Dragnet

Guide Note

Dragnet is an American police drama series that enjoyed two runs on NBC from 1951 to 1970.

Fast Facts

1. First run: December 16, 1951 - August 23, 1959
2. Second run: January 12, 1967 - April 16, 1970
3. Network: NBC
4. Creator/Producer: Jack Webb
5. Starring: Jack Webb, Harry Morgan
6. No. episodes 1951-1959: 276
7. No. episodes 1967-1970: 100
8. Won 4 Emmy Awards
9. Started as a radio show in 1949
10. Sgt. Joe Friday's badge number: 714
11. Badge 714 is retired by LAPD in real life

Based on Jack Webb's long-running radio show of the same name, Dragnet made the transition to television in 1951. The show opened with a trademark four-note brass introduction, and the disclaimer: "The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent."

Webb, as Sergeant Joe Friday, narrated every episode, presenting the case and the progress of each investigation. Though Friday had a number of partners, the two that are perhaps most memorable are Officer Frank Smith (Ben Alexander) in Dragnet's first run, and then Bill Gannon (Harry Morgan during the second.

The dialogue was always brisk and to-the-point, and the show's realism, which Webb was very meticulous about, made Dragnet one of the most influential police procedural TV shows of its time. Webb also had the support of the LAPD, which endorsed the show under the condition that it was never portrayed unflatteringly.

Dragnet ran for eight seasons starting in 1951, and then for four more seasons starting in 1967. In 1987, it was made into a comedy film starring Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks. In 1989 and 2003, other Dragnet shows premiered, but to less success.