21 Original Episodes From 1973–74

Created by Joseph Wambaugh (The Onion Field), an ex-cop turned author, Police Story is an anthology series detailing the lives of LAPD officers in a collection of realistic and gritty accounts of what it meant to be a cop in 1970s Los Angeles. The series became the archetype for many critically acclaimed shows that followed, including Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue and Homicide: Life On The Street.

Police Story distinguished itself from its predecessors by a multidimensional portrayal of its protagonists — these cops were flawed, not cartoonlike heroes. From week to week, gripping episodes addressed difficult issues such as police corruption and the stresses and hell that can come with leading a cop's life.

With no regular cast, the show featured different stars each week, as well as a rotating acting ensemble including James Farentino (Jesus Of Nazareth), Tony Lo Bianco (The French Connection), Don Meredith (NFL Monday Night Football), Vic Morrow (Combat!) and Laraine Stephens (Matt Helm). Season One also stars Ed Asner, Angie Dickinson, Kurt Russell and Dean Stockwell.