Cop dramas have long been one of television’s most popular genres, delivering action, humor and emotion through iconic partnerships.
From the classic bromance of Starsky & Hutch to the gritty realism of Line of Duty, these shows prove that two heads are always better than one.
Just as the buddy cop genre didn’t die – it just moved overseas, the genre has moved its focus overseas for a variety of reasons, and innovative storytelling has breathed new life into it.
Recent hit shows Hawaii Five-0 and Call of Duty have carried the torch into the 2020s, and the enduring appeal of these shows lies in their ability to capture teamwork, trust and the occasional clash of personalities.
This list celebrates the traditional law enforcement duos that defined the genre while showing why these partnerships remain timeless even as the genre continues to evolve.
Cagney and Lacey (1982-1988)
Cagney and Lacey broke barriers and redefined the genre, giving us the first on-screen female best friend cop duo.
Christine Cagney (Sharon Grace) is ambitious and fearless, while Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly) brings a down-to-earth approach to their partnership , a family-oriented perspective.
Together, they solve tough cases and even tougher social issues, proving that women in law enforcement can be just as resilient and dynamic as their male counterparts.
With sharp writing and authentic performances, this groundbreaking show remains a trailblazer for powerful female-led storytelling in television history.
Cagney and Lacey watch online
CHiP (1977-1983)
CHiP brings the California Highway Patrol to life in style with its sun-drenched highways and cool duo.
Officers Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) and Frank “Punch” Poncerello (Eric Estrada) are more than just partners, they’re the characters in a show full of The central character of the action series.
Jon’s cool charm is balanced by Punch’s flashy, fun antics as they patrol the highways, taking down bad guys and rescuing stranded motorists.
From high-speed chases to heartwarming moments, CHiP captures the camaraderie of two police officers who support each other while making motorcycle helmets look iconic.
Watch CHiP online
Miami Vice (1984-1989)
With pastel suits, Ferraris and a soundtrack that defined the ’80s, Miami Vice redefined the buddy-cop genre with style and grit.
Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) are more than just partners; They are the epitome of cool as they go undercover to take down Miami drug lords and crime syndicates.
Crockett’s laid-back swagger complements Tubbs’ smooth sophistication, creating an atmosphere as exciting as the neon-drenched city they patrol.
Part action and part atmosphere, Miami Vice is a cultural phenomenon that turns crime solving into an art form.
Watch Miami Vice online
Starsky and Hutch (1975-1979)
Starsky & Hutch are the original buddy cop duo that set the gold standard for crime-solving partnerships.
David Michael Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson (David Soule) are polar opposites – Starsky is smart but impulsive, while Hutch approaches his job in a calmer, more methodical manner.
Their chemistry and camaraderie, coupled with the iconic car chases in the red and white Gran Torino, make each case unforgettable.
Fighting the brutal crime of the ’70s with sincerity and humor, they were more than just partners, they were brothers in blue, paving the way for every buddy cop team that followed.
Starsky and Hutch watch online
Jack and the Fat Man (1993-2001)
Available to buy on Amazon Prime or watch for free on the Internet Archive
“Jake and Fatty” follows mild-mannered investigator Jack Stiles (played by Joe Penny) and his rough, no-nonsense boss, District Attorney J.L. “Fatboy” McCabe (played by William Conrad) The unique partner brings a talent for solving crimes.
Their partnership, set in sunny Los Angeles (and later Hawaii), balances Jack’s charm and street smarts with McCabe’s sharp legal mind and tough exterior.
While McCabe calls the shots, Jack’s knack for getting into and out of trouble makes each case exciting.
This classic series’ blend of wit, action, and courtroom drama remains one of the best in the buddy-cop genre.
Streets of San Francisco (1972-1977)
With veteran detective Mike Stone (Karl Malden) mentoring his ambitious young partner Steve Keller (Michael Douglas), “The Streets of San Francisco” adds a generational twist to the buddy cop genre .
Set against the vibrant and gritty backdrop of 1970s San Francisco, the show seamlessly blends gripping mystery with character-driven drama.
Stone’s cool wit paired with Keller’s youthful determination create a genuine and charming partnership.
Known for its riveting cases and iconic cable car chases, the series proves that even a vibrant city like San Francisco can’t top this detective duo.
The show also invited many star guest stars, including Mark Hamill, Don Johnson, Martin Sheen, Paul Sorvino, Leslie Nielsen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Elliott, Nick ·Nolte, John Ritter, Tom Selleck and more!
Watch the streets of San Francisco online
Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)
The reboot of Hawaii Five-0 brings a modern twist to the classic cop drama, starring Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) and Danny “Danno” Williams (played by Scott Caan) co-stars.
McGarrett’s military precision clashes hilariously with Danno’s no-nonsense, sarcastic personality, making their constant banter as engaging as the action-packed case.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, the series tells a high-stakes crime-solving story with plenty of explosions, car chases and touching moments.
This reboot not only pays homage to the original, but also redefines the buddy-cop dynamic for a new generation.
Watch Hawaii Five-0 Online
Responsibilities (2012-2021)
Duty takes Buddy Cops into the high-pressure world of anti-corruption investigations.
Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and Kate Fleming (Vicki McClure) are a completely mismatched pair. Steve’s by-the-book approach often clashed with Kate’s more intuitive, adventurous style.
Their tense partnership is forged during a relentless hunt for the “Crooked Cop,” uncovering intrigue and betrayal at every turn.
With its razor-sharp writing, intense interrogations and morally complex characters, Call of Duty keeps you on the edge of your seat while proving that trust is a rare commodity in their line of work.
Watch Call of Duty online
Hunter (1984-1991)
Along with Detective Rick Hunter (Fred Dreyer) and his partner Officer Dee Dee McCaw (Stephanie Kramer), Hunter brings a tough take on the buddy cop genre. Action and courage.
Rick’s tough, rule-breaking righteousness pairs perfectly with Dee Dee’s sharp instincts and no-nonsense demeanor, creating a dynamic and effective partnership.
On the rough streets of Los Angeles, their cases are intense, often involving dangerous and high-stakes territory.
With explosive action, sharp dialogue and undeniable chemistry, Hunter’s crime-solving edge still resonates with fans today.
Watch Hunter online
Adam-12 (1968-1975)
Adam-12 brings realism and emotion to the buddy cop genre, following LAPD officers Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) as they patrol the streets of Los Angeles.
Malloy’s wealth of experience had a steadying influence on Reed’s eagerness coming out of the academy.
Together, they handle everything from routine calls to serious emergencies, giving a real look at the day-to-day work of law enforcement.
Adam-12 is grounded in its depiction of police work, showing the importance of teamwork, professionalism and the friendship that keeps partners going no matter the challenges they face.
Watch Adam-12 online
True Detective (Season 1—2014)
The first season of True Detective redefined the buddy-cop relationship between two detectives, Rusty Cole (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson). Their personality conflicts and dark secrets are as compelling as the cases they pursue.
Rust’s philosophical cynicism contrasts with Marty’s pragmatism, creating tension in every scene.
Set against the haunting backdrop of the Louisiana Gulf, their investigation into a series of gruesome murders uncovers a web of corruption and despair.
With unforgettable performances and a brooding atmosphere, this gritty, layered partnership remains one of the genre’s most iconic.
Watch True Detective Season 1 Online
Zhengnan (1994-1999)
Available to watch on YouTube
True South turns the buddy cop genre on its head, starring uptight Mountie Officer Benton Frazier (Paul Gross) and wisecracking Chicago cop Detective Ray Vecchio (David Marciano). ) make for a delightfully odd combination.
Frasier’s impeccable manners and near-superhuman tracking skills comically clash with Ray’s street-smart cynicism, creating a dynamic that’s both heartwarming and funny.
Whether they’re chasing criminals or solving bizarre cases, the pair’s opposites-attract chemistry makes each episode a captivating blend of action, humor and heartfelt moments.
Coupled with Fraser’s loyal wolf companion Diefenbaker, “True South” is simply a golden partner.
Nash Bridges (1996-2001)
Don Johnson swapped the neon streets of Miami for the foggy hills of San Francisco in “Nash Bridges,” putting a new spin on the buddy-cop genre.
Johnson brings his signature charm as the well-dressed, quick-witted Nash, while Cheech Marin’s Joe Dominguez provides plenty of laughs as his eccentric yet loyal sidekick.
Together, they navigate high-stakes cases, personal drama, and the picturesque chaos of San Francisco in Nash’s iconic yellow Barracuda.
Nash Bridges uses action, humor, and heart to make solving crimes look effortless and cool.
Watch Nash Bridges online
Life (2007-2009)
The lives of detective Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) and his partner Danny Reese (Sarah Shahi) offer a unique twist on the buddy cop genre.
After being wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years, Charlie returns to the force with a Zen-like outlook on life, a passion for fruit and a knack for solving complex crimes.
Danny’s no-nonsense attitude and troubled past clash with Charlie’s eccentric and philosophical approach, and the two form a partnership that’s as compelling as the mysteries they solve.
Part character study and part crime drama, Life is a refreshing take on redemption, resilience and the power of this unlikely duo.
watch life online
Rizzoli and the Islands (2010-2016)
Rizzoli & Isles brings a fresh, female-driven perspective to the buddy cop genre with Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander).
Jane solves crimes with a tough, street-smart approach that perfectly balances Maura’s intellectual, detail-oriented demeanor.
Their close friendship, filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments, adds a layer of warmth and intimacy to each case.
With a gripping investigation, a strong female protagonist and a sense of humor, Rizzoli and the Islands proves that crimes are solved better when your partner is also your best friend.
Watch Rizzoli and the Islands online
Partners in Crime (Detective): Who is your favorite duo?
From car chases to heartfelt banter, this police duo has given us countless unforgettable moments.
Whether you prefer the gritty drama of True Detective or the quirky charm of True South , the buddy-cop genre proves that there’s no limit to what a good partnership can accomplish.
But now it’s your turn – did we miss your favorite duo? Or do you have a wildcard pairing that you think deserves a shout-out?
Share your picks in the comments and let us know which Buddy Cop Show you want to solve your case!
