What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedK-9
Rod Daniel · Film · 1989
If you loved K-9, start with Hudson & Rex (Ken Cuperus, 2019) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to K-9 across media.
If you enjoyed the chaotic, unpredictable bond between man and beast in K-9, these selections explore similar dynamic crime-fighting partnerships.
Books on the same thread
Chasing a Kidnapper
Laura Scott · Book
Explores: protective instinct, stalker menace, law enforcement duty.
Much like the protective but strained relationship in K-9, this story centers on the high-stakes reliance between a human officer and their canine partner during intense criminal investigations.
Searching for Justice
Connie Queen · Book
Explores: justice, loyalty, law enforcement.
This narrative mirrors the core dynamic of K-9 by pairing a dedicated law enforcement officer with a specialized dog to pursue justice through an effective, loyal partnership.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Crime-fighting, Animal Heroes.
Fans of the lighthearted, animal-led antics in K-9 will appreciate this canine hero who balances his crime-fighting duties with the same endearing, clumsy personality traits found in Jerry Lee.
Dog Man (Captain Underpants: Dog Man #1)
Dav Pilkey · Book · 2016
Explores: Superhero, Crime-fighting, Transformation.
This graphic novel captures the humorous spirit of K-9 by focusing on a police dog whose dedication to justice is matched only by his struggle to master basic professional discipline.
Series on the same thread
Hudson & Rex
Ken Cuperus · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with K-9: Buddy Cop.
If the buddy-cop chemistry in K-9 was your favorite element, you will enjoy this series where a detective relies on his highly trained German Shepherd for successful investigations.
Police Squad!
Jerry Zucker · Series · 1982
Explores: Incompetence, Satirical Crime, Absurdity.
If you enjoyed the satirical tone of K-9, this show offers a similar absurdist approach to the police procedural, replacing the canine antics with hilarious, bumbling law enforcement incompetence.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
While lacking the canine partner, this podcast explores the same themes of professional intimacy and friendship that provided the emotional backbone for the chaotic partnership in K-9.
Crime in Sports
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: athlete misconduct, legal absurdity, scandalous behavior.
This podcast shares the dark, investigative humor found in K-9, turning the serious nature of criminal behavior into a comedic exploration of those who cross the law.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the premise of the movie K-9?
K-9 follows a police officer named Michael Dooley who is partnered with a drug-sniffing dog named Jerry Lee. Dooley attempts to catch a drug dealer who is targeting him, while simultaneously managing the dog's difficult personality and his tendency to destroy Dooley's personal property.
Is Jerry Lee a well-behaved partner in K-9?
Jerry Lee is not a well-behaved partner in K-9. Although the dog is trained to smell drugs, he has a distinct personality of his own and chooses to work only when he wants to. He is also quite skilled at destroying Dooley's belongings throughout the film.
Why does Michael Dooley need a partner in K-9?
In K-9, Michael Dooley is an extravagant cop who requires assistance to fight a drug dealer. This criminal has attempted to kill Dooley, leading a friend to provide him with Jerry Lee, a police dog trained to detect narcotics, to help him put the enemy behind bars.
Who is the dog in K-9?
The dog in K-9 is named Jerry Lee, also referred to as Officer Lewis. He is a specialized police dog trained to smell drugs. Despite his professional training, he is a difficult partner for Michael Dooley because he only works when he feels like it.