Z Cars (1962-1978)

EndedScripted showDrama, Crime

Z Cars or Z-Cars was a British television drama series centred on the work of mobile uniformed police in the fictional town of Newtown, based on Kirkby, Merseyside. Produced by the BBC, it debuted in January 1962 and ran until September 1978.

The series differed sharply from earlier police procedurals. With its less-usual Northern setting, it injected a new element of harsh realism into the image of the police, which some found unwelcome.

Z Cars ran for a total of 803 episodes, of which fewer than half have survived. Regular stars included Stratford Johns (Detective Inspector Barlow), Frank Windsor (Det. Sgt Watt), James Ellis (Bert Lynch) and Brian Blessed ("Fancy" Smith). Barlow and Watt were later spun into a separate series "Softly, Softly".

The name Z Cars relates to an imaginary "Z" Division of the local constabulary. The theme tune was based on a traditional Liverpool folk song, and was adopted by Everton Football Club as its official anthem.

Network

Scheduleevery Wednesday (50 min)

Last Episode

Season 12Episode 1350 min

Pressure

A new security shutter is being installed at the entrance to Newtown station, just in time, it seems, as an angry mob gathers outside. A stream of visitors keeps the desk duty officer busy.

Sept. 20, 1978

Recent Episodes

Episode	Name	Airdate
S12E13	Pressure	Sept. 20, 1978
S12E12	Departures	Sept. 13, 1978
S12E11	Prey	Sept. 6, 1978
S12E10	Rummage	Aug. 30, 1978
S12E09	Deserter	Aug. 23, 1978

View all episodes View all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions Warning: Spoilers

When did the TV show 'Z Cars' premiere?

'Z Cars' premiered on September 2, 1962.

Who were the two lead characters in 'Z Cars'?

The two lead characters were Detective Inspector Barlow and Detective Sergeant Watt.

Which UK police force provided advisors to the creators of 'Z Cars'?

The Lancashire Constabulary provided advisors to the creators of 'Z Cars'.

Who played the character of PC Bob Steele in 'Z Cars'?

Actor Jeremy Kemp played the character of PC Bob Steele in 'Z Cars'.

What was the mark of the police car featured in 'Z Cars'?

The mark of the police car featured in 'Z Cars' was a Ford Zephyr 6 Mark III.

In 'Z Cars,' what was the name of the pub where the detectives would often stop for a drink?

The pub was named "The Blue Lamp".

Which notable British actor starred in the episode "A Different Drummer" of 'Z Cars'?

Actor Sean Connery starred in the episode "A Different Drummer" of 'Z Cars'.

How many episodes of 'Z Cars' were produced in black and white?

Over 350 episodes of 'Z Cars' were produced in black and white.

In 'Z Cars,' which character was often seen having a love interest in the show?

Detective Sergeant Lynch was often seen having a love interest in the show.

What was the name of the spin-off show that was developed from 'Z Cars'?

The spin-off show was called 'Softly, Softly'.

Who composed the theme music for 'Z Cars'?

The theme music for 'Z Cars' was composed by Fritz Spiegl and the front-piece to the music was played by Johnny Keating.

What was the running time of each episode of 'Z Cars'?

Each episode of 'Z Cars' had a running time of approximately 50 minutes.

Cast

Characters

DC Glyn Hicks (1962–1964)

played by Michael Forrest

PC Owen Culshaw (1967–1968)

played by David Daker

PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

played by Geoffrey Whitehead

PC "Fancy" Smith (1962–1965)

played by Brian Blessed

PC Bob Steele (1962-1963)

played by Jeremy Kemp

PC "Jock" Weir (1962–1965, 1967-1968)

played by Joseph Brady

DS John Watt (1962-1965)

played by Frank Windsor

DI/DCI Sam Hudson (1967, 1968)

played by John Barrie

View all characters

Also known as

Z-Cars

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Z Cars (1962-1978)

Last Episode

Pressure

Recent Episodes

Frequently Asked Questions Warning: Spoilers

Cast

Michael Forrest

David Daker

Geoffrey Whitehead

Brian Blessed

Jeremy Kemp

Joseph Brady

Frank Windsor

John Barrie

Characters

DC Glyn Hicks (1962–1964)

PC Owen Culshaw (1967–1968)

PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

PC "Fancy" Smith (1962–1965)

PC Bob Steele (1962-1963)

PC "Jock" Weir (1962–1965, 1967-1968)

DS John Watt (1962-1965)

DI/DCI Sam Hudson (1967, 1968)

Also known as

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