away. Closer examination of the window scene shows that ]'s marquee over their driveway has been edited to read "Montecito". In season 4, episode 2 there is a scene in Ed Deline's office where again we can see an overview of ] and ]. Again it's a confirmation that Ed Deline's office would be where ] is located.


Below is a table of ''Las Vegas'' seasonal rankings in the U.S. television market, based on average total viewers per episode. Each U.S. network television season starts in September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of ].
According to an episode that originally aired in December 2005, the Montecito is located about 1.5 miles from the ]. It's possible that this distance is in a straight line ("]") as opposed to a reference to actual driving distance. This distance is inconsistent with long shots that place the Montecito near the airport and ], but is in line with Season 3 visual references noted above.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|- style="background-color:#E0E0E0"
! rowspan="2" | Season
! rowspan="2" | Episodes
! rowspan="2" | Timeslot (])
! colspan="3" | Originally aired
! colspan="3" |]
|- style="background-color:#E0E0E0"
|- style="background-color:#E0E0E0"
! | Season premiere
! | Season finale
! | TV season
! | Rank
! | Viewers
! | 18-49 rank
|- style="background-color:#E0E0E0"
|- style="background-color:#F9F9F9"
! style="background-color:#F9F9F9" |1
| 23
! style="background:#F9F9F9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;;line-height:110%" rowspan="2" | Monday 9:00 PM
| September 22, 2003
| May 17, 2004
| style="font-size:11px;text-align:center" |]
! style="text-align:center" | #27<ref name="season1">{{cite news|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/22/03 through 05/30/04 |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=June 2, 2004 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155240/http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! style="text-align:center" | 11.83<ref name="season1"/>
! style="text-align:center" | #18<ref name="demo">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |title=Primetime series |magazine=] |date=May 27, 2005 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821010301/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="background-color:#F9F9F9"
! style="background:#F9F9F9" |2
| 24
| September 13, 2004
| May 23, 2005
| style="font-size:11px;text-align:center" |]
! style="text-align:center" | #33<ref name="season2">{{cite news|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/20/04 through 05/22/05 |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=May 24, 2005 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105021/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_05 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! style="text-align:center" | 11.43<ref name="season2"/>
! style="text-align:center" | #30<ref name="demo"/>
|- style="background-color:#F9F9F9"
! style="background:#F9F9F9" |3
| 23
! style="background:#F9F9F9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;line-height:190%" | Monday 9:00 PM (Sept. 2005 – Feb. 2006)<br />Friday 9:00 PM (Mar. 2006 – May 2006)
| September 19, 2005
| May 12, 2006
| style="font-size:11px;text-align:center" |]
! style="text-align:center" | #46<ref name="season3">{{cite news|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/19/05 through 05/28/06 |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=May 31, 2006 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011060406/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053106_05 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! style="text-align:center" | 10.51<ref name="season3"/>
! style="text-align:center" | #43<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |title=Series |magazine=] |date=May 26, 2006 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090907162516/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |archive-date=September 7, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- style="background-color:#F9F9F9"
! style="background:#F9F9F9" |4
| 17
! style="background:#F9F9F9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;line-height:110%" | Friday 9:00 PM
| October 27, 2006
| March 9, 2007
| style="font-size:11px;text-align:center" |]
! style="text-align:center" | #70<ref name="season4">{{cite news|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053007_08 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/18/06 through 05/27/07 |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=May 30, 2007 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323004317/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=053007_08 |archive-date=March 23, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! style="text-align:center" | 9.02<ref name="season4"/>
! style="text-align:center" | #65<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2006-07-primetime-wrap-137223 |title=2006-2007 Primetime wrap |magazine=] |date=May 25, 2007 |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702081346/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/2006-07-primetime-wrap-137223 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="background-color:#F9F9F9"
! style="background:#F9F9F9" |5
| 19
! style="background:#F9F9F9;font-size:11px;font-weight:normal;line-height:110%" | Friday 10:00 PM
| September 28, 2007
| February 15, 2008
| style="font-size:11px;text-align:center" |]
! style="text-align:center" | #66<ref name="season5">{{cite news|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=061708_07 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/24/07 through 06/15/08 |publisher=ABC Medianet |date=June 17, 2008 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216151120/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=061708_07 |archive-date=February 16, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! style="text-align:center" | 8.46<ref name="season5"/>
! style="text-align:center" | #83<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spottedratings.com/2011/12/spotvault-2007-08-index.html |title=SpotVault - 2007-08 Index |publisher=Spotted Ratings |date=December 12, 2011 |access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref>
|-
|}


==Other media==
Other episodes show aerial shots of the Montecito that make it appear to be situated at the corner of Giles St. and Reno Ave., about half a mile from ].
''Las Vegas'' had several ]s with the NBC series '']'', starting in the second season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Crossing over |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-11-08-0411090191-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=November 8, 2004}}</ref><ref name=Lawrence/> A total of eight crossover episodes were produced between the two shows.


