This document describes and compares the opening credits conventions of four crime drama television shows: The Professionals from the UK in the 1970s featured men running and action scenes set to funk music; Cagney & Lacey from the 1980s featured two female police officers and was set in New York City to a jazzy soundtrack; The Bill ran from 1984-2010 in the UK and focused on a team of police officers working together with a simple repetitive tune; and NYC 22, set in present-day New York City, features shots of the city and a hip hop/rap soundtrack reflecting the diversity of the police force.

1. Crime Drama Opening Credits
Name of Show Conventions Music Other Information –
Relationships? Style?
UK or USA?
The Professionals
(1977 – 1983)
People running
Computers
Action
Working out
Stunt
Main boss with to side guys
Interrogation room
Audio room
Up beat
Funky
cool
70’s music
Uk
London
Three main actors
each week new baddie
try to be realistic as possible
music = action
main characters are all male
Cagney And Lacey
(1981-1988)
Police station
Chasing
Gun
NYPD
Handcuffed
Up beat
Jazzy
80’s
New York
Comedy
Two main female characters
Different characters
Family woman
Shopping
Smart
The Bill
(1984-2010)
Police
Chasing
Police cars
Lock up
Uniform
Repetitive
Catchy tune
Simple
Uk
London
Mostly men
Old cars
Team working together
NYC 22
(2012 - Present)
Lots of shots of the town
Graffiti
cops are from the city
no spoilers
all ethnictys are there
Hip hop
Rap
Jay-z
USA
New york
Kids playing