Where to start
Dragnet
2 versions · originally a series, 1967
Themes: Law and Order, Justice, Moral Ambiguity, Urban Crime, Police Procedural.
Dragnet defines the procedural genre through the stark, relentless investigation of Los Angeles crime by the iconic Joe Friday.
✦ Most fans start here
Dragnet (1967)
The original tv
✦ Start hereDragnet
Jack Webb · Series · 1967
Dragnet (1967) serves as the definitive television standard, offering a grounded, documentary-style look at police work that highlights the professional gravity and stoicism of Detective Sgt. Joe Friday.
1987 film
Dragnet
Film · 1987
Dragnet (1987) transforms the franchise into a comedic buddy-cop film, contrasting the original's rigid discipline with a freewheeling, modern investigative dynamic that parodies the classic straight-laced police archetype.
Common questions
Is the 1987 Dragnet movie a direct sequel to the 1967 Dragnet television series?
No, the 1987 Dragnet movie is not a direct sequel to the 1967 Dragnet television series. While both share the title and premise of police procedural work, they are separate productions and do not share a continuous narrative timeline or direct plot connectivity.
How should I watch Dragnet, the 1967 television series, and the 1987 movie?
Since the 1987 Dragnet movie is not a continuation of the 1967 Dragnet television series, you can watch them in any order. Their production styles and tones differ significantly, so the viewing sequence does not impact your understanding of the storylines presented in either version.
Are the 1967 Dragnet television series and the 1987 Dragnet movie related?
The 1967 Dragnet television series and the 1987 Dragnet movie are related by name and the core concept of police procedural storytelling. However, they function as independent adaptations rather than a single cohesive series, meaning they operate as separate entities within the franchise.
Should I watch the 1987 Dragnet movie if I finished the 1967 Dragnet series?
You can watch the 1987 Dragnet movie after finishing the 1967 Dragnet television series if you are interested in seeing a different adaptation of the material. They are distinct projects, so watching the series is not a prerequisite for understanding the movie.