Chopper One Archives - I Used To Watch This? TV shows from the 70s and 80s like six million dollar man

Premise & Overview

Chopper One was a short-lived but memorable action-crime television series that aired on ABC in 1974. Set in Southern California, the show followed two daring members of a police helicopter unit—Officer Don Burdick (Jim McMullan) and Officer Gil Foley (a young Dirk Benedict)—as they patrolled the skies, aided ground units, and tackled crime from above in their trusty Bell 206 JetRanger chopper.

Produced by the prolific Spelling-Goldberg Productions, Chopper One debuted on January 17, 1974, occupying a half-hour slot on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern, right before the debut of the fire-fighting drama Firehouse. Despite its promising setup, the show was cancelled after just 13 episodes—its finale aired on July 11, 1974.

Cast & Production Team

Jim McMullan portrayed Don Burdick, a seasoned, level-headed helicopter pilot.
Dirk Benedict, who would later gain fame in Battlestar Galactica and The A-Team, played Gil Foley, bringing youthful energy to the skies.
The series was directed by veteran TV director E.W. Swackhamer.

Plot & Supporting Characters

The duo supported terrestrial police forces by providing aerial surveillance, participating in chases, and handling airborne emergencies—each mission highlighting the possibilities and perils of airborne policing.

The narrative also featured Mitch, their grizzled mechanic, who kept the helicopter in fighting shape, and Captain McKeegan, the steady hand issuing their orders from the ground.

Behind the Scenes & Show Specs

The aerial star of the series was the Bell 206 JetRanger, a nimble and reliable police helicopter, performing the high-flying patrols central to the show’s appeal.
Chopper One served as a lead-in to Firehouse, part of ABC’s crime-action block.
The series ran for only one season, making it a concise slice of 1970s action TV history.

Legacy & Trivia

While Chopper One faded quickly from the airwaves, it remains a vintage curiosity worth revisiting:

Its focus on aerial police work pre-dated and arguably paved the way for later series such as Airwolf in the 1980s.
Dirk Benedict’s role offers a fascinating early snapshot of an actor soon to become iconic in sci-fi and action genres.
Enthusiasts of ’70s TV often seek out Chopper One for its retro charm, aerial sequences, and the novelty of helicopter-based crime fighting in a genre dominated by detectives on foot or in cruisers.

Why “Chopper One” Still Matters

1. Unique Premise

Helicopter patrol was a fresh vantage point for crime drama in an era dominated by gritty street-level action.

2. Short but Sweet

With only 13 episodes, the show delivers a concise and consistent tone-heavy action experience—perfect for retro-binging or TV history deep dives.

3. Cast That Took Off

Watching Dirk Benedict in one of his earliest roles is an exciting time-capsule moment for fans of his later work.

4. ’70s Nostalgia

From the production style to storytelling pace and era-specific vibes, the show offers a snapshot of television and cultural sensibilities in early 1970s America.

Chopper One may not have enjoyed a long run, but it carved a niche in TV history as an early aerial police drama—highlighting an era when high-altitude action was still novel on the small screen. With its lean season, charismatic leads, and unique premise, it continues to intrigue vintage TV aficionados and fans of Dirk Benedict’s early career.

For readers passionate about forgotten TV gems, action-driven storytelling, or nostalgic crime dramas—this series is a breezy, high-flying trip down memory lane.