Airing on CBS from 1973 to 1978, Kojak wasn’t just another cop drama; it was a cultural touchstone. At its core was Telly Savalas as the titular Lieutenant Theo Kojak, a bald, lollipop-loving detective with a no-nonsense approach to solving crimes in New York City. Savalas’s performance was the lynchpin of the whole operation, and he brought a unique blend of charisma, toughness, and surprising tenderness to the role. He wasn’t your typical square-jawed hero; he was flawed, human, and utterly compelling.
The show benefited from strong writing that often tackled social issues of the day, from drug use to political corruption. Each episode presented a self-contained mystery, but they all worked to build a portrait of Kojak as a man of the people. He was a cop who cared about justice, but he was not afraid to bend the rules to see it done. Alongside Savalas was Dan Frazer as Captain Frank McNeil, Kojak’s steady boss who often acted as a foil to Kojak’s more unorthodox methods. Kevin Dobson played Detective Bobby Crocker, Kojak’s loyal and trusted partner, and George Savalas (Telly’s real-life brother) was Detective Stavros, adding to the show’s family feel. Another recurring member of the cast was Vince Conti as Detective Rizzo.
The supporting cast and their characters provided a rich tapestry of personalities that made the show more than just a procedural. It was a character study, a gritty look at urban life, and a testament to the power of a strong central performance. Kojak’s look, his bald head, his ever-present lollipop, and his catchphrases like “Who loves ya, baby?” became iconic.
Kojak wasn’t afraid to be different, it was a refreshing change of pace from other police procedurals of the time. It had a certain style and energy, a kind of working-class grit that made it stand out. The plots were tight, the dialogue was sharp, and the acting was top-notch across the board. It’s easy to see why it resonated with audiences then, and why it still has such a strong cult following today. Its influence can be felt in many cop shows that came after.
Kojak aired on CBS.
Years ran: 1973-1978
Number of Episodes: 118
Creators: Abby Mann
Cast: Telly Savalas, Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas, Vince Conti.