The Montecito has appeared in several other shows — '']'', '']'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/knight-rider/knight-rider/episode/1158125/summary.html#trivia |title=Knight Rider: Knight Rider |publisher=TV.com}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/medium/method-to-his-madness/episode/562441/summary.html#notes |title=Medium: Method to his Madness |publisher=TV.com}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/monk/mr.-monk-goes-to-vegas/episode/380516/summary.html#notes |title=Monk: Mr. Monk Goes to Vegas |publisher=TV.com}}</ref> and '']'' — when characters from those shows visited Las Vegas. Of these, only the daytime soap ''Passions'' included ''Las Vegas'' characters in cameo roles:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://poobala.com/lasvegasandpassions.html |title=Las Vegas and Passions |publisher=Poobala.com |work=Crossovers & Spin Offs |first=Thom |last=Holbrook |date=March 2, 2008}}</ref> ] appeared as Mary Connell.
==Popular culture ==
*In the novel "High Stakes Game," based on the NBC series, author ] tells the tale what could have occurred between the season two finale and the season three premiere when the casino was destroyed and rebuilt and the characters briefly went their separate ways. Jeff Mariotte is a fiction author who often bases his works on television shows.<ref></ref>


The ''Las Vegas'' episode "The Story of Owe" mentions a ] convention, obliquely linking to '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://poobala.com/lasvegasandtheofficeus.html |title=Las Vegas and The Office |publisher=Poobala.com |work=Crossovers & Spin Offs |first=Thom |last=Holbrook |date=March 2, 2008}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}


In the episodes "Father of the Bride Redux" and ''"Died in Plain Sight"'', when Ed Deline travels to Morocco to find and relocate a former CIA asset, the false passport he uses is in the name of Alan Bourdillion Traherne. This is the name of the character he played in the 1966 film '']''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bobbin |first=Jay |title=TV mailbag |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2006-12-10-0612100308-story.html |access-date=January 9, 2021 |work=Zap2It |date=December 10, 2006}}</ref>
==External links==
*
*{{imdb title|id=0364828|title=Las Vegas}}
*{{Tv.com show|id=17210|show=Las Vegas}}


The ''Las Vegas'' tie-in novel ''High Stakes Game'', by ], tells the tale of what could have occurred between the season-two finale and the season-three premiere when the casino was destroyed and rebuilt and the characters briefly went their separate ways. A second novel called ''Sleight of Hand'', also by Mariotte, was launched in 2007.
]

]
==See also==
]
* ]
]

]
==References==
]
{{Reflist}}
]

]
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0364828|Las Vegas}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Las Vegas (Tv Series)}}
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Latest revision as of 07:46, 11 December 2024

2003 American comedy-drama TV series Not to be confused with Vegas (2012 TV series).
Las Vegas
GenreComedy drama
Created byGary Scott Thompson
Starring
Opening theme"A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley on US TV broadcasts ("Let It Ride" by Charlie Clouser was used in international and DVD versions)
ComposerCharlie Clouser
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes106 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
Running time40–43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseSeptember 22, 2003 (2003-09-22) –
February 15, 2008 (2008-02-15)
Related
Crossing Jordan

Las Vegas is an American comedy-drama television series created by Gary Scott Thompson. It was broadcast by NBC from September 22, 2003, to February 15, 2008, airing for five seasons. It focuses on a team of people working at the Montecito, a fictional hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The employees deal with various issues that arise within the working environment, ranging from casino security to restaurant management and valet parking. Las Vegas starred James Caan, Josh Duhamel, Nikki Cox, James Lesure, Vanessa Marcil, Molly Sims, Marsha Thomason, and eventually Tom Selleck. The series originally centered on Ed Deline (Caan), a strict ex-CIA officer who serves as the president of operations for the Montecito. Former Marine Counterintelligence/HUMINT (CI/HUMINT) officer, Danny McCoy (Duhamel), who is Ed's protégé, later becomes the Montecito's new president.

The pilot episode began filming in March 2003, and was produced for $5 million, making it the most expensive pilot in NBC history. Production for a full season began later that year. Much of the series filming occurred at Culver Studios in California, where a set was constructed to represent the Montecito. Some filming also occasionally took place in Las Vegas. The Mandalay Bay and Green Valley Ranch, two hotel-casinos in the Las Vegas Valley, were sometimes used to portray the Montecito.

