Jake and the Fatman

This is probably the only other character besides Frank Cannon that William Conrad will always be associated with (other than his portrayal of Matt Dillon on the radio version of Gunsmoke). This was a good mixture of action and humor and the chemistry between William Conrad, Joe Penny and Alan Campbell was what made it so fun. Also, the best years of the show was when the locale was switched from Los Angeles to Honolulu. This seemed to add a little something to the show. Unfortunately, they had to move the show back to L.A. and that seemed to take the edge off the show. However, this show still will be one of the most underrated shows of the late-1980's.

I saw this serie for William Conrad performance. and, sure, for his dog. and the resemblace between them. in same measure, for the inspired architecture of each episode. and, sure, for the humor. because it remains more than a great crime serie. but one of the most energetic shows, and good example of the build of contrast in the portrait of lead characters.

Jake & The Fatman was a great experience for me, to participate in many episodes as an extra gave me the opportunity to meet so many talented actors and make many new friends. I truly enjoyed the times that I was asked to be part of all episodes of this great show, I truly enjoyed very much and learned a lot about the TV industry...and the experience led me to more participation in other TV shows shot in Hawaii! Jake & The Fatman was an exciting and wonderful experience for many of us...meeting, socializin and just being next to so many great actors, actresses, and fellow extras were unique moments to treasure Looking forwards to more TV shows in the Future!! Thank you for the Opportunity to have been part of TV history in Hawaii Rolando Sanchez

Magnum P.I., Riptide (my personal favorite), Simon & Simon, and all the other little detective shows that were on during the late 70s and early 80s network battles were light entertainment.

It's not to say that they weren't great entertainment, but just that the tone of the shows were less stressful and more family friendly.

Jake and the Fatman got a bit darker. The action and comedy were still there, but it sort of feels like the older sibling of detective shows. And it does so in almost the same way that Columbo feels like the adult in the room of detective shows from that era.

However, it's still entertaining fair that I would love to see brought back in some form. Buddy detective shows are a lot better than police procedural melodramas.

This was an OK show. William Conrad, notable for being one of the greatest actors in radio history--certainly among the top ten on any list--adds his memorable presence. Penney gets a lot of screen time as he runs around doing legwork and handling the action aspects. To me, Penney was always a fairly generic sleek good-looking type. I thought he was about adequate in the role, but I also thought any of three dozen actors could have done it as well. But William Conrad! He was a talent for the ages.