The New Breed (1961)

A gritty ABC police drama starring Leslie Nielsen, produced by Quinn Martin, that brought modern law enforcement to early 1960s television screens.

The New Breed - Series Information

  • Original Title: The New Breed
  • First Air Year: 1961
  • Last Air Year: 1962
  • Created by: Hank Searls
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 36
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Networks: ABC
  • Production Companies: Quinn Martin Productions (QM), Selmur Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

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The New Breed - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Hank Searls

Main Cast

  • Leslie Nielsen
  • Byron Morrow
  • John Beradino
  • John Clarke
  • Oscar Beregi Jr.
  • Ivan Dixon
  • Barry Morse
  • Sydney Pollack
  • Bartlett Robinson
  • Ed Begley

Writers

  • Hank Searls
  • Shirl Hendryx
  • Don Brinkley

The New Breed - FAQs

Who played the lead role in The New Breed?

Leslie Nielsen led the cast as Lt. Price Adams, the central detective figure of the series. Long before his celebrated comedic career, Nielsen brought a serious, authoritative presence to the role, supported by Byron Morrow as Capt. Keith Gregory and John Beradino as Sgt. Vince Cavelli.

What is The New Breed about?

The New Breed is a police procedural drama that follows a dedicated unit of Los Angeles law enforcement officers tackling crime with modern investigative methods. The series centers on Lt. Price Adams and his team as they navigate complex cases, reflecting early 1960s anxieties about urban crime and policing.

Did Sydney Pollack appear in The New Breed?

Yes, Sydney Pollack — who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors — appeared in The New Breed as Austin Rogers. His role is a fascinating early credit, offering a glimpse of his on-screen talent before he stepped behind the camera to direct classics like Tootsie and Out of Africa.

How many episodes does The New Breed have?

The New Breed ran for a single season of 36 episodes, airing on ABC between 1961 and 1962. Despite its relatively brief run, the show featured a rich roster of guest performers and tackled a wide variety of crime stories across its complete season.

Where can you watch The New Breed online?

As a vintage early-1960s series, The New Breed has limited digital availability. Streaming options may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms that may carry the series in your area.

Who created The New Breed TV series?

The New Breed was created by Hank Searls, who also contributed as a writer on the series. It was produced by Quinn Martin Productions and Selmur Productions — Quinn Martin being one of the most prolific producers of American crime and action television throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Is The New Breed based on a true story?

The New Breed is a work of fiction, though it drew on the real-world atmosphere of early 1960s American policing. Like many Quinn Martin productions of the era, it aimed for a grounded, realistic tone that reflected contemporary law enforcement challenges, even if its individual storylines were not based on specific real events.

What are shows similar to The New Breed?

Fans of The New Breed's police procedural style may enjoy NYPD Blue, Nash Bridges, Third Watch, and CHiPs for their law enforcement drama. For a more contemporary feel, Hill Street Blues and The District offer similarly ensemble-driven takes on urban policing with strong character depth.

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