Riptide

The cases of a private investigations agency run by two Vietnam War veterans and their computer geek friend from high school, armed with toughness, their own helicopter, and the third's technical ability.

Riptide (1984-1986) is an American NBC crime adventure series created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J. Cannell. Two Vietnam War veterans, Cody Allen (Perry King) and Nick Ryder (Joe Penny), run a private investigations agency in Los Angeles with their computer-savvy high school friend Murray Bozinsky (Thom Bray). Armed with toughness, their own helicopter, and Murray's technical ability, the partners take on a steady stream of cases for paying clients, from missing persons to schemes that demand fast action. The engine of each episode is the chase: a client's trouble, a trail of clues, and a dangerous confrontation that the trio resolves together. Ted Quinlan (Jack Ging) appears as a recurring figure in the agency's orbit, adding a steady presence to the team. The series spans three seasons and 56 episodes, with each story wrapped up within the episode, so viewers can dip in at any point. Its tone is breezy and escapist, with a buddy camaraderie and a classic 1980s network energy. Fans of The A-Team, Magnum, P.I., and Hunter will find the same blend of ex soldier heroics, light humor, and case-of-the-week action.

Viewers remember Riptide as a light, nostalgic 1980s action-adventure with likable leads and a playful tone, with audience ratings that were mixed overall.

• The A-Teamshared light action adventure tone, buddy ensemble of ex military heroes, episodic case of the week format
• Magnum, P.I.shared private detective agency premise, lighthearted crime procedural tone, 1980s network adventure
• Huntershared crime action tone, ensemble of former soldiers solving cases, Stephen J. Cannell production style

Created by

Frank Lupo, Stephen J. Cannell

Release Date

1984-01-03

Episode runtime

48 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (60)

What is Riptide about?

Two Vietnam veterans and their high school computer whiz friend run a Los Angeles detective agency, solving cases with grit and their own helicopter.

What is Riptide like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Riptide as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Riptide violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Riptide as mild.

What did critics think of Riptide?

Viewers remember Riptide as a light, nostalgic 1980s action-adventure with likable leads and a playful tone, with audience ratings that were mixed overall.

Which shows are like Riptide?

Shows with a similar feel include The A-Team, Magnum, P.I., and Hunter.

How long is Riptide?

Riptide: 3 seasons, 56 episodes.

Is Riptide still running?

No, Riptide has ended.

Where can I watch Riptide?

In United States, Riptide streams on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV.