Watch The F.B.I

During the mid-sixties to early seventies, The F.B.I. on ABC was one of the most popular and longest-running crime dramas in television history. The show followed the cases and investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation led by Inspector Lewis Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.).

Inspector Erskine was known for his exceptional work ethic, persistence, and intelligence when it came to solving tough cases. He was often called in to investigate high-profile cases and bring criminals to justice. Along with his team members, Special Agent Jim Rhodes (William Reynolds) and Assistant Director Arthur Ward (Philip Abbott), the trio tackled everything from organized crime to espionage.

The show was unique at the time because each episode was based on real-life cases handled by the FBI. Real FBI agents served as advisers and technical consultants to ensure accuracy and authenticity, which made the show feel like it was ripped straight from the headlines. Some of the cases involved famous individuals such as John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and the Unabomber.

Aside from its authentic portrayal of FBI investigations, the show is also remembered for its depiction of the team's personal lives. In between solving cases, we got to know the agents on a more personal level, learning about their struggles and triumphs both in and out of the office. This humanized the characters and made them more relatable to viewers.

The F.B.I. was also notable for its exceptional production value. The show was filmed on location across the United States, which gave it a sense of realism that was largely unprecedented for TV shows of the time. The show's cinematography was also top-notch, making great use of lighting, framing, and camera angles to create a cinematic and immersive experience for viewers.

Another aspect that made The F.B.I. stand out was its distinctive theme music, composed by jazz musician Bronisław Kaper. The theme was so catchy and memorable that it became a hit on the music charts, peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The theme was also used as the opening music for later seasons of the show Hawaii Five-O.

Overall, The F.B.I. was a groundbreaking show for its time, blazing new trails in crime drama, and showcasing the work of one of the most prestigious law enforcement agencies in the world. The show acted as an inspiration for other crime dramas to follow, and it remains an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in the genre.

The F.B.I is a series that ran for 9 seasons (240 episodes) between September 16, 1965 and on ABC