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Remember this series!? What catches your spying-eye radar!?

“Kojak” had big shoes to fill when it debuted on CBS, 10/24/1973. You see, it took the timeslot of the popular “Cannon”. But, it resonated with people, lasting 5 seasons (until 03/18/1978) & became part of American culture with references in ‘Smokey & The Bandit’ (“Kojak with a Kodak”), ‘Foul Play’ & others.  Elsewhere, “Kojak” became slang for “bald man” (Brazil) & “lollipop” (Chile).
Prior to the series debut, a made-for-TV movie, ‘The Marcus-Nelson Murders’, aired in early 1973. Created by Abby Mann, the movie plot was based on the 1963 Wylie-Hoffert murders, with the opening & closing titles emphasizing the film was a fictional account of events leading to the United States Supreme Court creating Miranda rights in 1966. Telly Savalas originated the role of Theo Kojak in the movie (though, the last name was spelled Kojack); Kojak was a composite character based on detectives, lawyers & reporters involved in the Wylie-Hoffert murder case. In early episodes of the series, Kojak is seen smoking cigarettes; however, starting 12/12/1973, Kojak used lollipops as a substitute for cigarettes & that became 1 of his trademarks. Another trademark was his unmarked bronze 1973 Buick Century Regal 455 (& later 1975 version of the same car) featuring what became known as the “Kojak Light”. Along with Savalas, the series starred Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas, Mark Russell & Vince Conti; guest stars included Paul Anka, Dabney Coleman, Hector Elizondo, Richard Gere, Kathleen Quinlan, Lynn Redgrave, John Ritter, Sylvester Stallone, Danny Thomas & James Woods. After the series ended, several made-for-TV movies aired, featuring, among others, Angie Dickinson, Marcia Gay Harden, Jerry Orbach & Suzanne Pleshette.