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Dragnet 1951

★ 6.5/10 · 34 votes TV-PG DramaCrime 8 seasons · 276 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is Dragnet?

Dragnet is an American crime television series that originally aired from 1951 to 1959. Created by Jack Webb, the show is based on a radio series of the same name and was later syndicated under the title Badge 714.

Type
TV series
Year
1951
Status
Ended
Episodes
276
Runtime
30 minutes
First aired
Dec 16, 1951
Last aired
Aug 23, 1959
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
NBC
Genres
Drama, Crime
Updated
Availability by region

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Overview

Dragnet is an American crime television series that originally aired from 1951 to 1959. Created by Jack Webb, the show is based on a radio series of the same name and was later syndicated under the title Badge 714. The program follows the cases of Sergeant Joe Friday of the Los Angeles Police Department and his various partners as they methodically investigate a variety of crimes in Los Angeles, California. The title of the series is derived from the police term dragnet, which refers to a system of coordinated measures used for apprehending criminals or suspects. In addition to Jack Webb, the cast included actors such as Hal Gibney, Ben Alexander, and Olan Soule. The series focuses on the dedicated police work performed by the detective and his associates as they navigate their professional duties. As a television production, the show established a legacy within the crime genre by emphasizing the procedural aspects of law enforcement investigations during its multi-year run on the air.

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Should you watch it?

“Sergeant Joe Friday and his partners investigate a variety of crimes for the Los Angeles Police Department.”

Reasons to watch
  • focuses on investigative police work
  • features a dedicated detective lead
Keep in mind
  • pacing may feel slow to modern viewers

Watch it if you enjoy classic television depictions of police investigations.

The series features depictions of criminal investigations and police procedures.

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Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 14 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 33 episodes
Season 3 · 39 episodes
Season 4 · 39 episodes
Season 5 · 39 episodes

Frequently asked questions

Who is the main character?

The series follows Sergeant Joe Friday of the Los Angeles Police Department.

What does the title mean?

The title refers to a system of coordinated measures used for apprehending criminals or suspects.

Who created the show?

The series was created by Jack Webb.

Where does the show take place?

The investigations occur in Los Angeles, California.

Does Joe Friday work alone?

No, he works with various partners throughout the series.