1950s:
* Dragnet (1951-1959): This iconic series, starring Jack Webb, is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and its use of a "just the facts" approach to storytelling.
* The Adventures of Superman (1952-1958): While not exclusively a detective series, Superman often found himself solving crimes and bringing justice to Metropolis.
* 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964): This series followed two private detectives working in a glamorous Los Angeles nightclub.
1960s:
* The Fugitive (1963-1967): This series follows a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife as he tries to clear his name while on the run from the law.
* Ironside (1967-1975): This series starred Raymond Burr as a wheelchair-bound police detective.
* Mannix (1967-1975): This series featured a private detective working for a powerful Los Angeles-based insurance agency.
1970s:
* Columbo (1968-1978, 1989-2003): This series featured the brilliant but unassuming Lieutenant Columbo as he outsmarted wealthy and often arrogant murderers.
* The Rockford Files (1974-1980): This series starred James Garner as a private investigator struggling to make ends meet in Los Angeles.
* Kojak (1973-1978): This series starred Telly Savalas as a tough but fair New York City police detective.
1980s:
* Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988): This series followed a private investigator living on the island of Hawaii.
* Miami Vice (1984-1989): This series featured stylish detectives tackling crime in the glamorous setting of Miami.
* Hill Street Blues (1981-1987): While not a traditional detective show, this series explored the day-to-day lives of police officers in a fictional Los Angeles precinct, often with crime investigation as a central plot element.