Television series

Dan August

Name: Dan August
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: 1970
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Norman Fell, Ned Romero, Richard Anderson, Ena Hartman

Police procedural

Dan August is a slick 1970s police procedural centered on Burt Reynolds as a detective in a sunny Southern California town. Methodical, character-driven, and pitched somewhere between gritty realism and movie-star charisma, it's a show that takes its cases seriously without forgetting to let its lead look good. Perfect for fans of classic crime drama who appreciate a little swagger with their procedural beats.

If you liked this

Columbo1968

A detective series that, like Dan August, builds cases through conversation and observation rather than action heroics. Peter Falk's rumpled genius is endlessly watchable, and the writing is sharp enough to hold up fifty years later.

But Slower paced than modern TV, with less urgency. If you need constant plot momentum, this will feel leisurely.

The Streets of San Francisco1972

Another early-70s cop show with Karl Malden and Michael Douglas investigating cases in atmospheric California settings. Great sense of place, solid ensemble work, and the same methodical detective approach as Dan August.

But Douglas is still finding his footing as an actor here; his performance is workmanlike rather than commanding.

Mannix1967

Mike Connors as a private investigator with charm, smarts, and an easygoing confidence that echoes Reynolds' screen presence. Stylish 60s-70s production design and genuinely clever mysteries that don't waste your time.

But Veers toward adventure-thriller territory sometimes, which means plot can overwhelm character if that's not your preference.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Dan August

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Midnight Lace1960

Both are stories about investigating truth in a murky middle ground—where procedure and instinct have to do battle, and what you're looking at might not be what you think it is.

A taut psychological thriller with Doris Day as a woman terrorized in her own home, building paranoia and dread through suggestion rather than action. Gorgeously shot in London, it's lean, mean entertainment that respects your intelligence.

But The twist ending is a product of its era's attitudes toward women and mental illness; what was shocking then reads as deeply uncomfortable now, in ways the film doesn't seem aware of.

Ironside1967

Raymond Burr as a paralyzed police consultant solving cases from a wheelchair—compelling because the show never plays it as sentiment. Strong procedural bones and a lead actor who commands every scene.

But Some episodes lean heavily on dramatic speeches about disability that feel dated and earnest in ways that can undercut the mystery.

The Rockford Files1974

James Garner as a private eye in LA with wit, warmth, and a gift for getting beaten up in service of the story. Great writing, terrific character work, and an infectious sense that the show is enjoying itself.

But More comedic and lighter in tone than Dan August; if you want serious crime drama, this might feel too playful.

Starsky & Hutch1975

A 70s buddy-cop drama with genuine chemistry, stylish filmmaking, and cases that matter. The partnership between the leads is the real engine, making character as important as the mystery.

But Slicker and more action-oriented than classic procedurals; crime drama fans seeking grittiness might find it a touch glossy.

Story of Kunning Palace2023

An anthology series where each episode is a complete story from the LAPD, giving you variety without losing the procedural DNA. Great for dipping in without committing to a continuing cast.

But Anthology format means no character continuity to invest in; if you're watching for the leads, there are none.

Adam-121968

A patrol officer drama that's almost documentary-like in its focus on day-to-day police work. Authentic, understated, and genuinely interested in the job itself rather than just the crimes.

But Deliberately unglamorous and routine; if you want detective drama with stakes and mystery, this is beat-cop reality instead.

The Mod Squad1968

Three young undercover cops solving crimes in the counterculture—70s television at its most stylish, with a real attempt to engage with the era's social tensions. Charismatic leads and surprisingly nuanced storytelling.

But The show's attempts to be 'with it' about youth culture aged awkwardly; it can feel patronizing now, and cases sometimes feel secondary to messaging.

Odds Against Tomorrow1959

Both are detective/crime stories where the real investigation is into character—what men want, what they'll compromise for, what they tell themselves to justify what they do.

A beautifully shot heist film about three men planning a robbery, with Harry Belafonte and Robert Ryan locked in the kind of tense character study that makes the crime feel secondary. Noir sensibility meets psychological realism.

But The racial tensions built into the plot are historically honest but make for uncomfortable viewing; the film doesn't soften them, which is to its credit and to your potential discomfort.

The Killing1956

A procedural at heart—each section is methodical, careful planning undone by human behavior, the kind of criminal investigation that's really an investigation of how people self-destruct.

Kubrick's debut is a racetrack heist told in fractured chronology, following multiple perspectives of a small crime with big consequences. It's tense, smart, and proof that you don't need big explosions for genuine dread.

But The non-linear structure feels experimental and demands attention; if you want straightforward narrative, the jumping around might frustrate you.