प्लेयर सर्वर
एपिसोड
सीज़न
The Professionals
19778
ड्रामाअपराधएक्शन एवं साहसिक
रिलीज़
30 दिस॰ 1977
देश
यूनाइटेड किंगडम
प्रोडक्शन
LWT
ब्रिटेन के CI5 (क्रिमिनल इंटेलिजेंस 5) के शीर्ष एजेंट बॉडी और डॉयल और उनके नियंत्रक, जॉर्ज काउली का जीवन। CI5 का जनादेश आतंकवाद और इसी तरह के हाई-प्रोफाइल अपराधों से लड़ना था। काउली, एक कठिन पूर्व-MI5 ऑपरेटिव, ने अपने प्रत्येक आदमी को हाथ से चुना। बोडी एक सनकी पूर्व-एसएएस पैराट्रूपर और भाड़े का सैनिक है, जिसका स्वभाव नियंत्रित हिंसा के लिए दौड़ता है, जबकि उसका साथी, डॉयल, नियमित पुलिस बल से CI5 में आता है, और एक खुले दिमाग वाला उदारवादी है। उनका रिश्ता अक्सर विवादास्पद होता है, लेकिन वे अपने क्षेत्र में शीर्ष पुरुष हैं, और जिन्हें काउली ने हमेशा सबसे कठिन मामलों में सौंपा है।
About
Quick guide
Two agents, a cynical ex‑SAS and an idealist ex‑police, take on Britain’s toughest threats.
Set in late 1970s Britain, The Professionals follows the covert agency CI5 as it tackles terrorism and high‑profile crime. The team is led by former MI5 officer George Cowley, who hand‑picks two operatives: William Bodie, a former SAS paratrooper and mercenary, and Ray Doyle, a former police detective from the city. Their partnership is marked by contrasting attitudes—Bodie's ruthless pragmatism clashes with Doyle’s idealism—yet both are trusted with the toughest cases. Over 57 episodes the series blends action, car chases, and political intrigue, while exploring the moral ambiguities of covert justice. With a tough tone and sharp dialogue, it remains a classic of British crime drama.
What to know
- 57 episodes were produced, running from 30 Dec 1977 to 6 Feb 1983.
- The agency CI5 is a fictional covert intelligence unit modeled after MI5 and CID.
- Bodie is a former SAS paratrooper and mercenary; Doyle is an ex‑police detective.
- George Cowley is a seasoned MI5 officer who hand‑selects his operatives.
- Episodes average around 50 minutes and are shot in 5‑minute‑long segments.
- Iconic Ford Capri cars are used for car chases and action sequences.
- The series features a blend of gunfire, hand‑to‑hand combat and occasional bloodshed.
- The theme music was composed by Laurie Johnson.
Watch if
If you like gritty, fast‑paced police dramas with a blend of action and political intrigue, The Professionals delivers high‑stakes missions and sharp character dynamics, and 1970s British flavour.
Skip if
If you are sensitive to violence, strong language, or political content, this show might not be suitable and prefer light‑hearted thrillers.
crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyintense actioninvestigation heavylanguage somelanguage strongpolitical themespsychological elementswar themessome goresuspenseful
CI5: The Agency
CI5, short for Criminal Intelligence 5, is a shadowy UK organisation tasked with confronting crime that exceeds conventional policing. Created to operate outside the law, it is led by former MI5 officer George Cowley, who hand‑selects his best operatives. The show focuses on the agency’s clandestine missions, often involving terrorism, espionage, and organised crime.
Bodie: The Mercenary
William Bodie is a former SAS paratrooper turned mercenary, known for his street‑wise toughness and tactical expertise. His military background gives him a calm, calculated approach to violence, often preferring decisive, controlled engagements. Bodie's character is marked by a sardonic wit and a preference for solitary action, yet he relies heavily on Doyle’s intuition when plans go awry.
Doyle: The Idealist
Ray Doyle hails from an urban police background and brings a more philosophical perspective to CI5 missions. He values procedure, ethics, and often questions the morality of taking extreme measures. Doyle’s training in detective work and martial arts provides him with both investigative and combat skills, making him indispensable when the operation requires both brains and brawn.
Cowley: The Boss
George Cowley, a hardened ex‑MI5 operative, serves as the head of CI5. With a history of political service and covert operations, Cowley is known for his ruthlessness and willingness to use any means necessary to achieve justice. He maintains a tight grip on his agents, assigning them the most dangerous assignments and keeping them focused on the agency’s covert agenda.
