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  • 1985
  • TV-14
  • ABC
  • 1985
  • TV-14
  • ABC
Spenser: For Hire

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 on Life...

  • 1985
  • TV-14
  • ABC
  • 1985
  • TV-14
  • ABC

Spenser: For Hire

Season 1 Premiere: Sep 20, 1985
Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
53
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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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 on Life...

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
53
57% Positive
4 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
29% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
53
57% Positive
4 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
29% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
70
Jul 24, 2014
Mr. Urich is the perfect television-series star, appealing without being overwhelming or threatening.
By John J. O'Connor FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 24, 2014
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]
FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 24, 2014
Credit is due here for crafting a show in which the relationships are at least as important as the chase scenes. [20 Sep 1985]
By Steve Sonsky FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 24, 2014
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]
FULL REVIEW
60
Jul 24, 2014
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]
By Robert P. Laurence FULL REVIEW
30
Jul 24, 2014
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.
By Howard Rosenberg FULL REVIEW
20
Jul 24, 2014
The most charitable reaction to an enterprise this shallow yet pretentious is, "They've got to be kidding." [20 Sep 1985]
By Tom Shales FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company:
  • Warner Bros. Television
Initial Release Date: Sep 20, 1985
Number of seasons: 4 Seasons
Rating: TV-14
Genres:
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Awards

Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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