Hey man, what can you say about Peter Gunn? It’s TV Noir, with Kool Jazz and Cadillacs, cigarettes, cheap booze, men in hats, hard-boiled nightowls, and a private detective with perfect hair and incredible suits. It’s also got the coolest theme and soundtrack ever.

Ever…

Cop/crime/detective shows were a household staple when I was growing up but with a few exceptions they never held my interest. Peter Gunn had come and gone before I was old enough to watch. I worked backwards into the show after hearing Art of Noise and Duane Eddy reworking Henry Mancini’s theme song in the 80s. I knew the music long before I ever saw Craig Stevens in the title role. I still can’t believe this show only went three seasons in total across two networks. Blake Edwards did try to keep reviving it right up to the late 80s. Maybe Pete was just too cool?Maybe it’s just too highly stylized? Damned if I know but it’s still my in my top five TV shows of all time. It’s just too good. I’ve been “digging it” gratis on Amazon.

Definitely triggers the urge to light up though.