Episode guide

Spin City: Season 1

24 episodes · first aired Sep 17, 1996

Behind every great mayor is a team barely holding it together. Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty juggles political fires, public relations nightmares, and a staff full of lovable misfits in this fast-paced political comedy.

Back to Spin City: cast and where to watch

1 Pilot Sep 17, 1996 · 22m Michael Flaherty and his team grapple with a garbage strike and a political gaffe by the Mayor who accidentally insults gays. In addition, Ashley questions Mike's commitment to their…
2 The Great Pretender Sep 24, 1996 · 22m When Mike is named Sexiest Man in New York by ""Manhattan"" magazine, he has difficulty living up to the notoriety at home. In the meantime, the staff must deal with Mayor Winston's…
3 The Apartment Oct 1, 1996 · 22m Michael and the Mayor work around the clock to negotiate an end to the garbage strike, which leaves Stuart in charge of the office, to everyone's dismay. And, though they just moved into a…
4 Pride and Prejudice Oct 8, 1996 · 22m Michael allows a TV crew into the office for a profile on himself, and one of his quotes lands him in hot water with Ashley. In the meantime, Carter goes behind Michael's back to get the…
5 The Rivals Oct 15, 1996 · 22m The former Mayor of New York is a constant critic of the current administration, and a plan to appease him has tragic consequences. Meanwhile, Michael and Ashley try to avoid their…
6 A Star is Born Oct 22, 1996 · 22m When Mayor Winston's nominee for the Public Schools Chancellor proves an embarrassment to the administration, James urges Mike to stick with the controversial candidate. In the meantime…
7 Grand Illusion Oct 29, 1996 · 22m Carter and Nikki plan a fake wedding to make a point about the mayor's stance on same-sex marriages. Meanwhile, Paul is a transformed man when the eye patch he wears after a minor injury…
8 The High and the Mighty Nov 12, 1996 · 22m Michael needs a favor from famed real estate developer Dan Donaldson, but the price Mike has to pay may not be worth it. In the meantime, Paul finds it hard to crow about the city's…
9 Meet Tommy Dugan Nov 19, 1996 · 22m An opinionated school janitor becomes "Mayor for a Day" when he wins an essay contest intended for schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the Mayor wants to change his image.
10 The Competition Nov 26, 1996 · 22m When the Mayor's office competes against City Council in an annual Thanksgiving contest, the stakes are high, since the losers must croon a show tune in front of the press. James has…
11 Dog Day Afternoon Dec 10, 1996 · 22m Mike tries to appease the disgruntled Police Commissioner by honoring a beloved police dog who has recently died. But things go awry on the way to the funeral when Paul and Carter lose the…
12 Criss Cross Dec 17, 1996 · 22m Michael substitutes for the Mayor on a political talk show, facing off against Ashley on a hot-button issue. Meanwhile, Paul plays City Hall Santa while battling a terrible bout of the flu…
13 Bye Bye Love Jan 7, 1997 · 22m The office rallies to lift Mike's spirits after his break-up with Ashley, but he resists their best efforts. That is, until he decides he needs a friend and reaches out to Nikki in the…
14 Starting Over Jan 14, 1997 · 22m Michael is uncomfortable with his newly single status when he realizes he's actually on a date with new assistant district attorney Danielle Brinkman. Meantime, Paul meets the president of…
15 Gabby's Song Jan 28, 1997 · 22m Mike butts heads with a hard-nosed new chief of staff appointee, Gabby Sanchez, who is unmoved by his best efforts to win her over. Meanwhile, Paul ponders taking his relationship with…
16 Kiss Me, Stupid Feb 11, 1997 · 22m It's Valentine's Day, and Carter's old flame Spence wants to meet with him. Meantime, Mike goes on a date from hell with a beautiful friend of Nikki's, and Paul's romantic evening with…
17 An Affair to Remember Feb 18, 1997 · 22m For the Mayor's 50th birthday, Paul is determined to get his ""old friend"" George Stephanopoulos to attend the event; as Michael arranges for birthday wishes from David Letterman, Patrick…
18 Snowbound Feb 25, 1997 · 22m A major snowstorm hits Manhattan, causing a chain reaction of mishaps at City Hall. Mike desperately tries to meet his longtime crush on her last night in the city; Paul accidentally…
19 Striptease Mar 4, 1997 · 22m Michael discovers that his new girlfriend, Gayley, is paying for law school by moonlighting as a stripper. Meantime, Claudia catches Paul in a lie, and Nikki plays mind games with Stuart.
20 Deaf Becomes Her Mar 18, 1997 · 22m It's damage control time when the Mayor's inept new sign-language interpreter inadvertently offends the deaf community, and Michael rushes to appease one of its leaders, Sarah Edelman…
21 Hot in the City Apr 1, 1997 · 22m On the personal front, Mike struggles with his ex-girlfriend, Carrie, who is desperate to bear his child (with or without his participation). At the office, he's playing peacemaker after…
22 Bone Free Apr 29, 1997 · 22m The men in the office find love-or rather, lust-is in the air, causing more than a few problems. And Nikki wonders whether her new heartthrob, George, is a struggling writer or an…
23 The Mayor Who Came to Dinner May 6, 1997 · 22m The Mayor separates from his wife and moves in with Michael, much to Mike's chagrin. Meanwhile, designer Isaac Mizrahi helps the Mayor's office with a charity fashion show and gives Nikki…
24 Mayor Over Miami May 13, 1997 · 22m Despondent over his separation with his wife, the Mayor decides on a whim to take a road trip with Paul, leaving Mike in charge of New York City and scrambling to find out where they went.