Las Vegas marked Caan's first starring role in a television series. Thomason left the series after the second season to pursue other projects, and Caan and Cox departed in 2007, after completing season four. Caan wanted to resume his film career, and Cox was let go due to budget cuts, which were needed in order to greenlight a fifth season. After Caan's departure, Selleck was added to the cast as a new character. The series originally aired on Monday nights, before being moved to Friday nights in 2006. Ratings declined following the move, and Las Vegas was eventually canceled on February 20, 2008, ending the series with several cliffhangers.

Premise

Las Vegas is a comedy drama that focuses primarily on Danny McCoy and his boss Ed Deline. They and others work at the Montecito, a fictional hotel-casino located on the Las Vegas Strip. The employees deal with a variety of issues, such as casino security, restaurant management, and valet parking. Danny, a former U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Counterintelligence/HUMINT (CI/HUMINT) officer initially works under the resort's head of security, Ed, former CIA counterintelligence chief. Early in the first season, Ed is promoted to president of operations. Danny has on-and-off relationships with Mary, a childhood friend; and Delinda, who is Ed's daughter.

The Montecito undergoes several ownership changes during the course of the series. The resort is demolished in the season-two finale in favor of a new Montecito, which opens in the third season under the ownership of Monica Mancuso. Following the end of season four, Ed and Mary go into hiding after killing her father, who sexually abused her as a child. In the fifth season, the Montecito is purchased by A.J. Cooper, a billionaire and former Marine. Danny becomes the new president of operations, and he moves in with Delinda, who is pregnant with their first child.

Episodes

Main article: List of Las Vegas episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
123September 22, 2003 (2003-09-22)May 17, 2004 (2004-05-17)
224September 13, 2004 (2004-09-13)May 23, 2005 (2005-05-23)
323September 19, 2005 (2005-09-19)May 12, 2006 (2006-05-12)
417October 27, 2006 (2006-10-27)March 9, 2007 (2007-03-09)
519September 28, 2007 (2007-09-28)February 15, 2008 (2008-02-15)

