Kojak is an American crime drama television series created by Abby Mann which revolves around the efforts of the tough and incorruptible Lieutenant Theo Kojak, a bald, dapper, New York City policeman who is fond of lollipops and using the catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?".
The series aired in the USA on CBS from 24 October, 1973 to 18 March, 1978. There are 121 hour-long episodes in five seasons.
The series originally aired in South Africa on the SABC in the late '70s and early '80s. It was one of the first programmes to air on South African television, which began operations in 1975.
Kojak aired on StarSat's (formerly TopTV) FOX Retro channel from 3 May, 2010 to 31 August, 2011. It later aired on SABC3. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
The series premiered on SABC3 on Monday 20 January 2014, at 12h00. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are 22 episodes in the first season.
Synopsis
An independent-minded police detective solves crimes on the streets of New York City.
Lieutenant Theo Kojak (Telly Savalas) is a bald, lollipop-sucking detective also known for his trademark catch-phrase, "Who Loves Ya, Baby?"
At work in the New York Precinct, prior to loading up several cases on the scene of the crime, he frequently supports and often has a close bond with each of his workers.
There's Captain Frank MacNeil (Dan Frazer), his boss who gets promoted to Chief of Detectives in Manhattan later in the series; Detective Bobby Crocker (Kevin Dobson), whom he has always admired and who is his loyal partner; Detective Stavros (George Savalas, the real-life brother of Telly); and Detective Rizzo (Vince Conti).
Kojak is stubborn and tenacious in his investigation of crimes - and also displays a dark, cynical wit, along with a tendency to bend the rules if it brought a criminal to justice.
Despite his difficult work, Kojak tirelessly brings criminals to justice while staying upbeat and good-natured.
Seasons
Note: these details only include the run of the show on FOX Retro and SABC3. Original broadcast dates for the SABC are not available.
Season 1 (22 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 3 May 2010 | Finale: 11 Jun 2010 | Weekdays, 15h15
Channel: SABC3 | Premiere: 20 Jan 2014 | Finale: 16 Jun 2014 | Mondays, 12h00
Season 2 (23 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 14 Jun 2010 | Finale: 14 Jul 2010 | Weekdays, 15h05
Season 3 (24 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 25 May 2011 | Finale: 27 Jun 2011 | Weekdays, 15h55
Season 4 (25 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 28 Jun 2011 | Finale: 29 Jul 2011 | Weekdays, 15h55
Season 5 (22 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 2 Aug 2011 | Finale: 31 Aug 2011 | Weekdays, 15h55