Mike Hammer (1984)
The iconic hard-boiled private detective returns to New York City's mean streets in this classic 1980s crime drama starring Stacy Keach.
Mike Hammer - Series Information
- Original Title: Mike Hammer
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 1987
- Created by: Mickey Spillane
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 46
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: Syndication, CBS
- Alternative Titles: Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (US)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mike Hammer - Plot
Private detective Mike Hammer hunts down criminals on the mean streets of New York City.
Mike Hammer - Trailer
See the action unfold in this official look at the series:
The killers can't scare him away. The ladies can't leave him alone. And the danger never stops!
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Mike Hammer - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mickey Spillane
Main Cast
- Stacy Keach
- Kent Williams
- Don Stroud
- Donna Denton
- Lindsay Bloom
- Lee Benton
- Rebecca Wood
- Persis Khambatta
- Branscombe Richmond
- Katherine Moffat
Writers
- B.W. Sandefur
Mike Hammer - FAQs
Is Mike Hammer based on a true story?
Mike Hammer is not based on a true story. The character was created by novelist Mickey Spillane, who introduced the hard-boiled private detective in his 1947 novel I, the Jury. Spillane's fictional Hammer became one of the most iconic characters in American crime fiction, inspiring numerous films and TV adaptations.
Who plays Mike Hammer in the 1984 series?
Stacy Keach plays the title role of Mike Hammer in the 1984 series. His portrayal of the tough, wisecracking New York private eye became definitive for a generation of viewers, earning widespread praise for capturing the gritty spirit of Mickey Spillane's original literary creation.
Where can you watch Mike Hammer for free?
Mike Hammer is available to stream for free on Plex and the Plex Channel, both of which offer ad-supported viewing at no cost. It's a great way to revisit this classic 1980s crime drama without a subscription.
Why did Mike Hammer go off the air?
The series faced a significant disruption when lead actor Stacy Keach was arrested in 1984 for cocaine possession in the UK and served time in prison. Production was suspended during his incarceration, and while the show returned and ran through 1987, it never fully regained its earlier momentum before concluding after three seasons.
How many episodes does Mike Hammer have?
Mike Hammer ran for 46 episodes across three seasons, plus 5 special episodes. Season 1 had 10 episodes, Season 2 expanded to 14, and Season 3 delivered the largest run with 22 episodes, giving the series a satisfying breadth of hard-boiled detective storytelling.
Is Mike Hammer worth watching today?
For fans of classic noir and 1980s crime television, Mike Hammer holds up remarkably well. Stacy Keach's charismatic performance anchors every episode, and the show's stylish blend of tough-guy attitude, snappy dialogue, and New York City atmosphere makes it an entertaining throwback to the golden age of private-eye drama.
What network originally aired Mike Hammer?
Mike Hammer originally aired in syndication before moving to CBS, giving it broad national reach across the United States. This dual-network approach was common for action-oriented series of the era and helped the show build a loyal audience throughout its run from 1984 to 1987.
What are similar shows to Mike Hammer?
If you enjoy Mike Hammer, you'll likely love The Rockford Files, Peter Gunn, and Barnaby Jones for their classic private-eye charm. More modern alternatives include Bosch: Legacy and Elementary, which carry on the tradition of sharp, street-smart detective storytelling with contemporary production values.
More About Mike Hammer
Explore further details about Mike Hammer on these authoritative resources.