If you're a fan of gritty 70s crime dramas like 'Kojak' (1973), you'll love this list of similar shows and movies that capture the same hard-boiled detective vibe. From tough-talking cops to thrilling investigations, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat just like Telly Savalas did as the lollipop-loving Lieutenant Kojak.
McCloud (1970)
Description: A fish-out-of-water detective series where a cowboy sheriff brings his unconventional methods to solve crimes in New York City.
Fact: The show was part of the NBC Mystery Movie lineup, sharing its time slot with other popular detective series.
Watch Now 
McMillan & Wife (1971)
Description: A crime-solving series that blends mystery with light-hearted moments, featuring a husband-and-wife team tackling cases together.
Fact: The show was part of NBC's 'Mystery Movie' wheel series, which rotated with other detective shows like Columbo.
Watch Now 
Starsky & Hutch (1975)
Description: A buddy cop series with a strong emphasis on street-level crime, car chases, and a dynamic partnership between the two leads.
Fact: The iconic red Ford Gran Torino used in the series became one of the most recognizable cars in TV history.
Watch Now 
Magnum, P.I. (1980)
Description: A detective series blending action, humor, and drama, featuring a private investigator solving cases in Hawaii with a mix of charm and toughness.
Fact: The show's theme music and opening sequence, featuring the iconic red Ferrari, are instantly recognizable to fans.
Watch Now 
Hill Street Blues (1981)
Description: A gritty, ensemble police drama that revolutionized TV storytelling with its serialized plots and realistic portrayal of urban policing.
Fact: The series was one of the first to use handheld cameras and overlapping dialogue to create a more realistic feel.
Watch Now 
Miami Vice (1984)
Description: A stylish police drama known for its vibrant visuals, synth-heavy soundtrack, and undercover detective work in the glamorous yet dangerous world of Miami.
Fact: The show's fashion, including pastel suits and no socks, became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s.
Watch Now 
Murder, She Wrote (1984)
Description: A mystery series centered around a sharp-witted amateur sleuth who solves crimes in her small town and beyond, often using her keen observational skills.
Fact: The show was one of the most successful mystery series of all time, running for 12 seasons and 264 episodes.
Watch Now 
Columbo (1971)
Description: A detective series with a focus on solving crimes through meticulous investigation and a unique, unassuming protagonist who outsmarts criminals.
Fact: The show's format was unique for its time, revealing the murderer at the beginning and focusing on how the detective catches them.
Watch Now 
Ironside (1967)
Description: A police procedural with a unique twist, focusing on a wheelchair-bound chief of detectives who uses his intellect to solve crimes.
Fact: The series was groundbreaking for featuring a disabled protagonist in a leading role, challenging stereotypes at the time.
Watch Now 
Hawaii Five-O (1968)
Description: A police procedural set in a distinctive location, featuring a team of detectives solving crimes with a mix of action and drama.
Fact: The original series was the longest-running police drama in television history until it was surpassed by Law & Order.
Watch Now 
