The Untouchables (1959)

The landmark ABC crime drama that brought Eliot Ness and Prohibition-era Chicago's underworld to life across four gripping seasons.

The Untouchables - Series Information

  • Original Title: The Untouchables
  • First Air Year: 1959
  • Last Air Year: 1963
  • Created by: Quinn Martin
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Crime
  • Content Rating (US): TV-PG
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 4
  • Number of Episodes: 118
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: October 15, 1959 (United States - TV-PG)
  • Networks: ABC
  • Alternative Titles: Chicago 1930 (DE)
  • Production Companies: Desilu Productions, Langford Productions
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Untouchables - Plot

Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptible agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.

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The Untouchables - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Quinn Martin

Main Cast

  • Steve London
  • Robert Stack
  • Nicholas Georgiade
  • Paul Picerni
  • Abel Fernandez
  • Walter Winchell
  • Charlie Picerni
  • Dick Cherney
  • Frank Wilcox
  • Anthony George

Writers

  • Ernest Kinoy
  • David Karp
  • Leonard Kantor

The Untouchables - FAQs

Is The Untouchables based on a true story?

Yes. The Untouchables is rooted in the real-life career of Eliot Ness, a Prohibition Bureau agent who assembled a team of incorruptible investigators in 1930s Chicago. The series drew heavily from Ness's memoir, co-written with Oscar Fraley, dramatizing his battles against Al Capone's criminal empire.

Where can you stream The Untouchables?

The Untouchables is available on select streaming and digital platforms, with availability varying by region. Visit JustWatch for a complete, up-to-date breakdown of streaming, rental, and purchase options currently offered in your area.

Who played Eliot Ness in The Untouchables?

Robert Stack portrayed Special Agent Eliot Ness across all four seasons of the series. His authoritative, steely performance became one of television's defining roles and earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Series in 1960.

How many seasons does The Untouchables have?

The Untouchables ran for four seasons on ABC, totaling 118 episodes. Season 1 featured 28 episodes, Season 2 had 32, Season 3 contained 28, and Season 4 concluded the series with 30 episodes, spanning from 1959 to 1963.

What is The Untouchables about?

The series follows Special Agent Eliot Ness and his handpicked squad of federal agents as they wage an unrelenting campaign against organized crime in Prohibition-era Chicago. Each episode dramatizes real gangland figures and the dangerous, high-stakes investigations that defined an era of American lawlessness.

When did The Untouchables first air?

The Untouchables premiered on October 15, 1959, on ABC in the United States. The series ran until 1963, completing four seasons and cementing its place as one of the most influential and celebrated crime dramas in early American television history.

Did The Untouchables win any awards?

The series earned significant recognition during its run. Robert Stack won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Series in 1960. The show also received multiple Emmy nominations across its run for its writing, direction, and overall production quality.

What is the content rating for The Untouchables?

The Untouchables carries a TV-PG rating in the United States. While the show depicts organized crime, shootouts, and gangland violence, its portrayal reflects the broadcast standards of its era and is generally considered appropriate for older children watching with parental guidance.

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