In the 1980s, the small screen was dominated by police procedurals, from the gritty 'Hill Street Blues' to the colorful 'Magnum P.I.'. However, amidst the plethora of addictive crime shows, some gems have slipped through the cracks. This article delves into five forgotten '80s cop shows that still hold up today, each with its unique charm and captivating storytelling. These shows, though obscure, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and provide a refreshing change from the modern-day fare.
One such show is 'Crime Story', a Michael Mann-produced series set in the 1960s. It's a dark and complex narrative, with season-spanning story arcs, that laid the groundwork for the prestige shows we know today. However, its narrative complexities and the competition from the lighter 'Moonlighting' led to its cancellation after two seasons. The show's focus on the bitter feud between a police officer and a mobster, and its exploration of the rise of each man in their respective fields, makes it a compelling watch even today.
Another forgotten gem is 'Matt Houston', a mixture of 'Dallas' and 'The Rockford Files'. Created by Aaron Spelling, it follows the adventures of a mustachioed oil baron's son from Texas who uses his mountains of money to solve crimes after moving to California. The show's blend of humor and detective work, along with its light and breezy tone, makes it a delightful watch. However, declining ratings couldn't keep Matt's adventures on the air.
'Crazy Like a Fox' is another show that deserves more recognition. It follows a private investigator and his son, who is a lawyer but always finds himself dragged along during cases. The show's witty dialogue and splendid acting, as predicted by the Kansas City Star, make it a lot of fun. Despite its cancellation after two seasons, it holds up well today and even spawned a TV reunion film.
'Spenser: For Hire' is a stylish, Boston-set series based on Robert B. Parker's novels. It follows a private investigator who was once a professional boxer and a veteran of the Vietnam War. The show's character-driven narrative, well-written script, and fun elements make it a rewarding watch even today, despite its unjustified obscurity.
Finally, 'The Renegades' is a time capsule of what was cool during the '80s. It follows a street gang that is coerced into fighting crime to avoid jail time. The show's blend of 'The Warriors' and '21 Jump Street' makes it a must-watch for fans of uber-80s television. While it might look like an awful cop show at first glance, it's actually held up surprisingly well and deserves to be re-watched.
In conclusion, these five forgotten '80s cop shows offer a refreshing change from the modern-day fare. Each show has its unique charm and captivating storytelling, making them worth watching even today. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and offer a refreshing change from the norm. So, if you're looking for a fun and engaging watch, why not give these forgotten gems a try?
