Here's a list of 25 underrated shows that will take you back to the golden era of cool detectives and car chases, without the rerun blues. Think charismatic leads with mustaches that could rival Selleck's, plot twists that keep you guessing, and a soundtrack that's pure retro gold.
1. "Simon & Simon" (1981)
Two dissimilar brothers, Rick and A.J. Simon, run a private detective agency in San Diego, often clashing over their different lifestyles while solving a variety of cases.
2. "Riptide" (1984)
Set in California, the series follows the adventures of Cody Allen and Nick Ryder, two former army buddies who start a detective agency, using their skills and a variety of high-tech gadgets to solve cases.
3. "Hart to Hart" (1979)
Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy and glamorous couple, lead a jet-setting lifestyle but also have a knack for solving murders and mysteries that they invariably stumble upon.
4. "Remington Steele" (1982)
Private detective Laura Holt invents a fictitious male superior, Remington Steele, to attract clients. When a con man assumes Steele's identity, they form an unlikely partnership, solving cases and navigating their complex relationship.
5. "Spenser: For Hire" (1985)
Based on Robert B. Parker's novels, the series follows Spenser, a private detective in Boston, known for his wit, charm, and ethical approach, as he solves crimes and delivers justice.
6. "Vega$" (1978)
Dan Tanna, a private detective, drives the streets of Las Vegas in his vintage Thunderbird solving crimes and helping people in trouble, often with the glitzy backdrop of the city.
7. "Banacek" (1972)
Thomas Banacek, a suave and sophisticated Boston-based freelance investigator, specializes in recovering stolen or missing high-value items while demonstrating his Polish heritage and wisdom through proverbial expressions.
8. "77 Sunset Strip" (1958)
Set in Hollywood, the series focuses on private detectives working out of an office at 77 Sunset Strip. They tackle various cases with the help of their cool, hip secretary and parking lot attendant.
9. "The Rockford Files" (1974)
Jim Rockford, an ex-convict turned private investigator, works and lives in a mobile home in Malibu, handling cases that are more down-to-earth than glamorous, often involving his father and police contacts.
10. "Streets of San Francisco" (1972)
A veteran cop, Lieutenant Mike Stone, and his young partner, Inspector Steve Keller, solve crimes and catch criminals on the streets of San Francisco, dealing with various social issues.
11. "Baretta" (1975)
Detective Tony Baretta, known for his unorthodox methods and street-smart approach, works cases in an urban setting, often aided by his pet cockatoo Fred and disguises.
12. "The Persuaders!" (1971)
English aristocrat Lord Brett Sinclair and American millionaire Danny Wilde, both with a penchant for trouble, are recruited by a retired judge to use their skills and resources to solve cases the courts cannot.
13. "Mannix" (1967)
Joe Mannix, a tough and tenacious private investigator in Los Angeles, is known for his willingness to take on cases that are too hard or too dangerous for others, often coming into conflict with his adversaries and authority figures.
14. "McMillan & Wife" (1971)
San Francisco Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan and his savvy, sophisticated wife Sally solve mysteries and crimes in the city, combining their talents in crime-solving and witty banter.
15. "Switch" (1975)
Frank MacBride, a retired cop, and Pete Ryan, a former con artist, form an unlikely partnership in a private detective agency, using their respective skills from both sides of the law to solve cases.
16. "Tenspeed and Brown Shoe" (1980)
The series features an unlikely team of detectives – E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner, a streetwise con artist, and Lionel "Brown Shoe" Whitney, an accountant with detective aspirations, solving cases with contrasting styles.
17. "Cannon" (1971)
Frank Cannon, an overweight, balding ex-cop with a deep voice and expensive tastes in culinary pleasures, becomes a high-priced private investigator, using his experience and skills to solve crimes.
18. "Quincy, M.E." (1976)
Dr. Quincy, a medical examiner in Los Angeles, is not just a coroner doing autopsies; he often investigates suspicious deaths, much to the chagrin of his boss and the police, and finds himself involved in various criminal cases.
19. "Moonlighting" (1985)
Maddie Hayes, a former model, and David Addison, a wisecracking detective, run a detective agency together, solving crimes amidst a backdrop of mutual attraction and witty repartee.
20. "The Saint" (1962)
Simon Templar, a wealthy adventurer known as "The Saint," travels around the world in his white Volvo P1800S, righting wrongs and using his charm, wit, and cunning to stay one step ahead of the law.
21. "Hunter" (1984)
Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter, a tough-minded, rule-breaking homicide detective, and his partner, Detective Sergeant Dee Dee McCall, solve crimes with an unconventional approach in Los Angeles.
22. "Starsky & Hutch" (1975)
Streetwise Detective David Starsky and educated Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson, driving a red Ford Gran Torino, fight crime with the help of their informant Huggy Bear in the fictional Bay City.
23. "Barnaby Jones" (1973)
Retired private detective Barnaby Jones comes out of retirement to investigate the death of his son and takes on new cases with the help of his daughter-in-law and, later, his nephew.
24. "The Blue Knight" (1975)
Bumper Morgan, a veteran beat cop in Los Angeles, faces various urban challenges and experiences, sticking to old-fashioned police work amidst the changing times and city.
25. "The Sweeney" (1975)
Set in London, the series follows the Flying Squad of the Metropolitan Police, led by Detective Inspector Jack Regan and his partner, George Carter, as they tackle violent crime and corruption with unconventional methods.