Screen Time: Police Squad

There's is always something fascinating about television shows that last only one season.  They have a definite start and a definite ending.  They exists as a snapshot of exactly what the creators and producers intended, not at all influenced or altered by popular and critical opinion.  Usually, there is a reason why the show had only lasted a single season.  Many shows aren't of a quality that was promised and many shows simply don't find an audience to sustain itself.  And some shows just are too ahead of their time.  Police Squad is definitely one of those show and it definitely deserves some of your Screen Time.

Starring Leslie Nielsen and Alan North, Police Squad is a high concept parody show that brutally mocks the gritty cop shows of the 60's and 70's.  Each episode of the show's six episode run is filled to the brim with Airplane-style humor that range from completely random to completely genius.  Leslie Nielsen is at peak form and is drop dead hilarious using his straight laced persona in dealing with a variety of ridiculous situations.  He is supported by a zany cast of supporting characters, including a giant officer whose face is never shown, a strangely perverted lab technician, and a shoe buffer with infinite knowledge of everything.

Although Police Squad barely has three hours of show time to its name, I cannot give a higher recommendation to a one season show.  Well, besides Firefly.  Duh.  Police Squad's humor and its ingenious writing offers up some instantly classic TV moments that are still being recycled as GIFs today.  I don't want to mention too many specifics because it would ruin a lot of the craziness you are in for if you choose to watch Police Squad.  But trust me when I say you will be giving Police Squad a fantastic recommendation to your friends too.

Thanks for reading!