‘The Rookies,’ TV title, 1972
The Rookies first hit TV screens as an ABC Movie of the Week in the spring of 1972. By September, the series proper had launched and ran until March of 1976.
Kate Jackson as Jill Danko
The Rookies focused on a group of young southern California police recruits played by Georg Stanford Brown (Terry Webster), Sam Melville (Mike Danko) and Michael Ontkean (Willie Gillis). Kate Jackson, of Charlie’s Angels fame, played Mike’s wife, Jill. Gerald S. O’Loughlin appeared as older vet and mentor, Lt. Ryker. After two seasons, Ontkean left the show and was replaced by Bruce Fairbairn (Chris Owens).
In 1975, a two-part episode entitled “S.W.A.T.” was shown and it successfully launched a spin-off series for the Special Weapons and Tactics team.
Roll The Rookies season one intro below and bask in the aural glory of Elmer Bernstein’s epic, funky theme.
Previously, on Show toppers: The Fantastic Journey (1977)
But . . . . after Season One, they wouldn’t be “Rookies” anymore.
Typically great 70s cop show opening credits. Pulsing, dynamic score with bright flashing colors.
No ear protection on the firing range?
It’s hard for me to see Michael Ontkean and not think of his striptease at the end of “Slapshot”.
The show ran for years. They were “The Seasoned Vets” by the end.