Cast and characters

Main

  • Ed Deline (James Caan) is initially the head of security and surveillance for the Montecito, but is promoted to president of operations in the eighth episode. He is portrayed as a loving husband and father, as well as a father figure to his employees, especially Danny. Nevertheless, he is a tough man and does not hesitate to use violence to get what he wants. As the former director of counterintelligence for the CIA, his past has come back to haunt him on several occasions. During season three, Ed is briefly in retirement due to disagreements with the new Montecito owner, although he soon returns to his position. Caan and his character depart the series in season five when Ed becomes a wanted man for killing Mary Connell's father. Ed goes into hiding and resumes work for the CIA, being stationed in Paris.
  • Danny McCoy (Josh Duhamel) is initially Ed Deline's apprentice and good friend who is later promoted to head of security for the Montecito. During season three, Danny briefly serves as president of operations for the resort, after Ed resigns. Upon Ed's return, Danny is reinstated as head of security. Danny is officially named the new president in season 5. Danny was born and raised in Las Vegas. At the end of season two, his father Larry McCoy (John Terry) dies in an accident and Danny inherits his father's house and construction company. Danny sells the house and uses the money to buy a condo. Danny is a former U.S. Marine, with guerrilla and counterintelligence training. He is recalled into military service in Iraq at the end of season one. In season two, he is awarded the Silver Star after calling in an air strike over his unit and himself when they were ambushed and overrun. Only he survives the strike. He is involved in an on-and-off relationship with Ed's daughter, Delinda, in season one. Danny and Mary have known each other since childhood, and they also have an on-and-off relationship. Danny proposes to Mary, but she calls off the engagement because she feels that he has a lot of things to sort out for himself. He ultimately begins living with girlfriend Delinda, who is pregnant with their first child in the final season.
  • Mary Connell (Nikki Cox) is the special events director at the casino. A Las Vegas native, her father sexually abused her when she was a child, and Danny always came to her rescue. She is sometimes involved in a relationship with Danny, who proposes to her in season two – she accepts, then later calls off the engagement. In season three, Mary is promoted to hotel manager. In season four, she helps her stepmother and half sisters testify against her father – a case which is lost because of his connections. Near the end of season four, she purchases a gun to shoot her father. Cox departed the series and did not return for the fifth season. Explaining her character's absence, Mary is hiding from the law for her part in her father's murder, but is apparently safe, as she sends Danny a photo with a house and white picket fence (her dream house).
  • Mike Cannon (James Lesure) is Danny's friend who studied mechanical engineering at MIT. He works as head valet for the first season, but is recruited by Ed to the security department to help during Danny's military absence. He stays on as security personnel following Danny's return. In season 5, Mike is promoted to head of security and surveillance. In the pilot episode, Mike has a wife and daughter; this plot line is seemingly abandoned thereafter. Mike and Nessa become close in season two, until she leaves to be with her father and sister. Mike and Piper get married in the final season.
  • Samantha Jane "Sam" Marquez (Vanessa Marcil) is the self-proclaimed best casino host in the world. She lives in a Montecito suite and is portrayed as a ruthless businesswoman whose sole interest is to get high rollers to play at the Montecito. However, in the fourth season, she reveals that she is only "cold and jaded because everyone expects it of her", and "underneath it all, she is weak and pathetic like everyone else." She was married to billionaire Casey Manning, from whom she was estranged for seven years prior to divorcing. She is also involved in an on-and-off relationship with Det. Woody Hoyt from Crossing Jordan, until it ends in the fourth season. During this season, she is seen to be currently in love with and waiting for Jeremy, who fell into a 20-year coma after falling off a stool at a slot machine; he is the man who first brought her to Las Vegas from Austin, Texas. After Casey's death, Sam is left in control of the Montecito, but she fails to pay back taxes owed on the property. Her ownership lasts for a week, until A.J. Cooper buys the Montecito by paying off the taxes. In the season-five finale, Casey's younger brother Vic Manning visits the Montecito to take over ownership. At the end of the show, Sam and Vic plan to get married. When asked why Sam wants to marry Vic – she always stated she did not have feelings for him, though he loved her – she says it is because Vic understands her and will not try to change her; plus, he reminds her of Casey.
  • Delinda Deline (Molly Sims) is Ed and Jillian's daughter. She is the entertainment manager for the Montecito's clubs, and also works as the food and beverage manager for the resort. Delinda is shown to have a genius-level IQ, and once majored in psychology, but decided the human race's biggest problem is that they are boring. During season three, Delinda leaves the Montecito to work for another casino. She returns at the request of new Montecito owner Monica Mancuso, who is disappointed that club earnings have dropped without her. Derek, an old college flame, asks Delinda to marry him in season three. She accepts the proposal, but just before the ceremony, Ed is shot. In the fray of Ed's medical crisis, Delinda calls off the wedding. In season five, she becomes pregnant with Danny's child, and they begin a relationship. At the end of the season-five finale, Delinda becomes overwhelmed with pain after just learning that Montecito owner A.J. Cooper is alive; he was supposedly killed in a plane crash. Delinda begins bleeding, although the series ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of her unborn baby unknown.
  • Nessa Holt (Marsha Thomason), also known as "The Ice Queen", is the head pit boss of the Montecito and is described as being the best in Las Vegas. She was born in Manchester, England, and has a shady past due to her father's connections with Ed Deline. Her father was a well-known gambler, cheater, and con artist, who was forcefully recruited into the CIA and faked his death. Nessa was raised by Ed and Jillian for some years, and is referred to as a sister to Delinda. At the opening of season three, Nessa is explained to have left Las Vegas and been given a new identity to be able to live with her father and long-lost sister. She and Mike had been getting closer to a relationship, although she fails to say goodbye to him.
  • A.J. Cooper (Tom Selleck) becomes the latest owner of the Montecito in season five. He is a former Marine and cattle rancher from Wyoming who stirs things up at the casino. His net worth is about $2 billion. Cooper was a black ops Marine in the Vietnam War and awarded the Bronze Star for his work. During his time in the Marines, he served in the Battle of Khe Sanh. In the season five finale, Cooper's jet crashes during a business trip, and he is presumed dead. However, during the final moments of the show, Cooper arrives at his memorial service and appears to be fine.

