Watch T.J. Hooker
- TV-PG
- 1982
- 5 Seasons
-
6.1 (5,311)
Set in an unnamed city, T.J. Hooker is a police procedural drama that follows the life and work of veteran police sergeant, Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Hooker (William Shatner). The show premiered on ABC in 1982 and ran for five seasons until 1986. Along with Shatner, the show features a star-studded cast of Heather Locklear, Adrian Zmed, Richard Herd, and James Darren.
T.J. Hooker begins with the introduction of T.J. Hooker, a no-nonsense cop with a heart of gold who is driven to rid the streets of crime. As the series progresses, the audience is let in on the fact that T.J. is no stranger to tragedy and loss, and he is haunted by his past failures. Despite this, he continues to put aside his personal struggles as he mentors the rookie officers of the Metropolitan Police Department, leading them to become the best in their class.
The show's narrative is driven by the lives of T.J. Hooker and his team of officers. The team includes the hot-headed, but lovable, Vince Romano (Adrian Zmed), the enthusiastic and optimistic Jim Corrigan (James Darren), and the level-headed Sergeant Stacy Sheridan (Heather Locklear), who later becomes a love interest for T.J.
Together, they take on everything from petty crimes to high-stakes heists, stopping at nothing to save lives and put dangerous criminals behind bars. T.J. Hooker also features a recurring villain in the form of Richard Herd's Captain Sheridan, who is constantly looking for ways to undermine T.J. and his team's efforts.
The show's action-packed scenes and fast-paced storytelling make for an entertaining watch. Every episode serves up a new adventure, often showcasing high-speed car chases, shootouts, and suspenseful moments where lives hang in the balance. Along with the adrenaline-pumping action, the show provides its viewers with a glimpse into the personal lives of its characters. This aspect of the show allows for a deeper emotional connection to the characters and their motivations.
While T.J. Hooker is certainly an action-packed cop drama, it's also a show with a heart. The show tackles important societal issues such as domestic violence, drug abuse, and rape, all while maintaining the show's classic '80s cop drama feel. The show's writers did a fantastic job of mixing the show's more serious moments with lighthearted and humorous scenes, ensuring that the show has something for everyone.
One particular standout feature of T.J. Hooker is its impressive action choreography. The show's high-energy car chases and foot pursuits have earned it a reputation as one of the most exciting cop dramas of the 1980s. The show's creators were clearly fans of classic Hollywood stunt work, ensuring that every action sequence was meticulously choreographed, adding to the show's overall appeal.
Of course, T.J. Hooker would not be the iconic cop drama it is today without its larger-than-life leading man, William Shatner. Shatner, who was already a household name thanks to his role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, brought all his acting chops to the role of T.J. Hooker. His portrayal of T.J. is gritty, no-nonsense, and at times, even vulnerable. It's no wonder the show became a cultural phenomenon following its premiere in 1982.
T.J. Hooker is a timeless classic that still holds up to this day. The show's mix of tense action scenes, heartwarming character moments, and larger-than-life performances make it a must-watch for anyone who loves the cop drama genre. With its impressive five-season run, it's no surprise that T.J. Hooker remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of '80s television.
T.J. Hooker is a series that ran for 5 seasons (91 episodes) between March 13, 1982 and on ABC