Police Story (1973)
Joseph Wambaugh's landmark NBC anthology crime drama that redefined realistic police storytelling on American network television.
Police Story - Series Information
- Original Title: Police Story
- First Air Year: 1973
- Last Air Year: 1988
- Created by: Joseph Wambaugh
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 104
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- First Air Date: March 20, 1973 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Police Story - Immer im Einsatz (DE)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Police Story - Plot
Police Story is an anthology television crime drama. The show was the brainchild of author and former policeman Joseph Wambaugh and represented a major step forward in the realistic depiction of police work and violence on network TV. Although it was an anthology, there were certain things that all episodes had in common; for instance, the main character in each episode was a police officer. The setting was always Los Angeles and the characters always worked for some branch of the LAPD. Notwithstanding the anthology format, there were recurring characters. Scott Brady appeared in more than a dozen episodes as "Vinnie," a former cop who, upon retirement, had opened a bar catering to police officers, and who acted as a sort of Greek chorus during the run of the series, commenting on the characters and plots.
Police Story - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of this classic LAPD anthology drama:
Dared to be different.
Where to Watch Police Story
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Police Story - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Joseph Wambaugh
Main Cast
- Scott Brady
- Shelly Novack
- Joe Santos
- Don Meredith
- Ron Masak
- Dane Clark
- Eddie Egan
- Howard Duff
- Tony Lo Bianco
- John Kerr
Writers
- John Sacret Young
- Michael Mann
- E. Jack Neuman
- Larry Brody
- Leonardo Bercovici
Executive Producers
- Stanley Kallis
- David Gerber
Police Story - FAQs
What is Police Story about?
Police Story is an NBC anthology crime drama created by Joseph Wambaugh, a former police officer and novelist. Each episode follows a different LAPD officer in Los Angeles, offering unusually gritty and realistic portrayals of police work, moral ambiguity, and the personal toll of law enforcement life.
Who created Police Story?
Police Story was created by Joseph Wambaugh, a former LAPD detective and bestselling crime novelist known for The New Centurions and The Choirboys. His firsthand experience in law enforcement gave the series an authenticity that set it apart from other police dramas of the era.
Is Police Story based on a true story?
While Police Story is not based on a single true story, many of its episodes drew directly from real LAPD cases and the lived experiences of Joseph Wambaugh and fellow officers. Wambaugh's insider knowledge lent the series a documentary-like authenticity rare for network television at the time.
Did Police Story launch any notable careers?
Yes. Police Story served as a launching pad for several significant careers. Michael Mann, who later directed Heat and Miami Vice, wrote episodes early in his career. The series also featured early appearances by actors who went on to major film and television prominence throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
How many seasons and episodes does Police Story have?
Police Story ran for 6 seasons on NBC, comprising 104 episodes in total. Season 1 through Season 4 each contained around 22 to 23 episodes, while Season 5 had 10 episodes and Season 6 concluded the series with 5 episodes, plus one special.
Did Police Story win any awards?
Police Story was a critically acclaimed series that earned multiple Emmy Award nominations throughout its run. It won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series and for individual performances and writing, cementing its reputation as one of the most respected police dramas in American television history.
Where can you stream Police Story?
Police Story is currently available to stream for free with ads on Tubi TV. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options in your region, including any additional platforms that may carry the series, check JustWatch for the latest availability.
What are shows similar to Police Story?
Viewers who enjoy Police Story may also appreciate Homeland, Breaking Bad, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine for their crime and law enforcement themes. For anthology-style storytelling, Inside No. 9 is a strong recommendation. Pacific Blue and La unidad also offer comparable police procedural drama.
More About Police Story
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