Watch Cagney & Lacey

Cagney & Lacey was a police procedural drama that aired on CBS from 1981 to 1988. The show starred Tyne Daly as Mary Beth Lacey and Sharon Gless as Christine Cagney, two police officers working in the fictional 14th district of Manhattan. Meg Foster also starred as their boss, Chris's first lieutenant, and afterward, the captain of the precinct.

The show focused on the personal and professional lives of Lacey and Cagney as they navigated their roles as police officers, often dealing with the challenges of being women in a male-dominated field. Over the course of its seven-year run, the show tackled a wide range of social issues, including domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, racism, and homophobia.

Mary Beth Lacey was a working-class mother of three who was determined to balance the demands of her job with the needs of her family. She was tough, no-nonsense, and fiercely independent. Christine Cagney, on the other hand, was single and career-driven, often putting her job ahead of her personal life. She was confident, assertive, and always ready to take on a challenge. Despite their differences, the two women formed a strong bond over their shared experiences as police officers and became close friends.

Throughout the series, Lacey and Cagney worked together to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice. They faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but they always managed to come out on top. They also had to deal with the sexism and discrimination they faced from their male colleagues, who often underestimated their abilities and tried to hold them back. However, Lacey and Cagney refused to let this stop them and continued to prove themselves as capable and skilled police officers.

One of the defining features of Cagney & Lacey was its commitment to addressing social issues that were often ignored by other shows at the time. The show tackled controversial topics that were considered taboo on television, such as same-sex relationships, abortion, and drug addiction. Its willingness to address these issues head-on made it a trailblazer in the genre and garnered critical acclaim for its honest and nuanced portrayal of complex social issues.

The show was also known for its strong supporting cast, which included Michael Fairman as Lt. Knelman, Carl Lumbly as Detective Mark Petrie, and Martin Kove as Detective Isbecque. These characters added depth and complexity to the show's storylines, providing a wider perspective on the world of law enforcement.

Cagney & Lacey was beloved by audiences and critics alike, winning numerous awards over the course of its run, including two Emmy Awards for Best Drama Series. Its frank depiction of social issues and its portrayal of strong, capable women in law enforcement made it a cultural touchstone and a feminist icon.

In conclusion, Cagney & Lacey was a groundbreaking police procedural drama that tackled a wide range of social issues and showcased the talents of its talented female leads. Its commitment to addressing controversial topics set it apart from other shows of its era and made it a trailblazer in the genre. It remains a beloved classic to this day, and its impact on television and popular culture cannot be overstated.

Cagney & Lacey is a series that ran for 7 seasons (139 episodes) between March 26, 1982 and on CBS