"Steven H. Scheuer's Movies on TV" (1972–73 edition) gives "In the Heat of the Night" its highest rating of 4 stars, recommending it as an "superbly acted and directed film about prejudice, manners and morals in a small Mississippi town", with the concluding sentences stating, "[Director Norman Jewison does an outstanding job in creating the subsurface tension of life in a 'sleepy' Southern town, and the supporting performances are uniformly fine. A first-rate film in all respects." "Leonard Maltin's TV Movies & Video Guide" (1989 edition) follows Scheuer's example with its own highest rating of 4 stars, concluding that "arvelous social thriller hasn't dated one bit—tough, funny, and atmospheric, with unbeatable acting and splendid Quincy Jones score. Five Oscars include Best Picture ..."