Spenser: For Hire

Mystery and suspense series based on Robert Parker's "Spenser" novels. Spenser, a private investigator living in Boston, gets involved in a new murder mystery each episode.

Spenser: For Hire (1985-1988) is a US network crime mystery series created by Robert B. Parker and John Wilder for ABC. Robert Urich plays Spenser, a wisecracking private investigator working out of Boston, adapted from Robert Parker's novels. Avery Brooks plays his tough, stoic friend Hawk, who backs him up on dangerous cases, while Barbara Stock plays Susan Silverman, his lover and sounding board, and Ron McLarty plays Frank Belson, a police detective whose cooperation and friction with Spenser keep the investigations grounded. Each hour-long episode delivers a self-contained murder mystery, with Spenser sifting clues, questioning suspects and wading through a city's corruption and rough streets before the case resolves. Across three seasons the series stays a case-of-the-week procedural with a steady throughline in Spenser's relationships and personal code. The tone blends sardonic banter with suspense and moody urban atmosphere, a style that will appeal to fans of Magnum, P.I. and Columbo looking for a classic 1980s private eye show set in Boston.

• Magnum, P.I. (1980)shared private detective procedural format with a wisecracking investigator solving a murder each episode
• Columboshared Boston-set mystery tone with a hardboiled investigator and case-of-the-week structure
• Moonlightingshared 1980s private eye crime drama with episodic murder mysteries and a loyal sidekick

Created by

Robert B. Parker, John Wilder

Release Date

1985-09-20

Episode runtime

48 min

Rating

7.3 / 10 (34)

What is Spenser: For Hire about?

A Boston private investigator takes on a new murder mystery each episode, backed by his tough partner Hawk.

What is Spenser: For Hire like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Spenser: For Hire as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Spenser: For Hire violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Spenser: For Hire as mild.

Which shows are like Spenser: For Hire?

Shows with a similar feel include Magnum, P.I. (1980), Columbo, and Moonlighting.

How long is Spenser: For Hire?

Spenser: For Hire: 3 seasons, 65 episodes.

Is Spenser: For Hire still running?

No, Spenser: For Hire has ended.

Where can I watch Spenser: For Hire?

In United States, Spenser: For Hire is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.