The Detectives (1959)
A landmark American crime drama series starring Robert Taylor as a seasoned detective captain navigating justice, duty, and human drama.
The Detectives - Series Information
- Original Title: The Detectives
- First Air Year: 1959
- Last Air Year: 1962
- Created by: Jules V. Levy
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 97
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor (US), Kein Fall für FBI (DE)
The Detectives - Plot
The Detectives is an American crime drama series which ran on ABC during its first two seasons, and on NBC during its third and final season. The series, starring motion picture star Robert Taylor, was produced by Four Star Television. Captain Matt Holbrook (Robert Taylor) is head of the detective division of a large metropolitan police force—a man whose devotion to duty, professional brilliance, and quick judgment are reflected in his 20-year career on the force. His aides, Lt. Johnny Russo (Tige Andrews), Lt. Otto Lindstrom (Russ Thorson), and Sgt. Chris Ballard (Mark Goddard) form a team that is both proficient and warmly human. The stories stress the interrelationships between the men as well as the solutions to crimes and the apprehension of criminals, adding a dimension of human drama to the excitement, action, and suspense inherent in each story of the detectives’ difficult, sometimes thankless, and frequently dangerous assignments.
Where to Watch The Detectives
Looking for where to watch The Detectives?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Detectives - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jules V. Levy
Main Cast
- Mark Goddard
- Robert Taylor
- Ursula Thiess
- Tige Andrews
- Adam West
- Joe Higgins
- Rita Lynn
- Johnny Seven
- Arthur Batanides
- Michael Parks
Writers
- Clark Howat
- John K. Butler
The Detectives - FAQs
What is The Detectives about?
The Detectives follows Captain Matt Holbrook, head of a metropolitan police detective division, and his team as they solve crimes and apprehend criminals. The series blends procedural action with human drama, exploring the relationships between officers facing dangerous and often thankless assignments.
Who are the main actors in The Detectives?
The Detectives stars Robert Taylor as Captain Matt Holbrook, Mark Goddard as Sgt. Chris Ballard, Tige Andrews as Lt. Johnny Russo, and Ursula Thiess. The series also features a notable early appearance by Adam West, years before his iconic role as Batman.
When did The Detectives first air?
The Detectives first aired in 1959. The series ran for three seasons, beginning on ABC for its first two seasons before moving to NBC for its third and final season, concluding in 1962.
Did Adam West appear in The Detectives?
Yes, Adam West appeared in The Detectives as Sgt. Steve Nelson during the series’ run. This role came several years before West achieved worldwide fame as the Caped Crusader in the iconic Batman television series, making it a notable early credit in his career.
How many seasons and episodes does The Detectives have?
The Detectives ran for 3 seasons and 97 episodes in total. Season 1 comprised 33 episodes, Season 2 had 35 episodes, and Season 3 concluded the series with 29 episodes, spanning from 1959 to 1962.
What network aired The Detectives?
The Detectives aired on ABC during its first two seasons. For its third and final season, the series moved to NBC. The show was produced by Four Star Television and starred Hollywood film star Robert Taylor in the lead role.
Where can I watch The Detectives online?
Streaming availability for The Detectives varies by region. You can check JustWatch for a current and comprehensive list of platforms where the series may be available to stream, rent, or purchase in your area.
What are some shows similar to The Detectives?
Fans of The Detectives may enjoy other crime and procedural dramas such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. For classic television adventure, Land of the Giants offers a comparable vintage appeal, while Breaking Bad delivers modern crime drama excellence.
More About The Detectives
Explore further details about The Detectives on these authoritative resources.