Watch Kojak

Kojak is a television drama series that aired from 1973 to 1978. It is a police procedural show set in New York City and stars Telly Savalas as the titular character, Theo Kojak, a police detective in the NYPD. The show is famous for its iconic opening sequence featuring Savalas' shaved head and the popular catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?".

The show was created by Abby Mann, who also wrote the screenplay for the 1961 movie, Judgment at Nuremberg. The series was produced by Universal Studios and aired on CBS.

The series follows Kojak, a tough-talking, streetwise detective with a heart of gold. He is known for his unconventional methods, his sharp wit, and his love of lollipops. Kojak's colleagues include Captain Frank McNeil (Dan Frazer), detectives Bobby Crocker (Kevin Dobson) and Stavros (George Savalas), and later, Officer Winston Blake (Andre Braugher).

Throughout the series, Kojak and his team investigate a range of crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Kojak is a master of interrogation and often uses his street smarts to get to the bottom of a case. He is also known for his strong moral compass and his commitment to justice, often putting his own life on the line to catch a criminal.

One of the highlights of the series is the chemistry between Telly Savalas and his co-stars. The actors all bring their unique personalities to their roles, and the banter between Kojak and his colleagues is one of the show's most enjoyable aspects. The addition of Andre Braugher as Officer Winston Blake in later seasons added a fresh dynamic to the show.

Another standout feature of Kojak is its gritty portrayal of New York City in the 1970s. The show captures the city's seedy underbelly, its corrupt officials, and its tough-as-nails citizens. The show's use of location shooting adds to its authenticity, and the depiction of the city's streets, alleys, and neighborhoods creates a vivid sense of place.

The show also features a number of notable guest stars, including Sylvester Stallone, who appeared in an early episode as a thuggish criminal, and Sally Kirkland, who played Kojak's love interest in several episodes.

While Kojak is known for its tough, streetwise style, the show also had a softer side. Many episodes explore Kojak's personal life, including his relationship with his long-suffering girlfriend, nurse Ingrid (played by Julie Gregg). We see Kojak as a lonely, vulnerable figure, struggling to balance his personal and professional lives.

Overall, Kojak is a classic police procedural series that stands the test of time. The show's strong writing, excellent cast, and gritty portrayal of New York City make it a must-see for fans of the genre. Telly Savalas' iconic performance as Theo Kojak is a testament to his talent as an actor, and the show remains a beloved part of television history.

Kojak is a series that ran for 5 seasons (125 episodes) between October 24, 1973 and on UMS