The Professionals

It's set in a gritty late 70s Britain, The Professionals follows Bodie and Doyle, two elite operatives of CI5, a covert government unit dedicated to countering terrorism and high profile crime. George Cowley, a veteran intelligence chief, hand selects his squad and oversees their missions. Bodie, a hard-edged former SAS man, channels violence with precision, while Doyle, a former police officer, brings a more liberal, pragmatic approach. The pair often clash, trading dry wit and sharp banter, yet they consistently outmaneuver dangerous criminals and outsmart bureaucratic red tape. Across missions they face complex threats that test loyalty, nerve, and moral lines. The series mines tension between duty and personal judgment, keeping the pace brisk and the stakes high, and danger lingers.

Created by Brian Clemens, The Professionals premiered in 1977 as a British action crime drama. It was developed as an original concept and produced by ITC Entertainment, with various directors handling episodes and a rotating cast of guest stars globally.

The Professionals helped define a British style of action with slick production, practical stunt work and a Bodie Doyle partnership. The show informed later buddy cop and covert ops dramas and remains a touchstone for fans of the era. Its look and pace influenced genre shows and inspired a generation.

Critical reception centers on sharp dialogue, strong performances, and storytelling with a darker more morally flexible tone than standard cop shows. Themes include loyalty and duty within a contemporary intelligence framework, and the tension between personal ethics and official orders. The dynamic among Bodie Doyle and Cowley drew praise.

No major awards are widely documented for the series. It was popular with audiences and remains a cult favorite, yet it did not collect notable nominations or wins from the major awards bodies. The ensemble cast and episodic stunts earned praise from fans.