Tension & Trust
Bodie and Doyle's partnership is the series’ core dynamic, characterized by sharp dialogue and conflicting philosophies. Their tension often drives the narrative, while mutual respect underpins the bond that allows them to take on complex missions. This dynamic showcases how divergent methods can complement each other, creating a compelling blend of action and character depth.
Action & Car Chases
The show is renowned for its high‑speed car chases, with agents driving iconic Ford Capris and other vehicles. Stunt coordination and realistic driving sequences create tension and showcase the characters’ physical prowess. These action set‑pieces are interwoven with investigative scenes, keeping viewers engaged through a blend of adrenaline and strategy.
Political Context
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the series frequently incorporates real‑world political threats such as terrorism, espionage, and domestic unrest. CI5’s operations often intersect with government agencies, reflecting the era’s tension between national security and civil liberties. The show’s dialogue and plotlines address the moral complexities of covert intervention.
Legacy & Influence
The Professionals left a lasting imprint on British crime drama, influencing later shows such as Spooks and MI‑5. Its blend of gritty realism, fast pacing, and character complexity set a new standard for action‑driven television. Fans continue to cite the series as a classic representation of 1970s and 80s British policing on screen.
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FAQ
23 Q&A
What is the premise of The Professionals?
The series centers on CI5, a covert UK intelligence unit, tasked with fighting terrorism and high‑profile crime. Two agents, Bodie, a former SAS operative, and Doyle, an ex‑police detective, are the frontline fighters. Their missions range from dismantling criminal syndicates to preventing terrorist attacks.
Who are the main characters?
Bodie (Lewis Collins) is a cynical ex‑SAS paratrooper. Doyle (Martin Shaw) is an idealistic former police detective. George Cowley (Gordon Jackson) is the seasoned CI5 boss who hand‑picks them. The trio form the core team.
What does CI5 stand for?
CI5 is short for Criminal Intelligence 5, a fictional UK agency modeled after MI5 and CID. It operates beyond standard police powers, often using covert or illegal methods.
How many episodes were produced?
The series ran for five seasons, producing 57 episodes between 1977 and 1983. Episodes average around 50 minutes each.
When did the show air?
It first broadcast on 30 December 1977 and concluded on 6 February 1983.
Who created The Professionals?
Brian Clemens, known for The Avengers, created the series. He also served as an executive producer and writer.
Where can I watch the series today?
The series is available on streaming platforms like Apple TV in the UK and on DVD collections. It may also be found on ITVX or other digital services depending on your region.
Is the series available on Netflix?
It is not currently on Netflix; however, it can be streamed on Apple TV in the UK and other subscription services.
Why did the show end in 1983?
Production ceased after 1981 due to declining ratings and writers' concerns over repetitive plots. The final broadcast occurred in 1983, but no new episodes were made after 1981.
Were there any controversial episodes?
Yes, the episode "Klansmen" was withdrawn from UK broadcast due to its racial content. It was later aired on cable in other countries.
What cars are featured in the series?
The agents frequently drive Ford Capris, with Bodie using a silver model and Doyle a gold one. The show also features other Ford models and classic British cars.
Who composed the theme music?
Laurie Johnson composed the memorable theme, which has become iconic for the series.
Was there a revival of The Professionals?
A 1999 revival called CI5: The New Professionals aired on Sky 1 but was short‑lived and did not achieve the original’s popularity.
Are there novelisations of the episodes?
Yes, several books adapted episodes, published by Sphere Books between 1978 and 1982.
Who originally auditioned for Bodie?
Anthony Andrews was the initial choice but was replaced by Lewis Collins after chemistry concerns.
How is violence portrayed in the show?
The series features gunfire, hand‑to‑hand combat, and occasional bloodshed, reflecting its gritty tone.
Are there strong language or adult themes?
The show contains some strong language and adult themes, but no explicit sexual content. It is suitable for mature audiences.
Does the show depict realistic MI5 operations?
While based on real agencies, CI5 operates with creative licence. Many aspects are dramatized for entertainment.
Where was the series filmed?
It was produced by London Weekend Television and filmed in various locations around London and the UK.
How do Bodie and Doyle differ?
Bodie is pragmatic, preferring quick, decisive action. Doyle values procedure, questioning the morality of extreme measures. Their differing views create tension and balance.
What is George Cowley’s background?
Cowley is a former MI5 officer with experience in covert operations, known for his unorthodox methods and a strong sense of duty.
Is there a fan community or online forum?
Yes, several fan sites and forums discuss episodes, theories, and character arcs, keeping the legacy alive.
Does the series have an American adaptation?
A 2022 US series titled The Professionals was released on The CW, but it is unrelated to the 1977 UK show.
