The Good Guys (2010)
A retro-flavored buddy-cop comedy-drama pairing a washed-up legend with his reluctant, rule-following partner on the streets of Dallas.
The Good Guys - Series Information
- Original Title: The Good Guys
- First Air Year: 2010
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Matt Nix
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, Spanish
- First Air Date: May 19, 2010 (United States - NR), May 19, 2010 (Germany - 12), May 19, 2010 (France - 12), May 19, 2010 (Brazil - 14), May 19, 2010 (Mexico - D), May 19, 2010 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: FOX
- Alternative Titles: The Five Eight (US)
- Production Companies: Flying Glass of Milk Productions, Fuse Entertainment, Fox Television Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Good Guys - Plot
Once upon the 1970s, Dan Stark and his partner, Frank Savage, were big-shot Dallas detectives. So big, in fact, that they were lauded as American heroes after saving the Governor's son. Thirty years later, Dan Stark is a washed-up detective who spends most of his time drunk or re-hashing his glory days. Dan's new partner, Jack Bailey, is an ambitious, by-the-book and overall good detective, but is sometimes a bit too snarky for his own good. His habit of undermining himself has earned him a dead-end position in the department, and he is stuck solving annoying petty theft cases that nobody else wants. Worse, he's been given the thankless task of babysitting Dan, the drunk pariah who can never keep partners for long.
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The Good Guys - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Matt Nix
Main Cast
- Bradley Whitford
- Colin Hanks
- Jenny Wade
- Diana Maria Riva
- Jenna Burris
- Kimberly Lynn Campbell
- AC Hensley
- Joel Spence
- RonReaco Lee
- Angela Sarafyan
Writers
- Matt Nix
- Aaron Ginsburg
- Wade McIntyre
- Kyle Long
- Rick Muirragui
Executive Producers
- Matt Nix
- Mikkel Bondesen
The Good Guys - FAQs
What is The Good Guys about?
The Good Guys pairs a burnt-out, glory-days-obsessed 1970s detective named Dan Stark with his sharp but self-sabotaging partner Jack Bailey. Together they tackle Dallas's most mundane petty crimes — only to stumble into surprisingly bigger trouble. It's a buddy-cop comedy-drama with a retro flair and sharp character chemistry.
Why was The Good Guys cancelled after one season?
FOX cancelled The Good Guys after its sole 2010 season due to disappointing ratings. Despite a devoted cult following and strong reviews praising its comedic energy, the show never found a large enough audience to justify renewal. It remains one of those fondly remembered single-season gems that ended far too soon.
Who plays Dan Stark and Jack Bailey in The Good Guys?
Bradley Whitford brings the lovably deluded, perpetually drunk Dan Stark to life with infectious charm, while Colin Hanks plays the ambitious but perpetually unlucky Jack Bailey. Their mismatched dynamic — old-school swagger versus modern frustration — is the beating heart of the show's comedy and its most celebrated element.
Where can you watch The Good Guys today?
The Good Guys is currently available to purchase on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. There are no free streaming options at this time, so buying individual episodes or the full season digitally is the most accessible route for new viewers wanting to discover this underrated buddy-cop gem.
Is The Good Guys based on a true story?
The Good Guys is entirely fictional, though it draws heavily on the conventions and aesthetics of real 1970s cop shows and buddy-cop films. Creator Matt Nix crafted the series as a loving homage to that era's detective television, blending nostalgic pastiche with contemporary comedy rather than adapting any specific real-world events or figures.
How was The Good Guys received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to The Good Guys, praising Bradley Whitford's comedic performance and the show's breezy, self-aware tone. Reviewers highlighted its clever blend of retro homage and modern wit, though some noted the episodic structure could feel repetitive. It earned a reputation as a charming, underappreciated comedy-drama that deserved a longer run.
Who created The Good Guys and who wrote for it?
Matt Nix, best known for creating Burn Notice, developed The Good Guys for FOX. The writing staff included Aaron Ginsburg, Wade McIntyre, Kyle Long, Ben Wexler, Adam Barr, and others. Nix also served as executive producer alongside Mikkel Bondesen, shaping the show's distinctive comedic voice and retro-detective sensibility.
What shows are similar to The Good Guys?
Fans of The Good Guys tend to enjoy other mismatched-partner comedies and retro crime dramas. Battle Creek, Moonlighting, and Lethal Weapon offer comparable buddy dynamics and tonal wit. For a more classic feel, Jake and the Fatman and Hill Street Blues scratch a similar itch for character-driven detective storytelling with personality to spare.
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