Dangerous Assignment (1952)

A classic Cold War-era spy series starring Brian Donlevy as a globe-trotting U.S. government agent on dangerous undercover missions.

Dangerous Assignment - Series Information

  • First Air Year: 1952
  • Last Air Year: 1952
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Action, Adventure
  • Content Rating (US): NR
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 41
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: January 1, 1952 (United States - NR), January 1, 1952 (Canada - PG), January 1, 1952 (Germany - 6), January 1, 1952 (Mexico - B), January 1, 1952 (Italy - T), January 1, 1952 (Spain - 7)
  • Production Countries: United States of America

Dangerous Assignment - Plot

A U.S. government agent travels the world on undercover missions in this 1950s series. Star Brian Donlevy originated the role on radio in the '40s.

Where to Watch Dangerous Assignment

Looking for where to watch Dangerous Assignment?

Dangerous Assignment - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Brian Donlevy
  • Dan Seymour
  • Jim Davis
  • Lyle Talbot
  • Nestor Paiva
  • Michael Ansara
  • Ted Hecht
  • Edgar Barrier
  • Steven Geray
  • Peter Brocco

Dangerous Assignment - FAQs

Is Dangerous Assignment based on a true story?

Dangerous Assignment is a work of fiction, though it reflects the real anxieties of the early Cold War era. The series originated as a radio drama in the 1940s, with Brian Donlevy voicing the same globe-trotting government agent before the concept transitioned to television in 1952.

Where can you stream Dangerous Assignment?

You can stream Dangerous Assignment on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads, or through the Best TV Ever Amazon Channel. Free viewing options include Tubi TV, Plex, and Plex Channel. Episodes are also available to buy on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies.

How did Dangerous Assignment begin before television?

Before its 1952 television run, Dangerous Assignment was a popular radio drama in the 1940s. Brian Donlevy originated the role of the undercover government agent on radio, making his transition to the TV version a natural continuation of a character he had already made his own.

Who stars in Dangerous Assignment?

Brian Donlevy leads the cast as the globe-trotting U.S. government agent. The supporting ensemble includes Dan Seymour, Jim Davis, Lyle Talbot, Nestor Paiva, Michael Ansara, Ted Hecht, Edgar Barrier, Steven Geray, and Peter Brocco, many of whom were familiar faces in 1950s Hollywood productions.

How many episodes does Dangerous Assignment have?

Dangerous Assignment ran for a single season comprising 41 episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. The entire series aired in 1952, making it a compact but complete adventure anthology that sent its protagonist to a different corner of the world with each new mission.

What makes Dangerous Assignment a notable 1950s spy series?

Dangerous Assignment stands out as one of early television's first dedicated spy-adventure series. Its globe-trotting format was ambitious for the era, and Brian Donlevy's rugged screen presence gave the show a cinematic quality. The series also bridged the gap between radio drama and the emerging television medium in a compelling way.

What are shows similar to Dangerous Assignment?

Fans of Dangerous Assignment will likely enjoy Danger Man, Mission: Impossible, and Mannix for their shared spy and adventure DNA. Covert Affairs and Alias offer more modern takes on the globe-trotting undercover agent formula, while It Takes a Thief and The Avengers capture a similar swinging-era espionage spirit.

How was Dangerous Assignment received by audiences?

Dangerous Assignment earned a loyal audience during its 1952 run, benefiting from the built-in fanbase that had followed Brian Donlevy's radio version in the 1940s. The series is fondly remembered by classic television enthusiasts as an early example of the spy-adventure genre that would flourish on TV throughout the 1960s.

More About Dangerous Assignment

Explore further details about Dangerous Assignment on these authoritative resources.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error