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)

Last Episode

Pressure
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

EpisodeNameAirdate
S12E13PressureSept. 20, 1978
S12E12DeparturesSept. 13, 1978
S12E11PreySept. 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

Michael Forrest

Michael Forrest

plays DC Glyn Hicks (1962–1964)
David Daker

David Daker

plays PC Owen Culshaw (1967–1968)
Geoffrey Whitehead

Geoffrey Whitehead

plays PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)
Brian Blessed

Brian Blessed

plays PC "Fancy" Smith (1962–1965)
Jeremy Kemp

Jeremy Kemp

plays PC Bob Steele (1962-1963)
Joseph Brady

Joseph Brady

plays PC "Jock" Weir (1962–1965, 1967-1968)
Frank Windsor

Frank Windsor

plays DS John Watt (1962-1965)
John Barrie

John Barrie

plays DI/DCI Sam Hudson (1967, 1968)
View all cast

Characters

DC Glyn Hicks (1962–1964)

DC Glyn Hicks (1962–1964)

played by Michael Forrest
PC Owen Culshaw (1967–1968)

PC Owen Culshaw (1967–1968)

played by David Daker
PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

played by Geoffrey Whitehead
PC

PC "Fancy" Smith (1962–1965)

played by Brian Blessed
PC Bob Steele (1962-1963)

PC Bob Steele (1962-1963)

played by Jeremy Kemp
PC

PC "Jock" Weir (1962–1965, 1967-1968)

played by Joseph Brady
DS John Watt (1962-1965)

DS John Watt (1962-1965)

played by Frank Windsor
DI/DCI Sam Hudson (1967, 1968)

DI/DCI Sam Hudson (1967, 1968)

played by John Barrie
View all characters

Also known as

  • Z-Cars

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Secret Nazi Ruins
Running

Secret Nazi Ruins

From tunnels to towers, artillery sites, resistance nests and communication centers, Nazi Germany left their footprint throughout the world. To this day, silent remains still exist, sentinels guarding clues about plots that Hitler was unable to carry out. Secret Nazi Ruins digs up mysteries from some of the most covert projects as experts dissect and reveal the purpose of these structures, their makeup, and technical design.

GenreHistory
Chief of War
Running

Chief of War

Chief of War follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawaii from an indigenous point of view.

GenreDrama, History
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Running

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

On Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John Oliver presents a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events.

GenreComedy
Resident Alien
Running

Resident Alien

Resident Alien is a dark, twisted and comedic fish-out-of-water story that follows a crash-landed alien named Harry who, after taking on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor, slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth — ultimately asking the question, "Are human beings worth saving?"

GenreDrama, Comedy, Science-Fiction
Dexter: Resurrection
Running

Dexter: Resurrection

Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma and sets out for New York City, determined to find Harrison and make things right. But when Miami Metro's Angel Batista arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast.

GenreDrama, Crime, Mystery
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!