Hunter

Hunter centers on Sgt. Rick Hunter, a bulky, rule-bending homicide detective in the Los Angeles Police Department, and his steady partner, Sgt. Dee Dee McCall. The pair handle violent crimes, undercover stings, and tense stakeouts, with Hunter often ignoring protocol to close cases. McCall brings investigative discipline and a moral counterpoint, creating a partner dynamic that drives much of the show’s energy. The series ran as a procedural with frequent action sequences and shootouts, and after Kramer left following season six, Hunter was paired with different women officers in season seven, shifting the rhythm of the investigations without changing the series’ hard-edged tone.

Created by Frank Lupo and produced for NBC, Hunter premiered in 1984 and ran until 1991. Stephen J. Cannell was the executive producer in season one. Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer led the cast, with Charles Hallahan and Darlanne Fluegel among the supporting actors.

The series didn’t collect major Emmy or Golden Globe wins, and it wasn’t a big awards magnet, yet it sustained consistent ratings and a loyal audience across its run. It earned recognition for its action sequences and the chemistry between the leads, even if awards season largely overlooked the show.

Hunter left a mark on 1980s television cop dramas, especially for its blend of punchy action and the tough-but-fair detective archetype. Fans often recall the show for its gritty L.A. settings, the on-screen partnership, and the frequent shootouts that capped many episodes, making it a reference point for later action-oriented procedurals.

Critics tended to praise Fred Dryer’s physical presence and Kramer’s grounded performance while noting the formulaic plots and sometimes heavy reliance on violence. Viewer scores are solid, the series holding a 7.114/10 average from 92 votes, and it’s remembered more for its characters and style than for reinvention of the genre.