Harry O starring David Janssen (1931-1980) as Harry Orwell, ex-cop turned private detective.
The first episode aired in the US on the 12 September 1974. It was a good show with its one big problem being that The Rockford Files debuted one day later. The two beach-dwelling private eye shows were similar in ways and had two perfectly cast lead actors but Rockford was the more light hearted show and he outlasted Harry by a number of years.
The main supporting cast were Anthony Zerbe (b. 1936), Henry Darrow (1933-2021) and a pre-Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009) who popped up from time to time as Harry's neighbour. She was underused in the series but was a good foil with her character being bright and breezy and Harry usually being the opposite.
Anthony Zerbe also gives a very watchable performance. I'm more used to seeing him play bad guys. He's outstanding as one of Harry's main contacts in the police and could have held down a cop show of his own. Another police contact Harry has is played by Tom Atkins (b. 1935) who also had a similar recurring role in The Rockford Files.
One of the early working titles for Charlie's Angels was Harry's Angels. Due to the similarities in name the title had to change but in any case Harry O aired its final episode on 12 August 1976 clearing the way for the Angels to debut on 22 September.
The Rockford Files is the better series overall but aside from a few average episodes Harry O stands up well.
