Kojak

Theo Kojak is a hard-nosed New York City detective whose bald head and ever-present lollipop are only part of his public persona. He runs a tight squad, leans on street smarts more than paperwork, and pushes back against both criminals and bureaucracy to get results. Episodes follow him juggling investigations, informants, and the messy realities of urban crime while balancing a dry sense of humor and a fierce belief in justice. The show stays grounded in police work, focusing on procedural detail and character interaction rather than sensational twists, so viewers see the grind of cases as much as the big sting moments.

Created by Abby Mann and first airing in 1973, Kojak put Telly Savalas front and center as the title detective, supported by Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas, and Mark Russell. The series captured the early 1970s TV appetite for gritty crime drama and made a quick mark on the small screen.

During its run the series drew attention at major television awards, earning nominations and industry recognition for its cast and production values. Telly Savalas' portrayal was singled out frequently, and the show helped raise the profile of its creative team among critics and peers.

Kojak left a clear imprint on pop culture, largely through Kojak’s visual trademarks and a memorable, repeated catchphrase. The image of a tough, stylish cop with a lollipop in his mouth became shorthand for a particular kind of TV detective, and the show was often referenced or parodied in later series and comedy sketches. Its look and tone influenced how subsequent programs portrayed urban policing and charismatic lead investigators.

Critics generally responded well, and audience ratings reflected steady interest, with a vote average around 7.1 out of 10 among modern viewers. The series balances moral questions about law enforcement with straightforward casework, exploring loyalty, corruption, and the toll of policing on personal life, all while keeping a brisk procedural pace that emphasizes method over melodrama.