Recurring

  • Monica Mancuso (Lara Flynn Boyle) becomes the new owner of the Montecito in season three. She is portrayed as self-centered and bull-headed, and is generally disliked by the staff. At age 25, she married an 83-year-old billionaire. Upon his death at age 93, she inherited his fortune and used it to purchase and upgrade the Montecito. Dedicated to proving that she is more than just a woman who inherited money, she is determined to make the Montecito a success. She uses the resort as collateral to try purchasing other casinos in Las Vegas. Nine episodes into the third season, Monica dies in a freak accident: a gust of wind blows her off the roof of the Montecito and down the Las Vegas Strip, before she crashes into a shoe store. Her outfit, with wing-like sleeves, contributed to her being blown off the roof. The scene was created to be humorous. In accordance with her final wishes, the Montecito staff flush her cremated remains down a toilet in her suite at the resort.
  • Casey Manning (Dean Cain) is a shrewd and cunning businessman, and Sam Marquez's ex-husband. He buys the Montecito in the third season, following Monica's death. In season four, Casey is killed in a fishing accident: a giant squid envelops him off the coast of New Zealand. The autopsy reveals that he was poisoned before the accident. He leaves the Montecito to Sam, who faces tax problems he left. In the series finale, Sam plans to marry Casey's brother Vic, though she does not love him, because Vic reminds her of Casey.
  • Piper Nielsen (Camille Guaty), the newest concierge of the Montecito, is introduced in season five. She is fired for letting an underage person gamble, but Cooper pays a $1 million fine to hire her back, raising speculation among the casino staff about their relationship. Piper never knew who her father was, until Cooper reveals that they served together in the Marines. Before her father died, Cooper promised that he would keep an eye on Piper. As she moved to various states over the years, he did the same in order to be there for her, though without her knowledge. Mike and Piper get married near the end of the season.
  • Mitch Sassen (Mitch Longley) is a regular member of the surveillance team, and like the actor who plays him, he is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair.
  • Jillian Deline (Cheryl Ladd) is Ed's wife and Delinda's mother. Jillian expresses growing resentment of Ed's time on the job. In the season-four finale, Jillian says she will leave Ed if he decides to purchase the Montecito. In the opening of season five, she is revealed to support Ed's decision for better or worse after learning of her future grandchild. She leaves Ed after they move away under sketchy circumstances.
  • Luis Perez (Guy Ecker) is a Las Vegas police detective who appears in the first two seasons. He is a childhood friend of Danny and Mary, and friend of Ed Deline and his team. He also had served in the Marines, and his unit is later recalled for service in Iraq, where he dies in the first week there. A funeral is held in his honor with Ed and everyone attending, and he is discovered to have a child whose existence was unknown to him.
  • Kathy Berson (Rikki Klieman) is the Montecito's main legal adviser and lawyer, introduced in season two. If any legal issues arise, Kathy is the first person whom everyone asks.
  • Polly (Suzanne Whang) is a Korean manicurist in the Montecito's spa. She is introduced in season three, and later forms a friendship with A.J. Cooper. Polly openly discusses her sexual experiences.
  • Sarasvati Kumar (Lakshmi Manchu) is an accountant for the casino. She appears in the first three seasons, and eventually begins a relationship with Mike, although this ends in the season-three finale after she goes home with Delinda's bachelorette party strippers.
  • Gunther (Harry Groener), appearing in the first three seasons, is the temperamental executive chef at the Montecito's original restaurant. He habitually has issues that require Delinda's attention, and develops a rivalry with Wolfgang Puck when the more famous chef opens a restaurant at the casino. Gunther eventually quits after losing a cook-off to Puck; he sells his restaurant to Charo.
  • Erika (Anna Pheil), appearing in seasons three through five, is a hard-as-nails barmaid Danny hires on a lark when he sees her dealing with customers while tending bar at a strip club.
  • Shannon (Malaya Drew) is a member of the Montecito's security. She plays a small role in six episodes, spanning the third and fourth season. She briefly shows interest in Mike.

Notable guest stars

Various guest stars have appeared on the show, sometimes portraying themselves. Notable guest stars have included Alec Baldwin, Little Richard, Mark McGrath, Sylvester Stallone, Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, Norm Clarke, Jewel, Wayne Newton and Gladys Knight. Larry Manetti and Roger E. Mosley made a guest appearance in season 5 as characters named Larry and Roger, who are friends of A.J. Cooper. Selleck, Manetti, and Mosley had previously starred on Magnum, P.I., and their appearance together in Las Vegas marked their first reunion since the ending of Magnum, P.I. in 1988.

Production

Development

Gary Scott Thompson

Las Vegas was created by Gary Scott Thompson, who also served as an executive producer. The idea for the series dates back to Las Vegas vacations that Thompson would take in the late 1980s. On one trip, Thompson developed a vision of a dead body lying in the desert, and then "we pan up and there's the Strip 50 yards away. That was what ended up in the pilot, that opening shot, but I couldn't ever figure out what that went to. So I had that thing in my head for 15 years." At various points, Thompson tried developing this idea into a novel or play.

