Crazy like a Fox

In Crazy Like a Fox, a quick-witted, old-school private investigator named Harry Fox makes his living on instinct, street smarts, and a talent for finding trouble in San Francisco. His son Harrison, a level-headed lawyer, prefers rules and reason, and the contrast between the two fuels most episodes. Each week they end up on the same case from different angles, which creates clashes, comedic moments, and occasional heartfelt reconciliation. Alongside them are family members Cindy and Josh, who add domestic stakes to the professional drama. The show mixes courtroom logic with detective work so cases feel procedural yet character-driven, with each episode resolving a mystery while leaving room for personal growth.

The series aired on CBS from December 30, 1984 to May 3, 1986, and was created by John Baskin, Roger Shulman, and Frank Cardea. Jack Warden led the cast as Harry Fox, with John Rubinstein as Harrison, Penny Peyser as Cindy, and Robby Kiger as Josh, and the San Francisco setting is used for atmosphere and local color.

Crazy Like a Fox never became an awards juggernaut, and it did not rack up major Emmys or Golden Globes. Still, critics and viewers often singled out Jack Warden's performance for its warmth and comic timing, and the show's steady ratings in its first season helped it find an audience on network television.

The series left a modest mark on 1980s TV by blending family sitcom beats with light mystery. Its central father-son dynamic influenced later pairings that mixed generational clash with professional cooperation. Fans remember the show for its easy rapport and for putting character relationships at the center of police and legal-style plots, rather than relying solely on gimmicky cases.

Critics generally gave the show mixed to positive reviews, appreciating the chemistry between Warden and Rubinstein and the comfortable tone. Main themes include the tension between instinct and procedure, the compromises of family life, and how affection can smooth over stubborn differences. Viewer ratings reflect a small but loyal audience, with a current aggregate vote average around 7.1 out of 10 from a limited number of votes.