The Equalizer (1985)
A gripping CBS crime drama starring Edward Woodward as a retired spy who becomes a one-man justice system for New York's most desperate victims.
The Equalizer - Series Information
- Original Title: The Equalizer
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Richard Lindheim, Michael Sloan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (48 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 88
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, French, English
- First Air Date: September 18, 1985 (Canada - 18+), September 18, 1985 (United Kingdom - 15), September 18, 1985 (Germany - 16), September 18, 1985 (France - 12), September 18, 1985 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: CBS
- Production Companies: Universal Television
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
The Equalizer - Plot
Robert McCall is a former agent of a secret government agency who is now running his own private crime fighting operation where he fashions himself as "The Equalizer." It is a service for victims of the system who have exhausted all possible means of seeking justice and have nowhere to go. McCall promises to even out the odds for them.
The Equalizer - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the show's brooding New York atmosphere:
If the rules are against you he'll change them. If the odds are against you he'll even them.
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The Equalizer - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Lindheim
- Michael Sloan
Main Cast
- Edward Woodward
- Keith Szarabajka
- Robert Lansing
- Mark Margolis
- Chad Redding
- William Zabka
- Richard Jordan
- Maureen Anderman
- Ron O'Neal
- Irving Metzman
Writers
- Coleman Luck
- Scott Shepherd
- Maurice Hurley
- Joel Surnow
- Robert Eisele
Executive Producers
- James Duff McAdams
The Equalizer - FAQs
Who plays Robert McCall in The Equalizer?
British actor Edward Woodward portrayed Robert McCall across all four seasons of The Equalizer. His commanding screen presence and nuanced performance made McCall one of television's most memorable vigilante heroes of the 1980s, earning Woodward a Golden Globe nomination for the role.
Where can you stream The Equalizer 1985 series?
The original 1985 Equalizer series is available on select streaming and digital platforms. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your region, as availability varies by country and platform.
Is The Equalizer based on a true story?
The Equalizer is not based on a true story. Creators Richard Lindheim and Michael Sloan developed the original concept for fiction. The premise of a retired intelligence operative helping ordinary people was inspired by the classic lone-hero archetype rather than any real-world individual or documented events.
How many seasons and episodes does The Equalizer have?
The Equalizer ran for four seasons on CBS from 1985 to 1989, comprising 88 episodes in total. Each season contained 22 episodes, with an additional special episode included in the series catalog, giving the show a substantial and consistent run throughout the late 1980s.
Who created The Equalizer TV series?
The Equalizer was created by Richard Lindheim and Michael Sloan. The series was produced by Universal Television and broadcast on CBS. Executive producer James Duff McAdams oversaw production, while composer Stewart Copeland — best known as the drummer for The Police — crafted the show's distinctive score.
What is The Equalizer 1985 TV series about?
The Equalizer follows Robert McCall, a retired covert government agent who uses his skills to help vulnerable people failed by the justice system. Operating out of New York City, McCall advertises his services to those with nowhere else to turn, confronting criminals, corrupt officials, and dangerous adversaries on their behalf.
Did The Equalizer inspire any remakes or adaptations?
Yes. The Equalizer franchise has been adapted multiple times. A feature film starring Denzel Washington was released in 2014, followed by sequels in 2018 and 2023. A CBS television reboot starring Queen Latifah as a female version of the character premiered in 2021 and continues to air.
Who composed the music for The Equalizer series?
The Equalizer's iconic and atmospheric score was composed by Stewart Copeland, the acclaimed drummer and co-founder of The Police. His moody, percussive compositions became inseparable from the show's identity, lending the series a distinctive tension and urban edge that perfectly complemented its New York City vigilante premise.
More About The Equalizer
Explore further details, cast records, and official data for The Equalizer on these authoritative resources.