In 2002, Thompson had been working with NBC on a television pilot for a different series; although this pilot was unsuccessful, NBC officials who worked with Thompson later asked him to create a Las Vegas-based series. At the time, Thompson felt that there was a lack of "fun" and entertaining shows on television, telling NBC that there were too many procedural dramas such as CSI and Law & Order. For Las Vegas, Thompson was inspired by the city's evolving history and its megaresorts, saying, "If there are 127,000 (hotel) rooms in the city, that means I've got a potential 127,000 stories every week, because everybody's got a story, and so do all the people who live here." The show would be reminiscent of the 1970s series Vegas. Originally known under the working title Casino Eye, the new series would also include Scott Steindorff as producer. Initially, Don Johnson was also going to serve as an executive producer, although he ultimately had no involvement in the final project.

Casting and character changes

James Caan

James Caan was among several actors considered for the role of Ed Deline, although the producers were initially unsure that they could get Caan to sign on. Johnson was considered for the role, but turned it down. Caan was cast at the last minute, marking his first starring role in a television series. Caan later said that he took the television role due to a lack of film offers. He also said in 2005 that he had never watched the series. Caan was initially doubtful about starring in a series; he insisted that his role require effort on his part, and that the character be "multidimensional and complex." As originally written, the character would spend much of his time in a surveillance room looking at camera footage. Caan disliked this idea and considered the role limited, saying that Ed Deline should be "more elastic, so there could be some humor." Caan had the role rewritten, allowing his character to spend time outside of the surveillance room. Actress Molly Sims said about Caan, "If the writing's not good, or he doesn't like it, he's very picky, but that's what makes it good. He adds clout to our show." Caan and Sims did not get along for the first two seasons. Approximately 350 women auditioned for the role of Delinda Deline, before it eventually went to Sims.

The character of Danny McCoy was developed by Thompson to be a Las Vegas resident, like himself. He said, "It's a city of almost 2 million people. We wanted to capture not just the Strip. People live here and it's their home, and we wanted to capture that." Nikki Cox's character, Mary, was originally an escort in the pilot episode, although her title was changed to events planner for the rest of the series. According to Sims, "I believe the network felt that it would be 'unseemly' to have your protagonist's girl-next-door sweetheart and the ultimate love of his life be an escort." The part of Nessa was originally written as a 60-year-old man, although Thompson was impressed enough with Marsha Thomason's audition that he rewrote the role for her. Thomason signed a seven-year contract, but later departed the series after the second season, in order to pursue other projects.

Filming

Filming for the pilot episode began on March 17, 2003, in the Las Vegas Valley. Filming locations included the Mandalay Bay resort, the Fremont Street Experience, and a warehouse that the production crew used to build a surveillance room set. The pilot cost $5 million, making it the most expensive in NBC history. Filming lasted nearly three weeks, and the pilot was picked up shortly thereafter. Series production began in July 2003, with an eight-day shooting schedule for each hour-long episode. Each episode initially cost $2.3 million to produce, although the budget was gradually raised to $2.7 million as the series progressed.

Although most of the production occurred in California, some filming also occasionally took place in Las Vegas. Filming primarily occurred at Culver Studios in California. Steindorff said that the writers would make regular visits to Las Vegas to "immerse themselves in that world". Thompson said that during these trips, the team would ask real security guards "if it's too far-fetched if we do X, Y and Z. They say, 'Are you crazy? That happens all of the time'".

The series premiered in September 2003, and its success prompted NBC to greenlight nine additional episodes for the season. The show went over budget in its first season, necessitating the need for a cheap episode that would keep the cast on the Montecito set in California. As a result, an episode was written in which a blackout and a murder occur simultaneously at the Montecito, keeping the characters at the resort. Thompson said, "We were not allowed to have any guest appearances. I thought, 'How do we trap them all in the casino.'" The episode received some criticism from people who doubted that a casino blackout was possible, although such an event occurred at the Bellagio resort a few months after the episode aired.

To refresh the series, Thompson wrote in the demolition of the Montecito for the end of season two, with a new version of the resort being opened in the third season. In addition, Lara Flynn Boyle was cast as Monica Mancuso, the new owner of the Montecito, in July 2005. For the role, Boyle took inspiration from Shirley MacLaine: "I always daydreamed about being one of the Rat Pack. Shirley MacLaine could really hold her own with the boys. I feel the same way — never let them see you sweat or cry."

Montecito

Early on, the Culver Studios complex had eight sets that depicted the Montecito resort, including a 20,000 sq ft (1,900 m) casino set. Other sets depicted hotel rooms, hallways, elevators, a dance club, and the Montecito's surveillance room. A coffee shop set was added for the second season. Some Montecito scenes were also filmed at the Mandalay Bay, particularly in the casino and at the resort's wave pool. Glenn Schaeffer, the president of Mandalay Resort Group, also made several appearances in early episodes. During season 1, the Green Valley Ranch, a hotel-casino in Henderson, Nevada, was also used to portray the Montecito.

