60s Detective Shows: Where to Watch Them Today
From courtroom showdowns to shadowy private-eye cases, 1960s detective shows had a sleuth for every mood. Perry Mason exposed the lie, Mannix chased the lead, and Columbo let the killer underestimate him.
Want to watch one tonight? We checked 23 classic crime, police and private-eye series to see whether you can stream them free, watch them with a TV antenna, or own them on DVD. Some services carry only selected episodes, so check the listing before settling in.
A few of these shows began in the late 1950s or continued into the 1970s, but all were part of the 1960s television landscape. Pick an old favorite—or discover one you missed—and see if you can crack the case.
Looking for The Rockford Files, Kojak, or Charlie’s Angels? See our 70s detective shows guide for 15 more classics and where to watch them today.
Streaming, Antenna TV and DVD Options
Start with the shows that are easiest to watch now. Each entry lists current free streaming, TV channels available with an antenna, and whether we found a complete-series DVD set.
Streaming and TV availability changes. Checked October 2026; reviewed monthly.
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| Show | Where & How to Watch | Own on DVD |
|---|---|---|
The Fugitive1963–1967A wrongly convicted doctor stays one step ahead of the law. |
Stream free: Tubi · Pluto TV Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Perry Mason1957–1966 A brilliant defense attorney exposes the truth behind baffling murder cases.Not sure which case to watch first? Our best Perry Mason episodes guide includes The Case of the Deadly Verdict, The Case of the Nebulous Nephew, and The Case of the Sausalito Sunrise, with short summaries to help you choose. |
Stream free: Pluto TV Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Hawaii Five-O1968–1980Steve McGarrett leads Hawaii’s elite state police unit against island crime. |
Stream free: Pluto TV Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Mannix1967–1975A tough, independent private detective takes cases computers cannot solve. |
Stream free: Pluto TV Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Dragnet 19671967–1970Sergeant Joe Friday investigates Los Angeles crimes with methodical precision. |
Stream free: Tubi Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Columbo1968 pilot; regular series from 1971A rumpled detective quietly dismantles the perfect alibis of clever killers. |
Stream free: Tubi · Fandango at Home Free Watch with a TV antenna: COZI TV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Peter Gunn1958–1961A sophisticated private eye solves stylish cases to a celebrated jazz beat. |
Stream free: Roku Channel · Pluto TV · Tubi · Xumo Play |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Man with a Camera1958–1960A fearless news photographer follows dangerous assignments into mystery and crime. |
Stream free: Roku Channel · Pluto TV · Plex · Tubi · Fawesome |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
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Need a DVD Player?
See the Philips DVD Player on Amazon →
Some of these classic series are easiest to find on DVD. Don’t have a player yet? |
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Ironside1967–1975A brilliant police consultant refuses to let paralysis stop his investigations. |
Stream free: Roku Channel |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
The F.B.I.1965–1974Federal agents pursue fugitives, spies and organized criminals across America. |
Stream free: Tubi · Plex |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Lock-Up1959–1961An attorney investigates cases involving people he believes were wrongly accused. |
Stream free: Pluto TV · Fawesome |
Own on DVD: No complete-series set found |
Philip Marlowe1959–1960Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled private eye navigates crime and corruption. |
Stream free: Selected episodes available |
Own on DVD: No complete-series set found |
Adam-121968–1975Two uniformed LAPD officers face the unpredictable realities of daily patrol. |
Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
The Mod Squad1968–1973Three young outsiders work undercover on cases conventional police cannot crack. |
Watch with a TV antenna: MeTV+ |
Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
87th Precinct1961–1962Detectives tackle hard-edged cases in a bustling fictional city precinct. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Burke’s Law1963–1966A millionaire police captain arrives in a chauffeured Rolls-Royce to solve murders. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Not currently available |
Checkmate1960–1962A San Francisco detective agency tries to prevent crimes before they happen. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Honey West1965–1966A stylish private detective uses brains, gadgets and martial arts against criminals. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
It Takes a Thief1968–1970A charming master thief trades prison for dangerous government assignments. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Johnny Staccato1959–1960A jazz pianist moonlights as a private detective in Greenwich Village. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
M Squad1957–1960A determined Chicago detective investigates murder, corruption and organized crime. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
Mr. Lucky1959–1960A suave gambler encounters danger while operating a floating casino. |
Free streaming option being reconfirmed | Own on DVD: Not currently available |
Naked City1958–1963New York detectives confront human stories behind crimes filmed on location. |
No current streaming or antenna listing | Own on DVD: Shop the complete series on Amazon → |
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Want to Watch the DVD Releases?
