Buddy cop shows have long been one of TV’s most beloved genres, delivering action, humor, and heart through iconic partnerships.
From the classic bromance of Starsky & Hutch to the gritty realism of Line of Duty, these shows prove that two heads are always better than one.
As explored in The Buddy Cop Genre Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Moved Overseas, the genre has shifted its focus overseas for various reasons, where innovative storytelling has breathed new life into it.
With recent hits like Hawaii Five-0 and Line of Duty carrying the torch into the 2020s, the enduring appeal of these shows lies in their ability to capture teamwork, trust, and the occasional clash of personalities.
This list celebrates the traditional law enforcement duos that defined the genre while showing why these partnerships remain timeless, even as the genre evolves.
Cagney & Lacey (1982-1988)
Breaking barriers and redefining the genre, Cagney & Lacey gave us the first female buddy cop duo to command the screen.
Christine Cagney (Sharon Gless) was ambitious and bold, while Mary Beth Lacey (Tyne Daly) brought a grounded, family-oriented perspective to their partnership.
Together, they tackled tough cases and even tougher societal issues, proving that women in law enforcement could be just as gritty and dynamic as their male counterparts.
With sharp writing and authentic performances, this groundbreaking show remains a trailblazer for strong female-led storytelling in TV history.
Watch Cagney & Lacey Online
CHiPs (1977-1983)
With sun-soaked highways and a duo that defined cool, CHiPs brought California’s Highway Patrol to life in style.
Officers Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Erik Estrada) weren’t just partners — they were the heart of this action-packed series.
Jon’s level-headed charm balanced Ponch’s flashy, fun-loving antics as they patrolled the freeways, taking down bad guys and rescuing stranded motorists.
From high-speed chases to heartwarming moments, CHiPs captured the camaraderie of two cops who had each other’s backs, all while making motorcycle helmets look iconic.
Watch CHiPs Online
Miami Vice (1984-1989)
With pastel suits, Ferraris, and a soundtrack that defined the ’80s, Miami Vice redefined the buddy cop genre with style and grit.
Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) weren’t just partners; they were the epitome of cool as they went undercover to take down Miami’s drug lords and crime syndicates.
Crockett’s laid-back swagger complemented Tubbs’ smooth sophistication, creating a dynamic that was as electric as the neon-soaked city they patrolled.
Equal parts action and atmosphere, Miami Vice was a cultural phenomenon that turned crime-solving into an art form.
Watch Miami Vice Online
Starsky & Hutch (1975-1979)
The original buddy cop duo, Starsky & Hutch set the gold standard for crime-solving partnerships.
David Michael Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) and Kenneth Richard “Hutch” Hutchinson (David Soul) were polar opposites — Starsky was street-smart and impulsive, while Hutch brought a calmer, more methodical approach to the job.
Their chemistry and camaraderie, paired with iconic car chases in that red-and-white Gran Torino, made every case unforgettable.
Tackling gritty 1970s crimes with heart and humor, they weren’t just partners — they were brothers in blue, paving the way for every buddy cop team that followed.
Watch Starsky & Hutch Online
Jake and the Fatman (1993-2001)
Available to purchase on Amazon Prime or watch free at Internet Archive
Jake and the Fatman brought crime-solving flair with the unique pairing of the suave investigator Jake Styles (Joe Penny) and his gruff, no-nonsense boss, District Attorney J.L. “Fatman” McCabe (William Conrad).
Set in sunny Los Angeles (and later Hawaii), their partnership balanced Jake’s charm and street smarts with McCabe’s sharp legal mind and tough exterior.
While McCabe called the shots, Jake’s knack for getting into — out of — trouble added excitement to every case.
With its mix of wit, action, and courtroom drama, this classic series remains a standout in the buddy cop genre.
The Streets of San Francisco (1972-1977)
The Streets of San Francisco added a generational twist to the buddy cop genre with the seasoned Detective Mike Stone (Karl Malden) mentoring his ambitious young partner Steve Keller (Michael Douglas).
Set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of 1970s San Francisco, the show seamlessly blended gripping mysteries with character-driven drama.
Stone’s calm wisdom complemented Keller’s youthful determination, creating an authentic and engaging partnership.
Known for its compelling cases and iconic cable car chases, the series proved that even a city as dynamic as San Francisco couldn’t outshine this detective duo.
The show also featured a stellar lineup of guest stars, including Mark Hamill, Don Johnson, Martin Sheen, Paul Sorvino, Leslie Nielsen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Elliott, Nick Nolte, John Ritter, Tom Selleck, and more!
Watch The Streets of San Francisco Online
Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)
The Hawaii Five-0 reboot brought a modern twist to the classic cop drama, anchored by the electric partnership of Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) and Danny “Danno” Williams (Scott Caan).
McGarrett’s military precision clashed hilariously with Danno’s no-nonsense, sarcastic personality, making their constant banter as much a draw as the action-packed cases.
Set against the breathtaking Hawaiian backdrop, the show delivered high-stakes crime-solving with plenty of explosions, car chases, and heartfelt moments.
This reboot didn’t just honor the original — it redefined the buddy cop dynamic for a new generation.
Watch Hawaii Five-0 Online
Line of Duty (2012-2021)
Line of Duty takes the buddy cop dynamic into the high-pressure world of anti-corruption investigations.
Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and Kate Fleming (Vicky Mcclure) are a perfectly mismatched duo. Steve’s by-the-book approach often clashes with Kate’s more intuitive, risk-taking style.
Their tense partnership is forged in the relentless pursuit of “bent coppers,” uncovering conspiracy and betrayal at every turn.
With its razor-sharp writing, intense interrogations, and morally complex characters, Line of Duty keeps you on the edge of your seat while proving that trust is a rare commodity in their line of work.
Watch Line of Duty Online
Hunter (1984-1991)
Hunter, with Detective Rick Hunter (Fred Dryer) and his partner, Sergeant Dee Dee McCall (Stepfanie Kramer), brought hard-hitting action and grit to the buddy cop genre.
Rick’s tough, rule-breaking approach to justice paired perfectly with Dee Dee’s sharp instincts and no-nonsense demeanor, creating a dynamic and effective partnership.
Set against the rough streets of Los Angeles, their cases were intense, often delving into dangerous and high-stakes territory.
With explosive action, sharp dialogue, and undeniable chemistry, Hunter delivered crime-solving with an edge that still resonates with fans today.
Watch Hunter Online
Adam-12 (1968-1975)
Adam-12 brought realism and heart to the buddy cop genre, following LAPD officers Pete Malloy (Martin Millner) and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles.
Malloy’s seasoned experience served as a steadying influence on Reed’s eager, fresh-out-of-the-academy enthusiasm.
Together, they tackled everything from routine calls to intense emergencies, offering an authentic glimpse into law enforcement’s daily grind.
Grounded in its portrayal of police work, Adam-12 showcased the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and the camaraderie that keeps partners going, no matter the challenge.
Watch Adam-12 Online
True Detective (Season 1 — 2014)
True Detective Season 1 redefined the buddy cop dynamic with Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson), two detectives whose clashing personalities and dark secrets were as compelling as the case they pursued.
Rust’s philosophical cynicism contrasted sharply with Marty’s pragmatic approach, creating tension that simmered through every scene.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Louisiana’s bayous, their investigation into a chilling series of murders unraveled a web of corruption and despair.
With unforgettable performances and a brooding atmosphere, this gritty, layered partnership remains one of the genre’s most iconic.
Watch True Detective Season 1 Online
Due South (1994-1999)
Available to watch on YouTube
Due South flipped the buddy cop genre on its head with the delightfully odd pairing of Constable Benton Fraser (Paul Gross), a straight-laced Mountie, and Detective Ray Vecchio (David Marciano), a wisecracking Chicago cop.
Fraser’s impeccable manners and near-superhuman tracking skills clashed hilariously with Ray’s street-smart cynicism, creating a dynamic that was as heartwarming as it was entertaining.
Whether chasing down criminals or solving quirky cases, the duo’s opposites-attract chemistry made every episode a charming mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Add in Fraser’s loyal wolf companion, Diefenbaker, and Due South was pure buddy cop gold.
Nash Bridges (1996-2001)
Don Johnson traded the neon-soaked streets of Miami for the foggy hills of San Francisco in Nash Bridges, putting a fresh spin on the buddy cop genre.
Johnson brought his signature charm as the sharp-dressed and quick-witted Nash, while Cheech Marin’s Joe Dominguez added plenty of laughs as his quirky, loyal partner.
Together, they navigated high-stakes cases, personal drama, and the scenic chaos of San Francisco in Nash’s iconic yellow Barracuda.
With action, humor, and heart, Nash Bridges made solving crimes look effortlessly cool.
Watch Nash Bridges Online
Life (2007-2009)
Life offered a unique twist on the buddy cop genre with Detective Charlie Crews (Damien Lews) and his partner, Dani Reese (Sarah Shahi).
After being wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years, Charlie returns to the force with a Zen-like outlook, a passion for fruit, and a knack for solving complex crimes.
Dani’s no-nonsense attitude and troubled past clashed with Charlie’s quirky, philosophical approach, creating a partnership that was as compelling as the mysteries they solved.
Equal parts character study and crime drama, Life delivered a refreshing take on redemption, resilience, and the power of an unlikely duo.
Watch Life Online
Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016)
Rizzoli & Isles brought a fresh, female-driven perspective to the buddy cop genre with Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander).
Jane’s tough, street-smart approach to solving crimes perfectly balanced Maura’s intellectual, detail-oriented demeanor.
Their close friendship, peppered with witty banter and heartfelt moments, added a layer of warmth and relatability to every case.
With its mix of gripping investigations, strong female leads, and a touch of humor, Rizzoli & Isles proved that solving crimes is even better when your partner is also your best friend.
Watch Rizzoli & Isles Online
Partners in Crime (Solving): Who’s Your Favorite Duo?
From car chases to heartfelt banter, these buddy cop duos have given us countless memorable moments.
Whether you’re partial to the gritty drama of True Detective or the quirky charm of Due South, the buddy cop genre proves there’s no limit to what a great partnership can achieve.
But now it’s your turn — did we miss your favorite duo? Or do you have a wildcard pairing you think deserves a shoutout?
Share your picks in the comments, and let us know which buddy cop show you’d want to solve your case!
