Cultural and Aesthetic Influences:
Yerkovich pitched the show as “MTV Cops,” blending police drama with the 1980s music video aesthetic—vibrant colors, fast cars, and a pulsating soundtrack. The rise of MTV and its visual style shaped Miami Vice’s iconic look, featuring neon lights, pastel suits, and a blend of glamour and danger.
The 1983 film Scarface, set in Miami, also influenced the show’s depiction of the drug underworld, though Miami Vice focused more on law enforcement than dealers. The film’s stylized violence and opulence resonated with the show’s tone.