Fans of crime dramas simply cannot afford to miss out on this ITV series.
The Sweeney aired from 1975 to 1978 across a remarkable 53 episodes, following members of the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad in London as they tackled armed robbers and violent crime throughout the capital, reports the Express.
The programme emerged from the 1974 TV pilot Regan, which paved the way for the full series to receive the green light. The drama was fronted by Inspector Morse actor John Thaw as Detective Inspector Jack Regan, alongside New Tricks star Dennis Waterman as his partner Detective Sergeant George Carter.
The drama was very much a product of its era in its raw portrayal of the police force throughout the 1970s.
View 3 ImagesThe Sweeney is often cited as one of the greatest British crime dramas(Image: GETTY)
The Sweeney represented Thaw’s breakthrough role before he secured his legendary part as Colin Dexter’s celebrated detective in Inspector Morse a decade later.
Numerous well-known faces also appeared in guest roles, including Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton, New Tricks actor Alun Armstrong, Hollywood legend John Hurt, Game of Thrones and Braveheart star James Cosmo, Lynda Bellingham, and Brian Blessed, amongst many others.
Beyond the series itself, The Sweeney also generated two TV films, namely Sweeney! (1977) and Sweeney 2 (1978), with Thaw and Waterman returning to their respective roles.
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The beloved series proved so enduringly popular that a 2012 film adaptation, The Sweeney, was produced starring Ray Winstone as Regan.
The series also drew inspiration from the 1971 classics Get Carter with Michael Caine and The French Connection led by Gene Hackman. Numerous devotees have previously lauded The Sweeney on IMDb, with one viewer declaring in their 9/10 star assessment: “The most iconic police drama of them all.”
The enthusiast continued: “Detective dramas come & go, some are great and some mediocre, but none has come close to equalling the impact and enduring status of The Sweeney.”
View 3 ImagesThe Sweeney was so popular it inspired two films(Image: GETTY)
Another penned in their 10/10 review: “This series is without a doubt an absolute classic and if you remember the seventies – this was essential viewing.” They concluded: “In a word, magnificent!”
A third glowing critique proclaimed: “The Sweeney is one of the best, if not THE best, British Television crime drama ever made.”
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While a fourth critic observed: “Excellent British crime drama, very gritty. If you’re looking for forensics and a modern subtle touch then avoid. Quality show, often ripped off but not yet equalled.”
The Sweeney is available to stream on ITVX now