If you're a fan of the classic German crime drama 'Police Call 110 (1971)' and its gripping investigative storytelling, you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores titles that share the same suspenseful atmosphere, procedural depth, and compelling character dynamics, perfect for fans of crime thrillers.

McMillan & Wife (1971)
Description: This series blends police procedural with elements of cozy mystery, focusing on a police commissioner and his wife who solve crimes together. Its mix of professional and personal dynamics creates an engaging tone.
Fact: The show was part of NBC's 'Mystery Movie' wheel series, rotating with 'Columbo' and 'McCloud'. It was one of the first TV shows to feature a married couple as crime-solving partners.


Starsky & Hutch (1975)
Description: This buddy-cop series focuses on the partnership between two detectives, blending action, humor, and crime-solving. Its episodic structure and focus on street-level policing make it a strong match.
Fact: The iconic red-and-white striped Gran Torino driven by Starsky became one of the most recognizable cars in TV history. The show was known for its gritty, urban filming locations.


Hill Street Blues (1981)
Description: This show is similar due to its gritty, realistic portrayal of police work, focusing on the daily challenges and moral dilemmas faced by officers. It blends drama with procedural elements, much like the reference title.
Fact: It was one of the first TV shows to use overlapping dialogue and handheld cameras to create a documentary-like feel. The series won 26 Emmy Awards during its run.


Miami Vice (1984)
Description: Known for its stylish visuals and synth-heavy soundtrack, this series combines crime drama with a unique aesthetic. It explores the underbelly of Miami's drug trade, offering a mix of action and emotional depth.
Fact: The show popularized pastel-colored suits and no-sock fashion trends in the 1980s. It was one of the first TV series to feature contemporary pop music as part of its soundtrack.


Columbo (1971)
Description: This series stands out for its inverted mystery format, where viewers see the crime first and then watch the detective solve it. The focus on meticulous investigation and the protagonist's quirky personality create a unique appeal.
Fact: Columbo's rumpled raincoat was purchased off-the-rack for $15 and became his signature look. The show was originally conceived as part of an anthology series called 'The NBC Mystery Movie'.


Dragnet (1967)
Description: One of the earliest police procedurals, this series is known for its documentary-style approach and focus on realistic crime-solving. Its no-nonsense tone and emphasis on procedure align well with the reference title.
Fact: The show's opening narration, 'The story you are about to see is true...', became iconic. It was one of the first TV shows to use a 'ripped from the headlines' approach to storytelling.


Ironside (1967)
Description: Centered on a wheelchair-bound chief of detectives, this series explores crime-solving from a unique perspective. Its focus on intelligence over physicality and its procedural format make it a compelling match.
Fact: The show was groundbreaking for featuring a disabled protagonist in a leading role. The wheelchair used by the main character was a custom-built model that allowed for more mobility on set.


Adam-12 (1968)
Description: A realistic portrayal of two LAPD officers patrolling the streets, this show emphasizes the day-to-day duties of police work. Its procedural format and focus on partnership dynamics make it a strong fit.
Fact: The show was created as a spin-off from 'Dragnet' and aimed to present a more accurate depiction of police work than most TV shows of the era. Many episodes were based on real LAPD cases.


Hawaii Five-O (1968)
Description: This series combines police procedural elements with exotic locations, focusing on an elite state police unit. Its mix of action, investigation, and distinctive setting creates a unique appeal.
Fact: The show's theme music is one of the most recognizable in TV history. It was the longest-running police drama in TV history until 'Law & Order' surpassed it in


Kojak (1973)
Description: A hard-hitting police procedural centered around a tough, no-nonsense detective. The show's focus on urban crime and its protagonist's unorthodox methods align closely with the reference title's themes.
Fact: The character's catchphrase, 'Who loves ya, baby?', became a cultural phenomenon. The show was one of the first to depict a bald protagonist as a leading man.
