Spelarserver
Avsnitt
Säsong
Rättvisans män
19876
DramaKriminalAction & Adventure
Släppt
26 sep. 1987
Land
USA
Produktioner
Viacom ProductionsDean Hargrove ProductionsFred Silverman CompanyStrathmore Productions
Den storväxte och buttre åklagaren J.L. McCabe och hans brottsutredare Jake Styles löser allehanda brott i Los Angeles och senare Hawaii, som ganska ofta har kopplingar till dem själva. McCabe är mannen som inte litar på många, men Jake utgör undantaget.
About
Quick guide
Jake and the Fatman follows a seasoned district attorney and his easygoing PI as they tackle crimes across Los Angeles and Hawaii.
Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the series centers on J.L. 'Fatman' McCabe, a former Honolulu police officer turned Los Angeles district attorney, and his partner, the spirited investigator Jake Styles. Together they solve a range of criminal cases, balancing legal strategy with on‑the‑ground investigation. The show blends courtroom drama with action and occasionally light humor, offering a mix of procedural and character moments that keep viewers engaged across its five seasons.
What to know
- Five seasons, 106 episodes.
- Set in Los Angeles and Hawaii.
- Legal and investigative partnership.
- Created by Dean Hargrove and Joel Steiger.
- Spin‑off: Diagnosis: Murder.
- Episodes about 45 minutes long.
- Available on streaming and DVD.
Watch if
If you enjoy procedural dramas with a blend of courtroom strategy and on‑the‑ground investigation, and appreciate a duo with contrasting personalities, Jake and the Fatman offers a compelling mix of legal tension and light humor.
Skip if
If you prefer high‑energy, modern crime shows with fast‑paced action or minimal courtroom focus, this older series may feel dated and less dynamic.
crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage somemature themessuspenseful
Premise
Premise: 'Jake and the Fatman' follows seasoned district attorney J.L. 'Fatman' McCabe and his sharp‑witted PI partner, Jake Styles, as they tackle crime across two distinct U.S. locations. Their complementary methods—legal precision versus on‑the‑ground tactics—create tension and teamwork that drive each episode, delivering both courtroom confrontation and field investigation.
Main Characters
Main Characters: Fatman, a seasoned prosecutor with a tough, no‑nonsense attitude, contrasts with Jake, a free‑spirited investigator who often relies on intuition. Supporting roles include Assistant District Attorney Derek Mitchell and recurring guest stars such as Dr. Mark Sloan, whose appearance later sparked a spin‑off. Their dynamics add depth to the procedural format.
Setting & Production
Setting & Production: The first season is set in Los Angeles, but after the opening episode, the series relocates to Hawaii, reflecting the characters’ backgrounds and adding visual variety. Filming moved between LA and Honolulu, giving the show a dual aesthetic and allowing exploration of both mainland and island crime stories.
Season Highlights
Season Highlights: Across five seasons, the show blends procedural cases with character development. Notable moments include the first episode’s courtroom showdown, the second season’s shift to island investigations, and recurring themes of justice versus personal loyalty. Each season concludes with a case that tests the partnership’s resolve while leaving room for new storylines.
Spin‑off Legacy
Spin‑off Legacy: The series' popularity led to a spin‑off starring Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan, a medical examiner who solves crimes. 'Diagnosis: Murder', which debuted in 1993, continued the investigative tradition and became a long‑running series, further expanding the universe created by 'Jake and the Fatman'.
Why Watch
Why Watch: Fans of legal dramas appreciate the mix of courtroom tactics and field investigation. The dynamic between Fatman’s seasoned approach and Jake’s intuitive sleuthing offers engaging tension, while the occasional humor keeps the tone approachable. It’s a solid example of late‑80s crime TV.
Where to Watch
Where to Watch: The complete series is available on streaming platforms that carry classic television libraries. Check services such as Paramount+, CBS All Access, or purchased digital copies on iTunes and Amazon. Availability may vary by region, so a quick search can confirm current options.
Similar vibes
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Chicago P.D.
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FAQ
25 Q&A
How many seasons of Jake and the Fatman were produced?
The series ran for five seasons, producing a total of 106 episodes from 1987 to 1992.
How many episodes does the series have?
There are 106 episodes across five seasons, offering a substantial archive for binge‑watching.
When did the series premiere and end?
It premiered on September 26, 1987, and concluded on May 6, 1992, marking a five‑year run.
Where can I watch the series?
The complete series is available on streaming platforms like Paramount+ and CBS All Access, and can also be purchased on Amazon or iTunes. Availability may vary by region.
Who are the main characters?
J.L. "Fatman" McCabe, a seasoned district attorney, and Jake Styles, a spirited investigator, are the central duo, supported by Assistant District Attorney Derek Mitchell.
What is the relationship between Fatman and Jake?
They form a professional partnership with contrasting styles—Fatman's methodical legal approach balances Jake's intuitive field work, creating tension and mutual respect.
Why did the show move to Hawaii?
The move provided fresh visuals and reflected Fatman's Honolulu background, adding variety to the series' aesthetic and narrative.
Is there a final episode that wraps up the story?
The series concludes without a definitive overarching finale; each episode remains self‑contained, focusing on individual cases.
Who created the series?
Dean Hargrove and Joel Steiger are credited as the creators of the show.
Who directed the episodes?
Multiple directors contributed, including Jackie Cooper, Leo Penn, and James Frawley.
Did the show have a spin‑off?
Yes, the character Dr. Mark Sloan, introduced in a 1990 episode, later starred in the long‑running spin‑off 'Diagnosis: Murder'.
Were any episodes filmed on location?
Filming took place in Los Angeles and Honolulu, Hawaii, providing distinct backdrops for different seasons.
What is the runtime of an episode?
Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, fitting the standard hour‑long TV slot with commercials.
Does the show contain graphic violence?
While crime scenes depict violence, the show stays within standard TV guidelines, avoiding excessive gore.
What themes are explored?
The series tackles justice, moral ambiguity, law enforcement challenges, and the balance between personal loyalty and duty.
Are there any recurring guest stars?
Yes, actors like Alan Campbell and Dr. Mark Sloan appeared multiple times, adding continuity to the narrative.
How was the show received by critics?
Critics generally praised its solid storytelling and strong performances, noting its blend of courtroom drama and action.
What awards did the series win?
The series earned one award, including a 1991 accolade for Best Drama Series.
Is the series available on DVD?
The complete series was released on DVD in 2017; earlier seasons were available earlier in Region 1.
Can I find the series on streaming services outside the US?
Availability depends on regional licensing; check local providers or international platforms like Netflix for possible options.
What kind of music/theme does the series use?
An instrumental theme composed by Steve Tyrell sets the mood, punctuating both courtroom scenes and investigative moments.
Were the cases based on real crimes?
Some episodes drew inspiration from real events, but most plots are fictional constructs tailored for the series.
How does the show balance courtroom drama and field investigation?
Each episode typically follows a two‑part structure, starting with the investigation and culminating in a courtroom showdown, ensuring both elements are showcased.
Who was the executive producer of the series?
Dean Hargrove, Fred Silverman, and others oversaw production throughout the five‑season run.
How does the show differ from Diagnosis: Murder?
While both focus on crime-solving, Diagnosis: Murder centers on medical examiner Dr. Mark Sloan, whereas Jake and the Fatman emphasizes the legal partnership between Fatman and Jake.
