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How Dragnet influenced Law and Order
"The DNA of [Dragnet] is clearly in the DNA of Law and Order."
Beginning as a radio series in 1949, Dragnet made such an intense impression on listeners that the show was developed into a television series. The original series ran for roughly eight years, from 1951 until 1959. Years later, it returned for a series revival, which ran from 1967 to 1970. Throughout all of this, one of the only constants was series creator Jack Webb. Not only did Webb originate the show, but he also starred in all iterations of the program as Detective Joe Friday.
With each version of the series, Dragnet became more and more popular amongst television viewers everywhere. With such an extensive life, the series served as inspiration for plenty of crime shows that followed behind it. This includes Law and Order, created by Dick Wolf.
“The DNA of [Dragnet] is clearly in the DNA of Law and Order,” Wolf said during an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “This is a reconceptualization, and an homage.”
Years later, Wolf produced a reboot of Dragnet, this time starring Ed O’Neill as Joe Friday. “I think if you look at the first two or three episodes, there is no question Ed O’Neill ain’t doing Jack Webb,” said Webb.
Though O’Neill appreciated Webb’s portrayal, he wanted to put his own spin on the character. “I couldn’t do it like Jack Webb if I tried,” said O’Neill, “I wouldn’t be effective. I’m just doing it my way.”
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