The Mod Squad (1968)
ABC's iconic counter-culture crime series that put three young rebels undercover and changed American television forever.
The Mod Squad - Series Information
- Original Title: The Mod Squad
- First Air Year: 1968
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Created by: Buddy Ruskin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 124
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 24, 1968 (United States - TV-PG), September 24, 1968 (Germany - 12), September 24, 1968 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: Mod Squad (US)
- Production Companies: Thomas/Spelling Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Mod Squad - Plot
The Mod Squad was the enormously successful groundbreaking "hippie" undercover cop show that ran on ABC from September 24, 1968, until August 23, 1973. It starred Michael Cole as Pete Cochren, Peggy Lipton as Julie Barnes, Clarence Williams III as Linc Hayes, and Tige Andrews as Captain Adam Greer. The executive producers of the series were Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas. The iconic counter-culture police series earned six Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe nominations plus one win for Peggy Lipton, one Directors Guild of America award, and four Logies. In 1997 the episode "Mother of Sorrow" was ranked #95 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.
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The Mod Squad - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Buddy Ruskin
Main Cast
- Peggy Lipton
- Clarence Williams III
- Tige Andrews
- Michael Cole
- Ross Elliott
- Bob Harks
- Harry Basch
- Murray MacLeod
- Linda Marsh
- Brooke Bundy
Writers
- Edward J. Lakso
- Harve Bennett
- Malvin Wald
- Daniel B. Ullman
- Jerome Ross
Executive Producers
- Danny Thomas
- Aaron Spelling
The Mod Squad - FAQs
What is The Mod Squad about?
The Mod Squad follows three young offenders — Pete, Julie, and Linc — recruited by the LAPD to work as undercover officers. Blending counter-culture sensibility with crime drama, the series tackled social issues like racism, drug abuse, and generational conflict with a boldness rarely seen on late-1960s television.
Where can I watch The Mod Squad?
Streaming availability for The Mod Squad varies by region and platform. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase — across all major services in your area.
Who were the main cast members of The Mod Squad?
The core trio was played by Peggy Lipton as Julie Barnes, Clarence Williams III as Linc Hayes, and Michael Cole as Pete Cochren. Tige Andrews rounded out the leads as their supervising officer, Captain Adam Greer. The ensemble also featured Ross Elliott, Linda Marsh, and Brooke Bundy.
Was The Mod Squad groundbreaking for its time?
Absolutely. The Mod Squad was one of the first American TV dramas to feature a racially diverse lead cast and engage directly with the counter-culture movement. It tackled taboo subjects — civil rights, drug addiction, Vietnam-era disillusionment — at a time when most network television avoided them entirely.
Did The Mod Squad win any awards?
The series earned six Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nominations, with Peggy Lipton winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress. It also received a Directors Guild of America award and four Logies. In 1997, the episode "Mother of Sorrow" was ranked #95 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.
How many seasons and episodes does The Mod Squad have?
The Mod Squad ran for five seasons and 124 episodes on ABC, from September 24, 1968, to August 23, 1973. Each season contained between 24 and 26 episodes, giving the series a substantial run that cemented its place in American television history.
Is The Mod Squad based on a true story?
The series was inspired by the real-life experiences of creator Buddy Ruskin, who had worked with young offenders turned police informants in Los Angeles. While the characters and storylines are fictional, the premise drew on genuine law enforcement practices of the era, lending the show an authentic edge.
What shows are similar to The Mod Squad?
Fans of The Mod Squad often enjoy other classic crime dramas like Hawaii Five-O (1968) and The Streets of San Francisco (1972). For more contemporary picks, Reacher, Elsbeth, and Interior Chinatown offer that same blend of sharp character work and procedural tension in a modern setting.
More About The Mod Squad
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