This week I’m counting down the top 10 American detective and crime shows that dominated British television during the 1970s. Following listener Adam’s request for a US follow-up to our UK detective shows episode, this countdown explores how imported American dramas became essential Saturday night viewing for British families.
The sheer volume of American detective programming was remarkable. I managed to list over thirty shows within two minutes, highlighting just how saturated British television was with these imported crime dramas. From CHiPs to Columbo, these programmes offered British audiences weekly escapes to exotic locations far removed from everyday life.
These shows didn’t simply fill television schedules, they created cultural phenomena. Starsky and Hutch’s red and white Gran Torino became as recognisable as any British icon, whilst David Soul achieved UK number one hits as a recording artist. The chemistry between characters proved equally important, creating relationships that audiences invested in emotionally.
Many occupied the coveted Saturday night slot, traditionally following established British variety programmes. This scheduling created viewing rituals that brought families together around television sets, generating conversations that continued into Monday morning playgrounds and workplaces.
From Kojak’s New York attitude to Hawaii Five-O’s Pacific paradise, these programmes expanded horizons and fed imaginations in ways that purely British programming might not have achieved. They influenced fashion trends, introduced American slang, and provided reference points that defined generational experiences.
Whether revisiting old memories or discovering these shows for the first time, I hope this episode sparks nostalgic joy and curiosity about these truly influential American detective programmes.
Thanks for listening.
Take care,
Oliver
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