# The Sweeney (1975)

> A maverick Flying Squad detective and his loyal partner bend the rules to chase London's criminals.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/719

## Facts

- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 53
- Episode runtime: 60 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: crime, action, drama
- Created by: Ian Kennedy Martin
- Network: ITV1
- Cast: John Thaw, Dennis Waterman, Garfield Morgan, Brian Wilde, Wanda Ventham, T. P. McKenna, Prunella Gee, Tony Jay
- TMDB rating: 8.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071059/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: gritty, brisk, hard edged, abrasive, tense

## Synopsis

The Sweeney (1975-1978) is a British television police action series created by Ian Kennedy Martin for ITV1, produced by Thames Television and Euston Films. Across four seasons and 53 hour-long episodes, it follows Det. Insp. Jack Regan (John Thaw), an unethical officer of London's Flying Squad who pursues criminals with unorthodox and often rule-breaking methods. His steady partner Det. Sgt. George Carter (Dennis Waterman) runs alongside him through each case, while Det. Chief Insp. Frank Haskins (Garfield Morgan) stands over them as the supervising officer who must balance results against propriety. The engine is the chase itself: a standalone criminal case is opened, pursued through London streets, and closed within each episode, with recurring guest actors playing the suspects and informants. The format is a case of the week procedural with a constant partnership at its center. The tone is gritty, brisk and hard edged, with fast cut raids, car chases and brutal confrontations that feel grounded in the period's street crime. Viewers who enjoy The Professionals and Minder will find the same blend of tough London action and loyal male partnership. Its mood is abrasive but warm between the two leads, and the show remains a defining example of 1970s British police television.

## Shows like The Sweeney

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- [The Last Detective (2003)](https://ember.film/tv/18358)
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- [Criminal Record (2024)](https://ember.film/tv/127316)
- [New Tricks (2004)](https://ember.film/tv/12440)
- [Law & Order: UK (2009)](https://ember.film/tv/6608)
- [Scott & Bailey (2011)](https://ember.film/tv/36323)
- [Prime Suspect 1973 (2017)](https://ember.film/tv/61679)
- [Hill Street Blues (1981)](https://ember.film/tv/3642)

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