Spenser: For Hire

Watch Spenser: For Hire

  • TV-14
  • 1985
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.3  (3,364)

Spenser: For Hire was an American detective drama series that aired on ABC from 1985 to 1988. The show was based on Robert B. Parker's bestselling mystery novels, and starred Robert Urich as the titular character, Spenser, a private investigator who solves crimes in and around Boston.

Spenser is a former police officer who lost his job when he refused to go along with some corrupt cops. Now, he works as a freelance detective with his partner and close friend, Hawk, played by the talented Avery Brooks. Hawk is a tough, streetwise enforcer who always has Spenser's back.

The show's main setting is Boston, and the city is as much a character in the series as the people who inhabit it. The city's neighborhoods, its distinct cultures, and its history all play a role in the show. Spenser's cases bring him into contact with a wide variety of characters, from mobsters to politicians, from rich socialites to working-class heroes.

Barbara Stock plays Spenser's girlfriend, Susan Silverman, a brilliant psychologist who often helps him with his cases. Ron McLarty is Sgt. Frank Belson, a Boston police detective who is often at odds with Spenser but occasionally helps him out. Carolyn McCormick is Rita Fiori, a reporter who sometimes hires Spenser to find a story. Richard Jaeckel rounds out the regular cast as Lt. Quirk, an old-fashioned cop who is always trying to retire but never seems to be able to do so.

Each episode of Spenser: For Hire is self-contained and tells a different story, but there are some overarching elements that develop over the course of the series. Spenser's relationship with Susan evolves and deepens, as does his friendship with Hawk. The show touches on themes such as loyalty, justice, and redemption.

One of the strengths of Spenser: For Hire is its cast. Urich is perfect as Spenser, portraying the character's relentless sense of justice and his dry wit with equal aplomb. Brooks is equally excellent as Hawk, bringing both intelligence and emotional depth to the role. Stock's Susan Silverman is a great foil for Spenser, providing a counterbalance to his toughness with her intelligence and compassion.

Another strength of the show is its writing. The scripts are sharp and witty without being overly clever, and the dialogue crackles with energy. The characters are fully realized, with their flaws and virtues on full display. The show also has a great sense of place, and the Boston locations are used to great effect.

Spenser: For Hire was a critical and commercial success during its run. It was particularly popular with fans of the books, who appreciated the faithful adaptation of Parker's work. The show was also praised for its intelligent writing, strong performances, and attention to detail.

In conclusion, Spenser: For Hire was a terrific detective drama series that ran on ABC from 1985 to 1988. It starred Robert Urich as Spenser, a private investigator who solves crimes with the help of his friend Hawk, played by Avery Brooks. The show was known for its strong writing, excellent cast, and attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of Boston. Fans of the books and fans of detective shows alike will appreciate Spenser: For Hire for its intelligence, wit, and emotional depth.

Spenser: For Hire is a series that ran for 3 seasons (66 episodes) between September 20, 1985 and on ABC

Spenser: For Hire
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Seasons
Haunting
21. Haunting
May 7, 1988
Spenser investigates an old child kidnapping case when he tries to track down a teenage girl's biological parents.
McAllister
20. McAllister
April 30, 1988
Spenser assists a lawyer in proving the innocence of his client, a Navy seaman accused of murdering the captain's daughter. The only witness is a missing Polish sailor.
Hawk's Eyes
19. Hawk's Eyes
March 26, 1988
Spenser investigates the death of a friend apparently involved with white supremicists. Hawk is rendered blind by an explosion.
Watercolors
18. Watercolors
March 19, 1988
Spenser protects a child artist after the child witnesses a mob execution while painting in the forest.
Company Man
17. Company Man
March 12, 1988
Spenser suspects insurance fraud when a building blows up. Susan has a possibly cancerous mass removed.
Substantial Justice
16. Substantial Justice
March 5, 1988
Spenser protects a theater owner from gangsters, but begins to suspect she's not as innocent as she appears.
The Big Fight
15. The Big Fight
February 6, 1988
One of Spenser's old trainers lures Spenser to a deserted warehouse where Spenser is supposed to be killed, to get out from under a gambling debt. Spenser survives, then turns around and protects his trainer from the goons now after him.
Play it Again, Sammy
14. Play it Again, Sammy
January 30, 1988
Sammy Backlin calls Spenser for protection when he's being hunted by a 'vicious horde of bloodthirsty assassins'.
To the End of the Line
13. To the End of the Line
January 23, 1988
When Frank's niece dies of a drug overdose, Spenser and Frank go after the men responsible.
Arthur's Wake
12. Arthur's Wake
January 16, 1988
Spenser protects an old friend, Arthur, after he's assaulted and robbed. In the course of his investigation, Spenser comes across disturbing information connecting Arthur with racketeering.
The Siege
11. The Siege
January 10, 1988
Hawk and Susan along with other people are held captive in a post office. Richard Brooks later seen on Law and Order during Season's 1 & 2 plays one of the hostage takers.
Skeletons in the Closet
10. Skeletons in the Closet
January 3, 1988
Spenser and Hawk find themselves on opposite sides of the same case. Spenser is hired to retrieve a stolen journal containing information damaging to a judge's career. Hawk is hired by the thief to extort money from the judge.
Child's Play
9. Child's Play
December 20, 1987
A sniper takes some shots at Spenser and Susan, and a young boy ends up dead in the crossfire. Spenser sets out to determine why such a tragedy happened and track down the shooter.
Gone Fishin'
8. Gone Fishin'
December 6, 1987
Spenser's fishing trip is interrupted when he has to protect a young man who's not allowed to marry the girl he loves.
Thanksgiving
7. Thanksgiving
November 29, 1987
Spenser runs into an old friend while visiting a recreation of a Puritan village. Spenser does everything in his power to exonerate said friend when he's accused of a brutal slaying. As he uncovers more and more, Spenser begins to think it might be hard to clear the name of a guilty man.
Consilum Abditum
6. Consilum Abditum
November 15, 1987
Susan is in trouble when her claims of sexual harassment lead her college counselor to retaliate by hiring a hit man to keep her quiet. Spenser gets arrested for getting involved in a fight.
Sleepless Dream
5. Sleepless Dream
November 8, 1987
Spenser becomes obsessed with an apparently suicidal woman after a chance encounter on the street.
On the Night he Was Betrayed
4. On the Night he Was Betrayed
November 1, 1987
Spenser helps an old friend, an alcoholic priest who tries to help homeless teenagers, when he gets involved over his head.
The Heart of the Matter
3. The Heart of the Matter
October 11, 1987
Lt. Quirk faces his mortality when he suffers a heart attack. Spenser and Hawk protect him from revenge-minded villains as he recovers.
My Enemy, My Friend
2. My Enemy, My Friend
October 4, 1987
A streetwise young kid gets involved over his head in the underworld. Spenser and Hawk try to protect him from would-be killers.
Homecoming
1. Homecoming
September 27, 1987
A cop who helped send a gangster's son to prison years ago has been hiding, cause the gangster wants to get him. But now he wants to come home, so he and his father, asks Spenser to act as intermediary. While the gangster is unwilling to settle for nothing less than seeing him dead. Spenser tries to see what he can do. At the same time Spenser has to deal with Susan, who came back to town, and would like to see if they have a future, but this case is taking up all of his time.
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Where to Watch Spenser: For Hire
Spenser: For Hire is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Spenser: For Hire on demand at Amazon, Apple TV and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 20, 1985
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (3,364)