The 1970s - a decade of iconic fashion, groovy music, and some of the most memorable detective TV shows ever created. In this article, we'll take a journey through the decade and explore 10 classic 70s detective TV shows that left an indelible mark on popular culture.
The Rise of Detective TV Shows in the 1970s
The 1970s saw a significant increase in detective TV shows, which became incredibly popular among audiences. This was largely due to the public's fascination with the genre, which was fueled by the success of films like "Chinatown" (1974) and "The Godfather" (1972). TV networks capitalized on this trend, producing a slew of detective shows that captivated viewers with their intricate plots, memorable characters, and suspenseful storylines.
1. Columbo (1971-2003)
Starring Peter Falk as the iconic Lieutenant Columbo, this show is widely regarded as one of the greatest detective TV shows of all time. With its unique inverted structure, where the audience is shown the crime at the beginning, Columbo's clever and disarming style made it a beloved classic.
2. Kojak (1973-1978)
Played by Telly Savalas, Kojak was a tough, street-smart detective with a distinctive lollipop habit. The show's success was largely due to Savalas's charismatic performance, which earned him multiple Emmy nominations.
3. The Rockford Files (1974-1980) Jim Rockford was a private investigator with a penchant for getting into trouble. Starring James Garner, this show is remembered for its witty banter, clever plots, and iconic car chases.
4. Baretta (1975-1978)
Starring Robert Blake as the titular character, Baretta was a detective show that followed the exploits of a free-spirited investigator. With its unique blend of action and humor, Baretta became a cult classic.
5. The Streets of San Francisco (1972-1977)
This show followed the partnership between two detectives, played by Karl Malden and Michael Douglas, as they navigated the streets of San Francisco. With its gritty realism and strong character development, The Streets of San Francisco became a beloved classic.
6. Barnaby Jones (1973-1980)
Starring Buddy Ebsen as the titular character, Barnaby Jones was a detective show that followed the exploits of a private investigator. With its unique blend of mystery and family drama, Barnaby Jones became a staple of 1970s television.
7. Cannon (1971-1976)
Played by William Conrad, Cannon was a private investigator with a penchant for solving complex cases. With its strong characters and intricate plots, Cannon became a popular detective show of the 1970s.
8. Ellery Queen (1975-1976)
Based on the popular novels by Manfred B. Lee and Frederick Dannay, Ellery Queen followed the exploits of a detective and his father as they solved complex cases in 1940s New York. With its unique blend of mystery and nostalgia, Ellery Queen became a cult classic.
9. McCloud (1970-1977)
Starring Dennis Weaver as the titular character, McCloud was a detective show that followed the exploits of a Marshal from New Mexico. With its unique blend of action and humor, McCloud became a popular detective show of the 1970s.
10. Switch (1975-1978)
Starring Robert Wagner and Eddie Albert, Switch was a detective show that followed the exploits of two private investigators. With its unique blend of action and humor, Switch became a beloved classic.
Gallery of 1970s Detective TV Shows
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most popular detective TV show of the 1970s?
+The most popular detective TV show of the 1970s was Columbo, starring Peter Falk as the iconic Lieutenant Columbo.
What was the name of the detective show that starred Robert Blake?
+The detective show that starred Robert Blake was Baretta.
Which detective TV show was set in 1940s New York?
+The detective TV show that was set in 1940s New York was Ellery Queen.
We hope you enjoyed this journey through the world of 1970s detective TV shows. Whether you're a fan of Columbo, Kojak, or one of the many other iconic shows of the decade, there's no denying the impact these shows had on popular culture. So, grab a lollipop, settle in, and get ready to revisit the thrilling world of 1970s detective TV.