Kojak

The police procedural churns through lots of detective stories, ranging from chasing robbers to solving mafia-related murders. But the show, which was an international hit in its day, stands out thanks to Detective Kojak, whose tough street smarts, honesty, sarcastic humor, and sensitivity, make him an interesting and likable character. His bald head, and his trademark catchphrases like "Who loves ya baby?", are now globally-recognizable parts of American popular culture. Meanwhile some of his on-duty habits are still referred to as the "Kojak Style" by American police today.

Granted, many of the show's references (and the cars) are dated, but thanks to the show's universal themes, it still feels relevant. Meanwhile, viewers might also get a kick out of the appearances made by young, now-famous actors like Harvey Keitel, Hector Elizondo, and Richard Gere, too. Overall, it's pretty entertaining, and folks looking for a compelling police procedural will definitely find something here.