1 / 10
1. The Invaders
Oh, "The Invaders!" A classic paranoid thriller that had you looking over your shoulder. David Vincent, tirelessly trying to expose those emotionless aliens, always just a step behind. The show had a real sense of urgency, and those saucers… well, they were something, weren't they? It felt like a weekly, grim pronouncement on the dangers lurking unseen, a real dramatic punch for its time. You just knew no one would ever believe him.
2 / 10
2. It Takes a Thief
Robert Wagner as Alexander Mundy, what a charmer! This show was pure escapism, a stylish caper each week. He’d break *into* places, not out, for the good guys, of course. All those fancy gadgets and glamorous locations, it felt like a mini-movie every time. And Wagner, he had that wink, that effortless cool that made you believe he could really get away with anything. Fun, pure and simple.
3 / 10
3. The Bold Ones: The Protectors
Part of that "Bold Ones" wheel, this one focused on the legal side, with Leslie Nielsen and Hari Rhodes as the D.A. and his assistant. They tackled some pretty weighty issues for the time, often with a good deal of moral ambiguity. It wasn't always a neat bow at the end, which was rather daring for broadcast. Made you think a bit, and that's something you didn't always get from your weekly drama.
4 / 10
4. Nichols
James Garner, fresh off "Maverick," playing an anti-hero in the Wild West, but not really. Nichols was a bit of an odd duck, a sort of reluctant sheriff who preferred his motorcycle to a horse. It had a dry wit that was ahead of its time, almost a deconstruction of the traditional western. A real shame it didn't last, because Garner had a knack for making these laconic, smart-aleck types truly endearing.
5 / 10
5. Kolchak: The Night Stalker
Now Kolchak, that was a gem! Darren McGavin as the rumpled reporter, always stumbling onto some supernatural menace. Vampires, werewolves, even a succubus, all presented with a gritty, almost documentary-like feel. He was the only one who saw the truth, of course. It was genuinely spooky, and McGavin's performance made you root for this exasperated, ordinary guy against extraordinary evil every week. A real classic.
6 / 10
6. The Blue Knight
George Kennedy as Bumper Morgan, a beat cop past his prime. This wasn't your typical high-octane police show. It was about the daily grind, the small victories, the moral compromises. Felt more like a character study than a procedural. Kennedy brought a real weight to the role, showing the toll the job took. It had a certain weariness, a realism that was quite distinct from the flashier cop shows of the era.
7 / 10
7. The Paper Chase
Professor Kingsfield, what a presence! John Houseman reprising his role from the film, barking Socratic questions at those poor law students. It was an intelligent show, really, delving into the rigors of legal education and the personal struggles of young people trying to make their way. You felt the pressure, the intellectual sparring. Not exactly light viewing, but it had a gravitas that set it apart.
8 / 10
8. Police Squad!
"Police Squad!" Oh, what a riot! Leslie Nielsen, the straight man in a world gone utterly mad. The gags came so fast, you needed to pay attention, or you'd miss three punchlines. It was a spoof of every cop show cliché, but done with such intelligence and commitment. It was just too clever for its own good, I suppose, didn't last long, but it certainly left its mark. Truly brilliant, ahead of its time.
9 / 10
9. Crime Story
Michael Mann’s "Crime Story" was something else entirely. Set in 1960s Chicago, it was a dark, serialized look at a cop’s obsession with a young gangster. It wasn't a "case of the week" show; this was a long, winding narrative. The mood was thick, the violence stark, and the characters morally complex. It pushed the boundaries of what you could do on broadcast television, felt more like a film.
10 / 10
10. Frank's Place
"Frank's Place" was a truly unique bird. A comedy, yes, but with a dramatic heart, set in a New Orleans restaurant. Tim Reid as the professor inheriting the place, learning about life and community. It had a wonderful ensemble, great writing, and felt so authentic, almost like a play. The episodes didn’t always end with a neat resolution, which was bold. A real shame it didn't find a bigger audience.