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
S12E10Rummageaoût 30, 1978
S12E09Deserteraoût 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)
Donald Gee

Donald Gee

plays PC Ray Walker
Geoffrey Whitehead

Geoffrey Whitehead

plays PC Ken Baker (1964–1965), DS Miller
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)
John Challis

John Challis

plays Sgt Culshaw
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 Ray Walker

PC Ray Walker

played by Donald Gee
PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

PC Ken Baker (1964–1965)

played by Geoffrey Whitehead
DS Miller

DS Miller

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
View all characters

Also known as

  • Z-Cars

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