77 Sunset Strip

Stuart Bailey and Jeff Spencer run a private detective shop from an office at 77 Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, mixing wisecracks and romantic pursuits with case work. They operate next door to a stylish restaurant where Gerald Lloyd "Kookie" Kookson III works as a valet, snapping his fingers and tossing out hip slang while occasionally helping with investigations. Kookie’s streetwise charm eventually earns him a regular place on the team. Other investigators like Rex Randolph and J.R. Hale join the agency, while Suzanne handles secretarial duties and keeps the office ticking. Episodes pair light banter and nightclub glamour with mysteries that range from petty scams to more serious crimes, all set against a sun-soaked LA backdrop.

Created by Roy Huggins for Warner Bros Television, the series premiered in 1958 and showcased Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Roger Smith and Edd Byrnes in defining roles. The show helped shape the studio's television output during that era.

The series did not accumulate a shelf of major awards, but it drew steady industry attention and remained a fixture of late 1950s and early 1960s television programming, sustaining a strong audience for several seasons.

Kookie became a bona fide pop culture phenomenon, turning slangy dialogue, a signature haircut and a comb-toting image into teen idol status. The show's style influenced later detective programs, and its nightlife aesthetic and lounge-infused soundtrack left a visible mark on how television presented Los Angeles cool.

Critics and viewers tended to praise the series for its breezy tone, charismatic leads and mix of humor with procedural elements, though some reviews found the lighthearted moments at odds with darker cases. The show balances buddy dynamics, stylish set pieces and conventional mystery plotting, which helped it appeal to both viewers looking for escapist entertainment and fans of classic detective fiction.