Z Cars

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)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S12E13PressureSep 20, 1978
S12E12DeparturesSep 13, 1978
S12E11PreySep 6, 1978
S12E10RummageAug 30, 1978
S12E09DeserterAug 23, 1978
View all episodesView 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.

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.

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

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Also known as

  • Z-Cars

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Snake
Running

The Snake

The Snake will follow 15 people from various professions trying to manipulate their way to becoming that week's snake, who decides who stays and who leaves the show, through a series of challenges. Each week, the winner of each challenge earns control of ‘The Saving Ceremony', an elimination that is about who will save certain contestants with people making friends, faking friends, or sparking romantic connections with the winner taking home $100,000.

Wednesday
Running

Wednesday

Smart, sarcastic and a little dead inside, Wednesday Addams investigates a murder spree while making new friends — and foes — at Nevermore Academy.

EastEnders
Running

EastEnders

Set in the East End of London, the show focuses on the tensions between love and family with stories ranging from hard-hitting social issues, to personal, human tragedies. And there's plenty of funny moments too. 

Classic characters old and new across thousands of episodes have shared a drink in The Queen Vic, shed tears of despair or joy, sat on Arthur's bench in the Square... and at some point or other they probably crossed paths with Ian Beale.

GenreDrama
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Running

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Belly Conklin is about to turn 16, and she's headed to her favorite place in the world, Cousins Beach, to spend the summer with her family and the Fishers. Belly's grown up a lot over the past year, and she has a feeling that this summer is going to be different than all the summers before.

Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch
Running

Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch

There are some places on earth where the land just seems different, and Blind Frog Ranch in eastern Utah is one of those places. Locals say the land is cursed. That it's trying to hold on to something. From Aztec treasure to caverns of gold and silver to lost Mormon mines, legends surround Duane Ollinger's 160-acre ranch in Utah's Uintah Basin. But Duane isn't concerned with the lore. After discovering a system of seven underground caves that run through his property, he is singularly focused on finding what's hidden in them - no matter what the cost.