Dean Hargrove is an acclaimed American television writer, producer, and director whose extensive body of work spans over five decades. Known for his contributions to the mystery and legal drama genres, Hargrove has been the creative force behind some of the most iconic television shows of the 20th century. His notable works include Perry Mason, Matlock, Jake and the Fatman, and Diagnosis: Murder. Hargrove’s unique ability to blend intrigue, wit, and compelling characters made him a standout figure in the television industry, particularly in the crime procedural and courtroom drama genres that captivated audiences from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Hargrove’s influence on television is far-reaching, as he has not only created and produced numerous beloved series but also helped to shape the narrative style of episodic crime dramas. His shows consistently provided viewers with tightly woven mysteries, charismatic protagonists, and satisfying courtroom climaxes. Throughout his career, Hargrove demonstrated an unparalleled knack for storytelling, earning him recognition as one of the most prolific writers and producers in television history.
Early Life and Entry Into Television
Born on July 27, 1938, in Iola, Kansas, Dean Hargrove’s early life was rooted in small-town America. Little is known about his early years, but his passion for storytelling and a love for the mysteries and legal dramas of his time eventually led him to pursue a career in television writing. After graduating from UCLA, Hargrove began his career as a writer in the 1960s, during the golden age of television.
Hargrove’s big break came when he landed a writing position for Perry Mason, the classic courtroom drama starring Raymond Burr as the brilliant defense attorney who never lost a case. Perry Mason became a staple of American television from 1957 to 1966, and Hargrove’s involvement in the series gave him invaluable experience in the world of legal and crime drama. His work on Perry Mason laid the foundation for his future success in the genre, as it allowed him to develop the skills necessary to craft intricate legal plots and build suspenseful, character-driven narratives.
Success with Matlock
One of Dean Hargrove’s most significant contributions to television was Matlock, the legal drama that aired from 1986 to 1995 and starred Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a folksy yet brilliant defense attorney who always managed to find the real culprit. Hargrove co-created Matlock with Joel Steiger, and it quickly became one of the most beloved legal dramas on television.
What made Matlock so successful was Hargrove’s ability to create a lead character that viewers could both relate to and admire. Ben Matlock, with his down-to-earth personality, Southern charm, and relentless pursuit of justice, became a television icon. Hargrove’s writing showcased Matlock’s shrewd courtroom tactics, often culminating in dramatic, last-minute revelations that exposed the true criminal. This winning formula kept audiences engaged and made Matlock a ratings powerhouse during its nine-season run.
Hargrove’s success with Matlock not only reaffirmed his status as a master of the courtroom drama but also showcased his ability to create characters with heart. The series was not just about solving crimes; it was about watching a man with unwavering integrity use his wit and legal expertise to fight for justice.
Jake and the Fatman: A Shift to Crime Drama
Following the success of Matlock, Dean Hargrove co-created Jake and the Fatman in 1987 with fellow producer Stephen J. Cannell. The crime drama starred William Conrad as J.L. “Fatman” McCabe, a tough district attorney, and Joe Penny as Jake Styles, his street-smart investigator. The show was a blend of legal drama and detective work, and it found a devoted audience during its five-season run from 1987 to 1992.
Jake and the Fatman marked a shift in Hargrove’s focus from courtroom battles to crime-solving on the streets. The show’s format allowed for a more action-oriented approach, with Jake Styles often pursuing dangerous criminals while Fatman handled the legal side of things. Hargrove’s talent for writing crime stories that were both engaging and accessible to a broad audience was on full display in Jake and the Fatman. The show’s popularity led to several successful crossover episodes with another Hargrove-produced series, Diagnosis: Murder.
Diagnosis: Murder: Medical Mystery Meets Crime Drama
Another standout in Dean Hargrove’s extensive television portfolio is Diagnosis: Murder, which premiered in 1993 and ran for eight seasons until 2001. Starring Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan, a medical doctor with a knack for solving crimes, Diagnosis: Murder combined elements of medical drama with crime-solving mystery, creating a unique hybrid that captured viewers’ imaginations.
The show was a spin-off of Hargrove’s earlier work on Jake and the Fatman, where the character of Dr. Mark Sloan first appeared. Van Dyke’s charm and humor, combined with Hargrove’s sharp writing, made the show a hit. Each episode followed Dr. Sloan as he used his medical expertise to unravel mysteries that stumped law enforcement, often with the help of his son, Steve Sloan, who was a detective with the LAPD.
Diagnosis: Murder further solidified Hargrove’s reputation for creating compelling procedural dramas that mixed intrigue with lighthearted moments. His ability to balance suspense with character development made the show a long-running success, and it remains a beloved series to this day.
The Perry Mason TV Movies: Reviving a Classic
In addition to his work on original series, Dean Hargrove was responsible for reviving the classic Perry Mason franchise with a series of made-for-TV movies that aired from 1985 to 1995. Hargrove brought Raymond Burr back to reprise his iconic role as the brilliant defense attorney, and the films were a hit with both longtime fans of the original series and new viewers.
The Perry Mason TV movies were a passion project for Hargrove, who had begun his career writing for the original series. His reverence for the character and the genre was evident in the quality of the films, which retained the same tension-filled courtroom showdowns that had made the original series a success. Hargrove’s work on these TV movies not only honored the legacy of Perry Mason but also introduced the character to a new generation of viewers, proving that classic television could be successfully revived when handled with care.
Later Career and Influence on Television
Dean Hargrove’s career as a television writer and producer continued to thrive throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His shows, with their mix of engaging mysteries, courtroom drama, and relatable characters, continued to resonate with audiences. His ability to balance procedural elements with emotional depth became a trademark of his work, and his influence can still be seen in modern television dramas.
Hargrove’s contributions to television, particularly in the legal and crime genres, helped shape the direction of episodic storytelling. He was one of the pioneers of the procedural drama format that remains popular today. His shows were formulaic in the best sense of the word—audiences knew they could expect a cleverly constructed mystery, strong character development, and a satisfying resolution by the end of each episode.
As a producer and writer, Hargrove worked with some of the most beloved actors in television history, including Andy Griffith, William Conrad, and Dick Van Dyke. His shows became launching pads for successful spin-offs and other creative endeavors, cementing his legacy as a key figure in television history.
Dean Hargrove’s Enduring Legacy
Dean Hargrove’s work in television has left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the realm of mystery and legal dramas. His ability to create captivating stories filled with charismatic characters has made him one of the most respected and prolific figures in television. From Perry Mason to Matlock to Diagnosis: Murder, Hargrove’s shows have entertained generations of viewers and set the standard for procedurals in television.
His shows have continued to find new audiences in syndication, and his influence on the mystery and legal drama genres can still be seen in contemporary television. Dean Hargrove’s career is a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling and compelling characters, and his work remains an enduring part of television history.