Starsky and Hutch was a defining example of the ’70s buddy cop genre, leaning heavily on fast cars, casual violence, and a certain kind of macho swagger that was very much of its time. The show followed the exploits of detectives David Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson (David Soul), two undercover cops cruising the grimy streets of the fictional Bay City, California.
The series was characterized by its over-the-top action sequences, car chases, and a relentless pursuit of style over substance. Plot lines were often thin, serving mostly as a frame for the duo’s constant banter and questionable police tactics. The show’s visual style, with its loud colors and disco-infused soundtrack, is as much a character as Starsky and Hutch themselves. A key feature of the show was the introduction of colorful supporting characters, most notably Huggy Bear (Antonio Fargas), an informant who was the show’s attempt at comic relief.
Glaser and Soul as the titular Starsky and Hutch, respectively, delivered performances that, while now rather dated, made them unlikely TV icons for a generation. Their performances were built on a foundation of casual cool, which relied on the frequent interplay between Starsky’s impulsive attitude and Hutch’s more reserved style. However, Starsky and Hutch wasn’t without its issues, with the series drawing significant backlash during its run for its gratuitous violence and perceived glorification of police brutality, criticisms that are all the more relevant when seen through the lens of the modern day.
Bernie Hamilton’s Captain Harold Dobey, though a somewhat stock character, provides a foil to the duo’s chaotic methods, representing a more conventional, and often disapproving, authority figure. The character of Huggy Bear, while initially adding a bit of comic relief, now comes across as a rather stereotypical trope. The show’s legacy, despite being undeniably influential, remains complex due to the issues surrounding its content.
Starsky and Hutch aired on ABC.
Years ran: 1975-1979
Number of Episodes: 92
Creators: William Blinn
Cast: David Soul, Paul Michael Glaser, Bernie Hamilton, Antonio Fargas
