Cannon
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Cannon

Cannon

19717
DramaAction & Adventure
Veröffentlicht
14. Sept. 1971
Land
Vereinigte Staaten
Produktion
Quinn Martin Productions (QM)
Cannon ist eine CBS-Detektivserie, produziert von Quinn Martin, die vom 26. März 1971 bis zum 3. März 1976 ausgestrahlt wurde. Der Hauptprotagonist ist die titelgebende Privatdetektivfigur Frank Cannon, gespielt von William Conrad. Er trat auch in zwei Episoden von Barnaby Jones auf. Cannon ist die erste von Quinn Martin produzierte Serie, die auf einem Netzwerk außerhalb von ABC ausgestrahlt wurde. Der Fernsehfilm „The Return of Frank Cannon“ wurde am 1. November 1980 ausgestrahlt. Insgesamt gab es 124 Episoden.

About

Quick guide

Cannon is a 1971–76 CBS crime drama starring William Conrad. He plays a seasoned private investigator solving gritty cases in 1970s America.

Cannon follows former cop Frank Cannon, a private detective with a sharp mind and a love for fine food, who tackles complex cases across the U.S. Each episode blends hardboiled investigation with moments of wit and human interest. William Conrad’s gravelly performance anchors the series, which was produced by Quinn Martin and aired on CBS from 1971 to 1976. Over five seasons, 124 episodes explored crime, corruption, and personal stories, reflecting the era’s social undercurrents. A 1980 TV film, The Return of Frank Cannon, briefly revived the character. The show remains a notable example of 1970s procedural drama and a precursor to later solo detective series.

What to know

  • Quinn Martin production, known for polished procedural style.
  • A total of 124 episodes aired across 5 seasons.
  • William Conrad portrays the tough, food-loving private investigator Frank Cannon.
  • CBS network, not ABC, marking a first for Quinn Martin.
  • Each episode focuses on a single mystery with self‑contained resolution.
  • The series balances crime drama with occasional humor and character moments.
  • The 1980 TV film "The Return of Frank Cannon" revived the title.

Watch if

If you enjoy classic detective shows with sharp dialogue, a lone gumshoe, and straightforward investigations set in 1970s America, Cannon delivers a solid procedural experience that highlights William Conrad’s memorable performance and Quinn Martin’s polished production style.

Skip if

Skip Cannon if you prefer modern crime shows with rapid cuts, recurring partners, or graphic violence; the series is slower paced and relies on dialogue and character nuance rather than high‑octane action.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavyintense actionsuspensefulmature themespsychological elementspolitical themes
Show Overview
Cannon premiered on CBS in 1971 and ran for five seasons until 1976. The series follows former police officer Frank Cannon as he solves a new case each episode. The show blends crime investigation with moments of humor, and showcases Conrad’s gravelly baritone. Produced by Quinn Martin, it carries the polished, procedural style that defined the era's television crime dramas.
Frank Cannon Character
Frank Cannon is a seasoned private investigator who brings street smarts and a culinary passion to each case. He prefers solitary work, rarely partnering with others, and relies on intuition and sharp questioning. His demeanor is gruff yet fair, often using humor to break tension. Conrad's portrayal balances toughness with an underlying sense of morality.
Production Background
Produced by Quinn Martin, known for procedural dramas like 'The Fugitive', Cannon was one of his first ventures outside ABC. The production team focused on realistic case details and tight pacing. Directors varied each episode, but the series maintained a consistent tone. Composer Dick DeBenedictis provided a subtle musical backdrop that emphasized the 1970s atmosphere.
Episode Structure
Each episode follows a self‑contained mystery, often involving crime, corruption, or personal betrayal. The structure begins with a client’s request, progresses through investigation, and culminates in a climactic confrontation. The series rarely revisits characters, emphasizing the episodic nature typical of 1970s procedurals.
Legacy & Revival
Cannon’s influence extended into the 1980s with a TV film, 'The Return of Frank Cannon', which briefly revived the character. While not as celebrated as other Quinn Martin series, Cannon remains a respected example of the era’s solo detective narrative. Its legacy lives on in later shows that blend crime‑solving with human depth.
Viewing Tips
Viewers should expect a slow‑burn investigative style, with dialogue driving the plot more than action. The series is best watched in its original order, as character development and recurring themes accumulate over time. The 1980 film is a nice capstone but not essential for understanding earlier episodes.
Comparative Shows
Cannon shares similarities with shows such as The Fugitive, Columbo, and The Rockford Files, all featuring lone detectives navigating complex cases. Its procedural format aligns with contemporary series like The Equalizer and Magnum, P.I., while its 1970s production style evokes the era’s classic crime dramas.

FAQ

22 Q&A
How many seasons did Cannon have?
Cannon ran for five seasons, from 1971 to 1976, producing a total of 124 episodes.
How many episodes are in the series?
The show consists of 124 episodes across its five seasons.
When did Cannon premiere?
Cannon premiered on March 26, 1971, on the CBS network.
When did the series end?
The final episode aired on March 3, 1976, concluding the series.
Who stars as Frank Cannon?
William Conrad portrays the titular private investigator, Frank Cannon.
Who produced the show?
Quinn Martin served as the series’ producer and was known for polished procedural dramas.
Who composed the music?
Dick DeBenedictis composed the score, providing a subtle musical backdrop for the series.
Which network aired Cannon?
CBS broadcast Cannon, marking one of Quinn Martin’s first non‑ABC projects.
What is the premise of Cannon?
Former cop Frank Cannon becomes a private investigator, solving a new case in each episode with street smarts and a passion for food.
Is there a revival film?
Yes, a 1980 TV film called The Return of Frank Cannon brought the character back for a single outing.
Does the series have recurring characters?
Most characters appear only once; the show focuses on standalone clients and suspects.
Who directed episodes of Cannon?
Multiple directors worked on the series, including notable names such as Richard Donner and Leo Penn.
What tone does the show have?
The tone is dark and investigative, with heavy dialogue and a focus on character nuance.
Are there action scenes?
Action scenes exist but the series emphasizes investigative work and dialogue over high‑octane sequences.
Does the series touch on social issues?
Episodes occasionally address corruption, personal morality, and other societal concerns of the 1970s.
What is Frank Cannon’s personality like?
Cannon is gruff, witty, principled, and enjoys good food, bringing a human touch to his investigations.
Are there female leads or partners?
There is no regular female partner; occasional guest stars appear but the show centers on Cannon alone.
Does Cannon use a vehicle in the show?
Cannon drives a classic sedan that appears in several episodes, sometimes used in pursuits.
Is Cannon available on streaming services?
Availability varies; the series can be found on select streaming platforms depending on region.
How does Cannon compare to other shows?
It shares similarities with The Fugitive and Columbo, featuring a lone detective and a procedural format.
Are there graphic scenes or gore?
Graphic content is minimal; the focus remains on crime investigation rather than explicit violence.
What was the critical reception of Cannon?
Reviews were mixed, but the series earned praise for William Conrad’s performance and its polished production.

Schauspieler

William Conrad
William Conrad
Frank Cannon
Charles Bateman
Charles Bateman
Tim O'Connor
Tim O'Connor
Keith Andes
Keith Andes
A. R. Bennings / Kermit Matthews / Len Francisco