Burke's Law

Burke's Law brings the old series into the 1990s with Amos Burke, a wealthy, senior Los Angeles police officer whose social polish and private fortune stand in contrast to the on-the-ground work of his son, Peter, a detective who reports to him. Each episode pairs a case-of-the-week crime story with the friction and affection of a family working relationship, as Peter handles the legwork and Amos leverages contacts, clout and old-school methods. Supporting figures like Henry and Lily Morgan populate the precinct, adding routine details and occasional humor. The show stays rooted in crime drama, while much of its momentum comes from the uneasy alliance between an established, privileged boss and his more practical son.

Created by James L. Conway, this revival aired on CBS from 1994 to 1995. Gene Barry returned to the title role of Amos Burke, and the cast included Peter Barton, Danny Kamekona and Bever-Leigh Banfield during its brief network run.

The series did not attract significant awards attention during its short run. It received no major nominations from institutions like the Emmys or Golden Globes, and critics rarely singled it out for prize consideration. Its limited exposure and single-season lifespan left little room for awards recognition.

As a 1990s attempt to resurrect a 1960s franchise, Burke's Law is remembered more by niche viewers than by the wider public. It leaned on nostalgia for the original and the return of Gene Barry, but the show’s brief run kept it from reclaiming the iconic status of its predecessor. It’s largely viewed now as a modest footnote in the era of TV revivals.

Reception was mixed, reflected in a modest viewer score of 6.7 out of 10 from a small sample. Commentators and audiences noticed its blend of procedural mysteries and family drama, with recurring themes of legacy, class contrast and the tension between institutional authority and hands-on detective work in an Los Angeles setting.