See the Philips DVD Player on Amazon →
Don’t have a DVD player? |
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Other 1960s Detective Shows
More detective and crime series from the decade included 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, Bourbon Street Beat, The Detectives, Hong Kong, Michael Shayne, The Outsider, Richard Diamond, Private Detective, The Rogues, Surfside 6, T.H.E. Cat, Tightrope!, The Felony Squad, and N.Y.P.D.
We will add a show to the viewing chart when we find a current free streaming option, TV antenna listing, or official complete-series DVD set.
Can’t Find Your Show? Try These Steps
Streaming catalogs and links change often. If a show is missing where we listed it:
- Search inside the app. Type the show’s name into the app’s search box; its page may have moved.
- Try another option in the chart. The show may also be available from another free service, a local TV channel, or on DVD.
- Check the episode list. A free service may carry only selected seasons or episodes.
- Tell us what changed. Use our contact page and include the show and service so we can check it.
How to Watch These Shows With an Antenna
An antenna lets you watch local TV without internet or a monthly TV bill. Some local channels air classic detective shows, but not all 23 shows in this guide are available by antenna.
Here’s how to get started:
- Check your local channels first. Before buying anything, find out which channels you can get with an antenna. Look for the networks listed beside your favorite shows in our chart.
- Choose an antenna for your home. An indoor model may work if signals are strong enough. Compare our best indoor TV antennas. If indoor reception falls short, see our best outdoor TV antennas.
- Connect it and scan for channels. Attach the antenna cable to your TV’s round jack marked ANT IN or RF IN. In the TV’s settings, choose Antenna or Air, then run a Channel Scan.
Antenna TV follows a schedule. Check your local listings to see when your show airs.
Do you need a signal booster? Sometimes a long cable or splitter weakens a signal your antenna already receives. Our best TV antenna amplifiers guide explains when a booster may help. It cannot create a signal your antenna does not receive.
Why DVD Can Still Make Sense
Classic shows can move in and out of streaming catalogs, and a service may carry only selected seasons. A complete-series DVD set costs more upfront, but it stays in your collection and will not disappear when a licensing deal ends.
Need Help Hearing the Voices?
Don’t miss the clue that solves the case. Our best soundbars for dialogue guide covers options for clearer speech across the room.
For personal listening at your own volume, compare our best wireless TV headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I stream classic detective shows for free?
Free, ad-supported services such as Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, Fawesome, Xumo Play, and Fandango at Home Free carry some of the shows in this guide. Catalogs change, so use the chart above for the options we most recently checked.
Can I watch classic detective shows with a TV antenna?
Yes, if a local station in your area carries them. MeTV, MeTV+, and COZI TV are among the broadcast networks showing titles in this guide, but the channels and schedules available to you depend on where you live.
Why are shows from the 1950s and 1970s included?
Every show in the main chart aired during at least part of the 1960s. Some premiered in the late 1950s, while others began in the 1960s and continued into the 1970s.
Why is DVD sometimes the only option?
Older series may be unavailable to streaming services because of licensing, music rights, or limited demand. An official DVD release can remain available even when no current streaming or antenna listing exists.
Choose Your Next Classic Mystery
Whether you’re revisiting Perry Mason or discovering Mannix for the first time, choose the viewing option that works best for you and settle in for a mystery. Save this guide for later, and let us know if you find a listing that has changed.
