If you loved the quirky charm and detective antics of 'Ace Crawford, Private Eye' (1983), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same blend of humor, mystery, and offbeat detective work. Whether you're a fan of the original or just discovering it, these picks will keep you entertained with their witty storytelling and eccentric characters.

Hart to Hart (1979)
Description: A glamorous and lighthearted detective series featuring a wealthy couple who solve crimes together, blending romance, humor, and mystery.
Fact: The show was inspired by the classic film 'The Thin Man,' which also featured a wealthy couple solving crimes. The Harts' dog, Freeway, became a fan favorite and even had his own fan mail.


Magnum, P.I. (1980)
Description: A blend of action, humor, and detective work with a charismatic lead who solves cases while balancing personal quirks and a laid-back lifestyle.
Fact: The show was initially conceived as a more serious drama but evolved into a mix of action and comedy due to the lead actor's charisma. The iconic red Ferrari was almost a different color, but the producers chose red for its visual appeal.


Knight Rider (1982)
Description: A high-tech action series featuring a lone hero and his advanced car, combining crime-fighting with futuristic gadgets and a sense of adventure.
Fact: The car, KITT, was voiced by William Daniels, who also played Mr. Feeny in 'Boy Meets World.' The show's creator initially envisioned the car as a motorcycle, but the idea was changed to a car for broader appeal.


Remington Steele (1982)
Description: A witty and stylish detective series that combines mystery with romantic tension, featuring a clever female lead and a charming con man posing as a detective.
Fact: The show was pivotal in launching Pierce Brosnan's career, leading to his eventual casting as James Bond. The character of Remington Steele was originally intended to remain unseen, but Brosnan's performance changed the producers' plans.


Miami Vice (1984)
Description: A stylish and visually groundbreaking police drama that blends action, music, and fashion, creating a unique atmosphere of 1980s cool.
Fact: The show was one of the first to use contemporary pop music extensively in its soundtrack, revolutionizing TV scoring. The pastel-colored suits and no-socks look became a defining fashion trend of the decade.


Murder, She Wrote (1984)
Description: A cozy mystery series with a sharp, intelligent female lead who solves crimes in a small-town setting, often with a touch of humor and warmth.
Fact: Angela Lansbury's character, Jessica Fletcher, was originally intended to be a mystery writer who didn't solve crimes, but the concept evolved during development. The show was filmed on the same set as 'The Rockford Files.'


Moonlighting (1985)
Description: A unique mix of detective work, sharp dialogue, and romantic comedy, breaking the fourth wall and playing with genre conventions.
Fact: The show was notorious for its production delays due to the demanding perfectionism of its creators. It was one of the first TV series to use a pop soundtrack extensively.


Spenser: For Hire (1985)
Description: A gritty yet stylish detective series with a tough but principled private investigator who takes on cases with a strong moral compass.
Fact: The show was based on the popular series of novels by Robert B. Parker. The character of Hawk, Spenser's enigmatic ally, was so popular that he later got his own spin-off series.


Hunter (1984)
Description: A high-energy police procedural with a focus on action and the dynamic between two tough detectives, blending crime-solving with personal drama.
Fact: The show was one of the first to feature a female detective as a lead character in a traditionally male-dominated genre. The theme music became iconic and was often parodied in other media.


The A-Team (1983)
Description: A action-packed series with a team of ex-military operatives who take on missions, often with a humorous and over-the-top approach to solving problems.
Fact: The show was inspired by a real-life group of soldiers who were falsely accused of a crime. The phrase 'I love it when a plan comes together' became one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the 1980s.
