Dragnet (1967)

Bursting onto the screen with the unmistakable four-note herald, "Dum, de-dum-dum," is the enduring classic of police dramas, "Dragnet." Set against the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of the late 1960s, we follow the undeterred, hard-nosed Sgt. Joe Friday and his equally tenacious partner, Officer Bill Gannon. In this gritty, no-nonsense narrative, the duo dives deep into a labyrinth of crime, navigating through a kaleidoscope of cases ranging from fraud to murder, kidnapping to drug dealing, and juvenile crimes to robbery. Each gripping episode is a slice of reality, reportedly drawn from Los Angeles' police files, and embellished with the solemn promise: "The story you are about to see is true..." "Dragnet" is a masterclass in realism, a dance with danger that unravels with daring twists and turns, leading us to the doorstep of justice. Each episode concludes with the solemn voice of the show's announcer, painting the aftermath of the trial and the fate of the criminals, a stark reminder of the severity of their transgressions. But, in the heart of this hard-edged narrative, there lies a touch of humanity. The off-duty lives of Friday and Gannon frequently weave into the fabric of the story, providing rare glimpses of light moments in an otherwise shadowy world. Not only does "Dragnet" delve into the traditional police cases, but it also bravely tackles the emerging challenges of the era. From the menace of LSD, race riots to the advent of public service TV shows, the series remains a mirror to society's countercultures and community outreach programs. In its timeless essence, "Dragnet" stands as not only a prototype but also the gold standard for television police dramas, a testament to its enduring resonance and relevance.

Dragnet is a crime show featuring Lorraine Gary and created by Jack Webb.

Dragnet is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee.

It is also possible to buy Dragnet on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Google Play Movies.