Cannon

Frank Cannon centers on a seasoned private detective who uses experience, wits, and muscle to take on tough cases in Southern California. Frank Cannon, played by William Conrad, balances street smarts with a stubborn sense of justice, operating out of a modest office and often moving between violent confrontations, legal wrangling, and quieter investigative work. Episodes focus on individual cases, from murder and fraud to missing persons, with Cannon’s personality — blunt, wry, and physically imposing — shaping how he handles clients, cops, and criminals. The series keeps stories self-contained and avoids long, serialized plots, so each hour feels like a tight, character-driven crime drama without revealing any later twists or finales.

Cannon debuted on CBS on March 26, 1971 and ran until March 3, 1976, produced by Quinn Martin and created by Edward Hume. William Conrad led the cast, supported by Charles Bateman, Tim O'Connor, and Keith Andes; the show totaled 124 episodes and later inspired the TV movie The Return of Frank Cannon in 1980.

The series didn’t rack up major Emmy or Golden Globe wins during its run, and it wasn’t a major awards magnet, though Conrad’s performance kept him in viewers’ minds and helped the show last five seasons.

Cannon left a mark on 1970s television by spotlighting an unconventional, older, heavier detective as a credible action lead. It crossed over with Barnaby Jones and helped cement the era’s appetite for one-man investigators who mix investigation with physical confrontation. Fans still remember Cannon as part of that classic detective wave.

Critical reaction was mixed to favorable, with a current average around 6.6/10 from available audience votes. The show frequently tackled themes of justice, personal code, and pragmatic morality, favoring straightforward storytelling and strong lead characterization over serialized complexity.