Baretta (1975)
The gritty 1970s ABC crime drama starring Robert Blake as Tony Baretta, an unconventional undercover detective with a legendary catchphrase.
Baretta - Series Information
- Original Title: Baretta
- First Air Year: 1975
- Last Air Year: 1978
- Created by: Stephen J. Cannell
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 83
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 17, 1975 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: ABC
- Production Countries: Brazil, United States of America
Baretta - Plot
Baretta is an American detective television series which ran on ABC from 1975 to 1978. The show was a milder version of a successful 1973–74 ABC series, Toma, starring Tony Musante as chameleon-like, real-life New Jersey police officer David Toma. While popular, Toma received intense criticism at the time for its realistic and frequent depiction of police and criminal violence. When Musante left the series after a single season, the concept was retooled as Baretta, with Robert Blake in the title role.
Baretta - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Tony Baretta's world below.
If you can't do the time don't do the crime
Where to Watch Baretta
Looking for where to watch Baretta?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Baretta - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Stephen J. Cannell
Main Cast
- Robert Blake
- Dana Elcar
- Burt Young
- Sharon Cintron
- Ron Thompson
- Timothy Carey
- Art Metrano
- Angelo Rossitto
- Strother Martin
Writers
- Roy Huggins
- Paul A. Magistretti
- Robert Crais
- Robert Lewin
- Miguel Piñero
Executive Producers
- Bernard L. Kowalski
- Anthony Spinner
- Leigh Vance
Baretta - FAQs
Where can you stream Baretta online?
Baretta is available to stream on select platforms in the United States. You can compare all current viewing options, including subscription, rental, and purchase availability in your region, by visiting JustWatch for a full breakdown of where to watch the series.
Is Baretta based on a real person or true story?
Baretta is loosely inspired by real-life New Jersey police officer David Toma, who was the subject of the earlier ABC series Toma (1973–74). While the character of Tony Baretta is fictional, his unconventional undercover methods were influenced by Toma's documented real-world policing techniques.
What is Baretta about?
Baretta follows Det. Tony Baretta, a street-smart, unconventional undercover cop who operates in an urban environment using disguises, wit, and an unorthodox approach to fighting crime. The series is known for its gritty atmosphere, memorable catchphrases, and Robert Blake's charismatic lead performance.
Why did Toma become Baretta?
When Tony Musante chose not to return for a second season of Toma, ABC retooled the concept rather than recasting the role. The show was reimagined as Baretta with Robert Blake stepping into a new but thematically similar character, toning down some of Toma's more graphic depictions of violence.
Who are the main actors in Baretta?
Baretta stars Robert Blake in the title role of Det. Tony Baretta, with Dana Elcar as Inspector Shiller. The supporting cast includes Burt Young, Sharon Cintron, Ron Thompson, Timothy Carey, Art Metrano, Angelo Rossitto, and Strother Martin across its four-season run.
How many seasons and episodes does Baretta have?
Baretta ran for four seasons and a total of 83 episodes on ABC. Season 1 had 12 episodes, Season 2 had 22, Season 3 had 25, and Season 4 had 24 episodes. The series aired from January 1975 to 1978.
What is the famous catchphrase from Baretta?
Baretta is best remembered for its iconic tagline: “If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.” This phrase, delivered by Robert Blake's Tony Baretta, became one of the most quoted lines in 1970s American television and remains closely associated with the series.
Who created Baretta and when did it first air?
Baretta was created by Stephen J. Cannell, the prolific television writer and producer behind numerous classic crime dramas. The series premiered on ABC on January 17, 1975, and ran until 1978, earning a loyal audience throughout its four-season, 83-episode run.
More About Baretta
Explore further details about Baretta on these authoritative reference sites.