A new Montecito set was created for the third season, measuring 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m) and occupying three stories across six sound stages. The production team incorporated product placement into the set to alleviate its high cost. Among the brands featured in the third season was Aston Martin, which is shown to have a dealership at the Montecito. This was done following the opening of a Ferrari dealership at the new Wynn resort. Thompson wanted the series to feel current with the latest attractions in Las Vegas. A Wolfgang Puck restaurant was also added to the set, and Puck appeared as himself in the series.

As of season 4, the Montecito set included 146 slot machines and 24 table games. This set went $2 million over budget, but was built in eight weeks to meet the deadline for the start of filming. Exterior shots show the Montecito at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, across the street from the Luxor resort, although the views from interior shots imply different and contradictory locations on the Strip. Ahead of the fifth season premiere, Thompson joked about the Montecito's location, "We're just going to keep moving it around, just to piss people off."

Final seasons and cancellation

Season 3 saw a drop in ratings, and Las Vegas was only renewed for 17 episodes in its next season, instead of the standard 22. The series was facing cancellation after the premiere of its fourth season. For the season finale, Thompson told NBC, "I'm gonna make this the biggest cliffhanger anyone's ever seen. And if you cancel us, you're gonna have 15 million fans pissed off at you, not me." The fate of a fifth season was contingent on budget cuts. NBC announced a fifth season in February 2007, while stating that Caan and Nikki Cox would depart the series. Caan had wanted to resume his film career; he previously had to pass on several film opportunities due to conflicts with the Las Vegas production schedule. Cox was let go from the production due to budget cuts. Although she was upset and surprised by the decision, she had also suggested during season 4 that it may be time for her to move on from the series. Like Cox, Caan's departure would also allow for budget cuts. The writers were caught off-guard by the cast departures, which were announced at the last minute.

Tom Selleck was cast in April 2007, as the Montecito's new owner, A.J. Cooper. Las Vegas marked Selleck's first main role on a television series since Magnum, P.I. Selleck was Thompson's first choice for the role. To prepare, Selleck watched the previous season on DVD. Selleck's character would fill the void left by Caan, while a new female concierge (ultimately played by Camille Guaty) would serve as a replacement for Cox's character. Filming for the fifth season began at the end of April 2007, three months earlier than usual. Production began early to avoid a potential writers strike. Three episodes ultimately went unproduced because of the strike, leaving the season with 19 episodes.

Due to low ratings, NBC canceled the series on February 20, 2008, five days after the airing of the season 5 finale. Thompson said, "I sold my soul to get a Season 5, so I didn't have a soul left to sell. We fought an uphill battle from day one. We were the little big show that could." Thompson said that the series did not receive adequate promotion, and Caan later said that some poor episode plots helped contribute to the show's downfall.

The series ended with several cliffhangers, including the fate of Delinda Deline's unborn baby. In reaction to the cancellation, upset fans sent baby booties and dolls to NBC, demanding a proper ending. Discussions had been held about making a two-hour film to serve as a finale. In the event that a proper resolution should not be possible, Thompson had an alternate plan for Danny McCoy and Delinda Deline to cameo in an episode of Knight Rider, carrying their newborn. Due to Knight Rider's cancellation, however, Danny and Delinda's cameo appearance never came to fruition.

Music

A soundtrack for the series was released in September 2005.

Various theme songs have been used for the opening credits, depending on where, how, or when the show has aired. In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK, and other countries, the theme song is "Let It Ride" by Charlie Clouser and Jon Ingoldsby, while in other countries, such as the US and Canada, the theme song is "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley, off of the album Memories: The '68 Comeback Special.

For American DVD releases, episodes available for viewing on NBC's website and reruns shown on the cable network E!, Clouser's song is used (with the exception of the pilot episode), most likely because the original clearances for use of the Presley song did not extend to syndication and home video sales.

Release

Broadcast

Las Vegas aired on NBC and premiered on September 22, 2003. It originally aired on Monday nights, but was moved to Friday nights starting on March 3, 2006. NBC had acquired the rights to air NBC Sunday Night Football, through a contract with the National Football League (NFL). The NFL sought to distance itself from the city of Las Vegas, and a clause in the contract prohibited any mention of the city during Sunday Night Football. This would include next-night promotion of Las Vegas, prompting the change to Fridays.

The third season ended with several cliffhangers, and the season 4 premiere was delayed twice, eventually premiering on October 27, 2006. This was done in order to give 1 vs. 100, a popular new game show, another Friday night in the timeslot, while providing more time to promote the season premiere of Las Vegas.

