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Cop Shows: From Dragnet to NCIS
Dive into the fascinating history of police dramas in Cop From Dragnet to NCIS, taking you on a journey through the evolution of one of television's most enduring genres. From the straight-laced procedural roots of Dragnet to the gritty realism of The Wire and the sprawling franchise empire of NCIS, this book uncovers how police shows have shaped, and been shaped by, society.
Author Dan Garmen looks at iconic series like Hill Street Blues, which pioneered serialized storytelling, Barney Miller, which blended humor and humanity, and 21 Jump Street, which bridged youth culture and crime-solving, showing how these shows reflected their era, tackled social issues, and redefined the genre—from the buddy-cop dynamics of Starsky and Hutch to the moral ambiguity of The Shield.
With sharp insights and accessible writing, Cop Shows isn’t just about TV—it’s about the cultural impact of these stories on law enforcement, public perception, and the broader societal landscape. Garmen discusses key creative voices like David Milch (NYPD Blue), examines the rise of female-led dramas like Police Woman, and explores the global reach of police shows with international hits like Luther and Broadchurch.
Perfect for fans of television, pop culture, and media history, Cop Shows provides an in-depth look at how these series have evolved into complex, thought-provoking portrayals of justice, morality, and humanity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of crime procedurals or simply curious about their legacy, this book is a must-read.
This new edition includes “The Great Ones,” ten of the very best cop shows ever made.
Get ready to revisit your favorite series, discover behind-the-scenes insights, and understand why cop shows remain at the heart of television storytelling.
Author Dan Garmen looks at iconic series like Hill Street Blues, which pioneered serialized storytelling, Barney Miller, which blended humor and humanity, and 21 Jump Street, which bridged youth culture and crime-solving, showing how these shows reflected their era, tackled social issues, and redefined the genre—from the buddy-cop dynamics of Starsky and Hutch to the moral ambiguity of The Shield.
With sharp insights and accessible writing, Cop Shows isn’t just about TV—it’s about the cultural impact of these stories on law enforcement, public perception, and the broader societal landscape. Garmen discusses key creative voices like David Milch (NYPD Blue), examines the rise of female-led dramas like Police Woman, and explores the global reach of police shows with international hits like Luther and Broadchurch.
Perfect for fans of television, pop culture, and media history, Cop Shows provides an in-depth look at how these series have evolved into complex, thought-provoking portrayals of justice, morality, and humanity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of crime procedurals or simply curious about their legacy, this book is a must-read.
This new edition includes “The Great Ones,” ten of the very best cop shows ever made.
Get ready to revisit your favorite series, discover behind-the-scenes insights, and understand why cop shows remain at the heart of television storytelling.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2025
About the author
Dan Garmen
5 books2 followersDan Garmen, born and raised in the midwest, now resides in San Diego, California.
Dan Garmen always wanted to be a writer, carrying with him from an early age, an intense desire to create the same kind of books that stayed with him long after he finished reading them.
A thirty year career in the media, on-air in television and radio, paid the bills until the day came when he could no longer put off living the life he always wanted, as a writer.
Garmen, his wife and son, live in Southern California, and when not writing or riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Dan's listening to music, much of it by friends he picked up over the years in radio.
Garmen's next novel, "1% Dead" is a thriller, due out in 2013.
Dan Garmen always wanted to be a writer, carrying with him from an early age, an intense desire to create the same kind of books that stayed with him long after he finished reading them.
A thirty year career in the media, on-air in television and radio, paid the bills until the day came when he could no longer put off living the life he always wanted, as a writer.
Garmen, his wife and son, live in Southern California, and when not writing or riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Dan's listening to music, much of it by friends he picked up over the years in radio.
Garmen's next novel, "1% Dead" is a thriller, due out in 2013.
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