The 1970’s were a time of groovy tunes, Watergate, and anti-war protests. The dark underbelly of crime, cults, and criminals had us glued to the television.

Out of the troubling times came a swath of detective shows.

Moody and snarky, and some charming, these were the must-see programs.

The Weekend Marathon: Binge These Detective Shows

Today’s cop and detective dramas leave much to be desired. Their glitz and overelaborate plots take away the noir, banter, and clever focus we found in the 70’s.

Those fans of crime are in for a delight. We’ve got five binge-worthy cop shows to watch this weekend.

1. Columbo

Peter Falk plays Columbo, a cigar-touting, witty detective with “Just one more thing” to tell his perpetrators. His bumbling presentation and iconic trench coat give viewers a slow-burn each episode.

Why You Should Watch It

Columbo embodies the “whodunit” storytelling style of drama TV.

Audiences play along with tingling suspicions and hints culminating with the killer’s expose. The structure remains the same with audiences seeing crimes at the opening. This show will hook those loving the “play along” mystery in each story arch.

2. Barney Miller

Premiering in 1974, Hal Linden and others present the tribulations of the fictional 12th precinct of New York City. The Barney Miller cast was a dynamic collection of acting talents showing clever humor in the mundane routine of police work.

Why You Should Watch It

Crime often took secondary to the character development and sometimes serious topics. This 70’s cop show broke ground with its multi-cultural cast and lifestyle inclusion. Fans of shows like “The Office” and workplace comedies will love the characters and interactions found in Barney Miller.

3. Charlie’s Angels

The cast of Charlie’s Angles changed frequently throughout its run. But, the show’s appeal remained strong with its female empowerment and action-packed episodes. Viewers can enjoy five seasons of Charlies Angles.

Why You Should Watch It

Charles Townsend, mysterious voice on the speaker, offers challenges to our trio. Follow the high-octane stories seeing feminine touch and beauty to take down baddies. This show contains exciting elements such as martial arts and espionage.

4. Starsky & Hutch

Paul Glaser and David Soul play Starsky & Hutch, two detectives roaming California in their iconic Gran Torino. Part detective show, part car chase, this show ran from 1975 to 1979, featuring 93 episodes.

Why You Should Watch It

Do you enjoy witty, buddy-cop banter? Do you enjoy firefights and epic car chases? If so, then you’ll love what Starsky & Hutch offers. This action-packed series blends humor and grit. And, a colorful cast of iconic characters viewers love and hate.

5. Kojak

Kevin Dobson is Theo Kojak, a cynical police detective working at the 11th precinct in New York City. Airing for 118 episodes, this drama followed along Kojak’s daily dealings with NYC scum. Kojak’s character is best known for his affinity for tootsie pops and dapper attire.

Why You Should Watch It

Kojak gives viewers a sophisticated but tough detective working the beat. The hardened gruff of Kojak packs a punch. This show doesn’t hold back from its serious tones and grit realities of street crime.

A Binge-Worthy Weekend of Drama and Grit

The detective shows from the 70’s were a melting pot of ideas. This gives viewers a raw format not found in modern shows like CSI or Criminal Minds. The iconic casting makes these a perfect match for your couch and lazy weekend.

What was your favorite cop show in the 1970’s? Leave a comment below!