The series aired its 100th episode on January 11, 2008.

The American channel TNT purchased the rights to air reruns, beginning in 2007. E! later started airing reruns, in 2020. Cozi TV acquired the broadcast rights in 2022.

Home media

All five seasons were released on DVD. The DVDs include extra scenes that were too sexual for network television. These scenes were shot specifically for the DVDs, as Thompson said that extra features helped DVD sales. As of early 2008, the series had sold 500,000 DVD copies in North America, with four seasons available at the time.

Name Episode # Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
Season One 23 January 4, 2005 March 14, 2005
November 28, 2005
Season Two 24 September 13, 2005 December 5, 2005
November 28, 2005
Season Three 23 September 12, 2006 November 30, 2006 November 15, 2006
Season Four 17 September 11, 2007 October 29, 2007 April 1, 2009
Season Five 19 July 22, 2008 October 13, 2008 December 2, 2009

Online media

The series is available to stream on Peacock since December 29, 2023.

Reception

Critical response

Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times reviewed the pilot episode. She was critical of Caan's acting, but wrote that the show "manages to be slick, fast-paced and engaging", concluding that it "leaves enough mysteries open to keep viewers coming back for another look". Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times described Caan as the show's only "sign of real life", finding the other actors to be attractive but otherwise lacking: "They are not so much characters—not yet, anyway—as extensions of their clothes, or cleavage. You don't relate to them so much as simply stare." Lloyd considered the production values to be "extremely high" and wrote, "This may be trash, but it comes in an attractive can."

Phil Gallo of Variety called the series a guilty pleasure and described the tone as "light and unforced", thanks to the actors and "some sharp editing". Reviewing the first season, DVD Talk described Las Vegas as a "fast-paced, slick, and attractive television series that rarely takes itself too seriously and never fails to entertain."

In a review for the second season, Charlie McCollum of San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times called Las Vegas a guilty pleasure and wrote, "Flashy, often trashy and slickly produced, the drama may be fluff, but it's good, sexy fluff with James Caan on hand to provide a bit of gravitas."

Television ratings

Originally, Las Vegas was not expected to succeed. However, it proved to be a ratings success in its first season, despite competition from Monday Night Football, Everybody Loves Raymond, Joe Millionaire, Skin, and My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance. Ratings dropped after the series moved to Friday nights in 2006, with episodes averaging less than 9 million viewers. Caan said that the move to Fridays was "like a death sentence."

As of early 2008, the series aired in multiple countries. It was popular among viewers in Australia, France, and Spain, but received limited viewership in Germany.

Below is a table of Las Vegas seasonal rankings in the U.S. television market, based on average total viewers per episode. Each U.S. network television season starts in September and ends in late May, which coincides with the completion of May sweeps.

Season Episodes Timeslot (ET) Originally aired Nielsen Ratings
Season premiere Season finale TV season Rank Viewers 18-49 rank
1 23 Monday 9:00 PM September 22, 2003 May 17, 2004 2003–04 #27 11.83 #18
2 24 September 13, 2004 May 23, 2005 2004–05 #33 11.43 #30
3 23 Monday 9:00 PM (Sept. 2005 – Feb. 2006)
Friday 9:00 PM (Mar. 2006 – May 2006)
September 19, 2005 May 12, 2006 2005–06 #46 10.51 #43
4 17 Friday 9:00 PM October 27, 2006 March 9, 2007 2006–07 #70 9.02 #65
5 19 Friday 10:00 PM September 28, 2007 February 15, 2008 2007–08 #66 8.46 #83

Other media

Las Vegas had several crossover episodes with the NBC series Crossing Jordan, starting in the second season. A total of eight crossover episodes were produced between the two shows.

The Montecito has appeared in several other shows — Heroes, Knight Rider, Medium, Monk, and Passions — when characters from those shows visited Las Vegas. Of these, only the daytime soap Passions included Las Vegas characters in cameo roles: Nikki Cox appeared as Mary Connell.

The Las Vegas episode "The Story of Owe" mentions a Dunder-Mifflin convention, obliquely linking to The Office.

In the episodes "Father of the Bride Redux" and "Died in Plain Sight", when Ed Deline travels to Morocco to find and relocate a former CIA asset, the false passport he uses is in the name of Alan Bourdillion Traherne. This is the name of the character he played in the 1966 film El Dorado.

The Las Vegas tie-in novel High Stakes Game, by Jeff Mariotte, tells the tale of what could have occurred between the season-two finale and the season-three premiere when the casino was destroyed and rebuilt and the characters briefly went their separate ways. A second novel called Sleight of Hand, also by Mariotte, was launched in 2007.

See also

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