Barney Miller (1975)

Barney Miller is the kind of cop we'd all like to run into. Always sensible, he maintains order over a band of detectives who gamble, hit on anything in skirts, go to renaissance philosophy conventions for fun, and would really prefer to be writing. Nearly all of the action takes place in the squad room where citizens and criminals are brought in to complicate the mix.

Genres: Comedy

What to watch after Barney Miller

• The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) — Bruce Bilson directed both
• The Rockford Files (1974) — Same feel: fun, smart
• Perry Mason (1957) — Similar consistency, episode to episode
• Hill Street Blues (1981) — Stan Lathan directed both
• Columbo (1971)
• The Bob Newhart Show (1972) — Two steps away in the credits