Cannon (1971)
The classic CBS detective series starring William Conrad as Frank Cannon, Los Angeles's most formidable private investigator.
Cannon - Series Information
- Original Title: Cannon
- First Air Year: 1971
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Created by: Edward Hume
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 123
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 14, 1971 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Quinn Martin Productions (QM)
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Кэннон (RU)
Cannon - Plot
Cannon is a CBS detective television series produced by Quinn Martin which aired from March 26, 1971 to March 3, 1976. The primary protagonist is the title character, private detective Frank Cannon, played by William Conrad. He also appeared on two episodes of Barnaby Jones. Cannon is the first Quinn Martin-produced series to be aired on a network other than ABC. A "revival" television film, The Return of Frank Cannon, was aired on November 1, 1980. In total, there were 124 episodes.
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Cannon - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Edward Hume
Main Cast
- William Conrad
- Charles Bateman
- Tim O'Connor
- Keith Andes
- John Vernon
- David Hedison
- Robert Webber
- Lee Purcell
- Virginia Gregg
- Dana Elcar
Writers
- Robert C. Dennis
- Carey Wilber
- Meyer Dolinsky
- Paul Playdon
- Robert Lewin
Executive Producers
- Quinn Martin
Cannon - FAQs
Who played Frank Cannon in the TV series?
Frank Cannon was played by William Conrad, a veteran character actor known for his commanding presence and distinctive voice. Conrad portrayed the heavyset, tenacious Los Angeles private investigator across all five seasons of the CBS series, from 1971 to 1976, and reprised the role in the 1980 TV movie.
Where can you stream Cannon online?
Cannon is available to stream online. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options for all regions on JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date platform listings. Availability may vary depending on your country or subscription services.
How many seasons and episodes does Cannon have?
Cannon ran for five seasons on CBS, comprising 123 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 24 episodes, Season 3 had 26 episodes, Season 4 had 24 episodes, and Season 5 wrapped the series with 25 episodes, spanning from 1971 to 1976.
Is Cannon based on a true story?
No, Cannon is not based on a true story. The character of Frank Cannon is a fictional private detective created by Edward Hume and produced by Quinn Martin Productions. The show drew on the conventions of the hard-boiled detective genre rather than any real-life individual or case.
What is Cannon the TV series about?
Cannon follows Frank Cannon, a tough, overweight former police officer turned private investigator working in Los Angeles. Known for his aggressive and defiant style, Cannon takes on complex criminal cases each week. The series was praised for Conrad's charismatic lead performance and its gritty, no-nonsense approach to the detective genre.
When did Cannon first air on CBS?
Cannon first aired on September 14, 1971, on CBS. The series ran until March 3, 1976, completing five successful seasons. It was notably the first Quinn Martin-produced series to air on a network other than ABC, marking a significant milestone for the production company.
Did Cannon win any awards during its run?
William Conrad received recognition for his portrayal of Frank Cannon, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The show itself was a consistent ratings performer for CBS throughout its five-season run, cementing Quinn Martin Productions' reputation for quality crime dramas in the 1970s.
Was there a Cannon revival or reunion movie?
Yes. Following the original series' conclusion in 1976, William Conrad reprised his iconic role in The Return of Frank Cannon, a television film that aired on November 1, 1980. The reunion movie brought the beloved private detective back to screens four years after the CBS series ended.
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