Introduction

Police Woman is an American crime drama television series starring Angie Dickinson. It aired on NBC from September 13, 1974, to March 29, 1978, becoming the first primetime dramatic series led by a woman in the United States.

Plot

The series follows Sergeant Leanne “Pepper” Anderson (Angie Dickinson), who works in the criminal investigation unit of the Los Angeles Police Department. Alongside her immediate superior, Sergeant William “Bill” Crowley (Earl Holliman), and fellow officers Pete Royster (Charles Dierkop) and Joe Styles (Ed Bernard), Pepper solves cases involving murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and more.

In many episodes, Pepper goes undercover as a nurse, teacher, waitress, or other roles to gather crucial information without raising suspicion.

Cast

Reception

Police Woman was a resounding success, especially during its first season, reaching the top of the ratings. Angie Dickinson received three Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe for her performance in the series.

The series inspired the creation of other crime dramas led by women, such as Charlie’s Angels, The Bionic Woman, and Cagney & Lacey. It also sparked a significant rise in applications from women to join police departments across the United States.

Trivia

• In 1976, President Gerald Ford rescheduled a press conference to avoid missing an episode of what was reportedly his favorite show.
• The episode “Flowers of Evil” caused controversy due to its portrayal of lesbian characters. Activists protested, leading NBC to decide not to re-air the episode.

Legacy

Police Woman was a groundbreaking series in American television, showcasing a strong female lead in a dramatic and action-packed role. Its influence is evident in the many series that followed, cementing its place in TV history.