2003: Dick Wolf Reimagines 'Dragnet' for ABC
February 2, 2021
| By TV WW
On this day in 2003, ABC introduced producer Dick Wolf's remake of the classic cop series, Dragnet. Modern Family star Ed O'Neill stepped into Jack Webb's shoes, portraying Joe Friday. His partner, Frank Smith, was played by Ethan Embry.
The series ran for an abbreviated 12-episode season, then returned later that year with a few changes, including a title change to L.A. Dragnet. Embry's Smith had been written out of the show, with several new cast members — including Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria and Dexter's Desmond Harrington — joining the squad. The second season lasted only five episodes; the remaining shows were broadcast on cable's USA Network and Sleuth.