Shows & Movies Like The Mod Squad You’ll Love

Description: A classic buddy cop series with a mix of action, drama, and humor, focusing on two detectives navigating crime-ridden streets while maintaining a strong partnership.

Fact: The iconic red Gran Torino driven by Starsky became one of the most recognizable cars in TV history. The show was known for its gritty urban setting and dynamic action sequences.

Description: A lighthearted take on law enforcement, focusing on the camaraderie between two motorcycle officers as they patrol California highways, blending action with humor.

Fact: The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of highway patrol work, often featuring real-life CHP officers as consultants. It was one of the few series to highlight motorcycle police work.

Description: A groundbreaking police drama known for its ensemble cast, gritty realism, and serialized storytelling, focusing on the daily lives of officers in a chaotic urban precinct.

Fact: The show pioneered the use of overlapping dialogue and handheld camera work to create a more realistic feel. It won a record 26 Emmy Awards during its run.

Description: A stylish crime drama that blends action with a distinctive visual aesthetic, featuring undercover detectives tackling organized crime in a vibrant, neon-lit setting.

Fact: The series revolutionized TV with its use of contemporary music and fashion, setting trends in the 1980s. It was one of the first shows to use a cinematic approach to television storytelling.

Description: A youth-oriented police drama centered around young-looking officers going undercover in high schools and colleges to tackle crime, blending action with social issues.

Fact: The series launched the careers of several young actors, including Johnny Depp. It was one of the first shows to address teen issues like drug abuse and gang violence in a dramatic format.

Description: A unique detective series that inverted the traditional mystery format, showing the crime and perpetrator first, then focusing on the detective's methodical unraveling of the case.

Fact: Columbo's rumpled raincoat and unassuming demeanor became iconic. The show was known for its 'howcatchem' format, a twist on the classic whodunit.

Description: A realistic portrayal of patrol officers in Los Angeles, focusing on their daily routines and the challenges they face, blending action with procedural elements.

Fact: The show was created as a spin-off from 'Dragnet' and was praised for its accurate depiction of police work. It used real LAPD radio codes and procedures for authenticity.

Description: A procedural crime drama set in a picturesque location, featuring a team of detectives solving high-profile cases with a mix of action and local flavor.

Fact: The show's theme music is one of the most recognizable in TV history. It was the longest-running police drama of its time, spanning 12 seasons.

Description: A hard-boiled police procedural featuring a charismatic, lollipop-loving detective solving crimes in New York City with a mix of street smarts and charm.

Fact: The character of Kojak was inspired by a real-life NYPD detective. The show's catchphrase, 'Who loves ya, baby?', became a cultural phenomenon.

Description: A gritty, character-driven police drama that pushed boundaries with its raw storytelling and complex characters, focusing on the personal and professional lives of detectives.

Fact: The series was controversial for its use of partial nudity and strong language, breaking new ground for network TV. It was one of the first shows to use a documentary-style filming technique.