Spenser: For Hire

Name: Spenser: For Hire
Genre: Drama, Suspense
Released: September 20, 1985
Rating: 53
Cast: Richard Jaeckel, Avery Brooks, Carolyn McCormick, Barbara Stock, Ron McLarty

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Mixed or average reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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Series Details & Credits

ABC | Release Date: September 20, 1985

Starring: Richard Jaeckel, Avery Brooks, Carolyn McCormick, Barbara Stock, Ron McLarty, Robert Urich

Summary: Robert Urich plays the single-named detective in this Boston-set adaptation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, which also starred Avery Brooks (whose character later got a short-lived spinoff series, A Man Called Hawk), ran for three seasons on ABC, though it was later followed by four made-for-TV movies that aired onRobert Urich plays the single-named detective in this Boston-set adaptation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, which also starred Avery Brooks (whose character later got a short-lived spinoff series, A Man Called Hawk), ran for three seasons on ABC, though it was later followed by four made-for-TV movies that aired on Lifetime in the early 1990s.… Expand

Genre(s): Drama, Suspense

Recent Episodes

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S3:E21. Haunting
Air Date: May 7, 1988
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S3:E20. McAllister
Air Date: April 30, 1988
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S3:E19. Hawk's Eyes
Air Date: March 26, 1988

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Steve Daley

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: In many respects, "Spenser: For Hire" is just another cop show. But the characters come on strong, speak in complete sentences, bleed when cut and offer us some humanity in a medium where linen jackets and Ferraris have assumed control. It's hard not to like Spenser, and it's hard not to like "Spenser: For Hire." [20 Sep 1985]

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: Although it doesn't stint on action... the emphasis is more on character and plot. Add some urbane dialogue, solid performances and Boston as the novel setting, and Spenser may find its audience. [7 Sep 1985]

John J. O'Connor

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: Mr. Urich is the perfect television-series star, appealing without being overwhelming or threatening. Read full review

Steve Sonsky

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: Credit is due here for crafting a show in which the relationships are at least as important as the chase scenes. [20 Sep 1985]

Robert P. Laurence

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: If "Spenser" has a problem, it is that the detective's sensitivity is not treated very sensitively. As in most TV series, "subtlety" seems to be a foreign word. ... But the car chases and gunfights are staged pretty well, and some good stories and continued strong characterizations could help the show's appeal. [20 Sep 1985]

Howard Rosenberg

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: Spenser is played by Robert Urich, a capable actor who you always feel should be doing something better than he's doing, but he never does. The show is shot in Boston and has a nice cinematic look. But the writing is so bad and the role so camp that you could substitute Bill Murray for Urich and not miss a beat. Read full review

Tom Shales

Jul 24, 2014

Season 1 Review: The most charitable reaction to an enterprise this shallow yet pretentious is, "They've got to be kidding." [20 Sep 1985]

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Seasons & Episodes

53

Series Overview
Season 3

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- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: September 27, 1987
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  S3:E21. Haunting
  Air Date: May 7, 1988
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  S3:E20. McAllister
  Air Date: April 30, 1988
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  S3:E19. Hawk's Eyes
  Air Date: March 26, 1988
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  S3:E18. Watercolors
  Air Date: March 19, 1988
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  S3:E17. Company Man
  Air Date: March 12, 1988
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  S3:E16. Substantial Justice
  Air Date: March 5, 1988
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  S3:E15. The Big Fight
  Air Date: February 6, 1988
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  S3:E14. Play it Again, Sammy
  Air Date: January 30, 1988
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  S3:E13. To the End of the Line
  Air Date: January 23, 1988
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  S3:E12. Arthur's Wake
  Air Date: January 16, 1988
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  S3:E11. The Siege
  Air Date: January 10, 1988
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  S3:E10. Skeletons in the Closet
  Air Date: January 3, 1988
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  S3:E9. Child's Play
  Air Date: December 20, 1987
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  S3:E8. Gone Fishin'
  Air Date: December 6, 1987
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  S3:E7. Thanksgiving
  Air Date: November 29, 1987
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  S3:E6. Consilum Abditum
  Air Date: November 15, 1987
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  S3:E5. Sleepless Dream
  Air Date: November 8, 1987
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  S3:E4. On the Night he Was Betrayed
  Air Date: November 1, 1987
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  S3:E3. The Heart of the Matter
  Air Date: October 11, 1987
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  S3:E2. My Enemy, My Friend
  Air Date: October 4, 1987
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  S3:E1. Homecoming
  Air Date: September 27, 1987
Season 2

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- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: September 27, 1986
Season 1

53
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: September 20, 1985