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 Traitors
Running

The Traitors

Set in a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands and based on the wildly popular Dutch series of the same name, 5-time Emmy-nominated Alan Cumming plays host to twenty larger-than-life personalities (including reality A-listers and America's best game players) who come together to complete a series of challenges with the objective of earning a cash prize of up to $250,000. The catch? Three of the contestants coined "the traitors" will devise a plan to steal the prize from the other contestants coined "the faithful".

The Trades
Running

The Trades

Set in a blue-collar community where the high stress of working in a refinery is balanced by the comedic high-wire antics of its plant workers, The Trades centres around Todd, a pipefitter, and his sister and roommate, Audrey, who follows in her big brother's footsteps pursuing a career in the trades as a carpenter, just like their father Rod. 

GenreComedy
Death by Fame
Running

Death by Fame

Death by Fame goes behind the scenes to uncover the sinister side of fame and reveal the shocking true stories behind the rise, fall and murder of some of Hollywood's most promising stars.

GenreCrime
Ghosts
Running

Ghosts

Samantha and Jay throw caution to the wind when they convert their recently inherited country estate into a bed-and-breakfast. Call it mislaid plans. Not only is the place falling apart, but it's also inhabited by spirits of previous residents -- whom only Samantha can see and hear. Ghosts spins the funny, heartfelt story about a newfound dream that reveals connection and self-discovery aren't just for the living.

The Proof Is Out There
Running

The Proof Is Out There

The Proof Is Out There takes an in-depth look at some of the most incredible and thought provoking videos of unexplained phenomena and mysterious must-see moments of all time. Each half-hour episode explores and analyzes the full story of each irregularity in question from bizarre footage of people seemingly immune to lightning, to a fifty-foot snake, apocalyptic sounds in a man's backyard, enigmatic creatures, and UFOS that split and dive underwater. Through expert examination and the use of the latest technologies, The Proof Is Out There aims to get to the bottom of what's real? What's fake? And everything in between.