CHiPs (1977–1983)

The adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers.

Creator:

Rick Rosner

Stars:

Erik Estrada, Robert Pine, Larry Wilcox

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Erik Estrada	...	Officer Francis Llewellyn 'Ponch' Poncherello (139 episodes, 1977-1983)
Robert Pine	...	Sgt. Joseph Getraer (139 episodes, 1977-1983)
Larry Wilcox	...	Officer Jon Baker (117 episodes, 1977-1982)
Paul Linke	...	Officer Arthur Grossman (77 episodes, 1977-1983)
Brodie Greer	...	Officer Barry Baricza (75 episodes, 1977-1982)

Storyline

"CHiPS," which stood for California Highway Patrol, followed the daily beats of two state motorcycle patrolmen as they patrolled the freeway system in and around Los Angeles. Officer Jon Baker was the straight, serious officer while Frank "Ponch" Poncherello was the more free- wheeling member of the duo; both reported to Sgt. Joe Getraer, who gave out assignments and advice in handling the cases. Each episode saw a compilation of incidents, ranging from the humorous (e.g., a stranded motorist) to criminal investigations (such as hijackings) and tragic incidents (such as a fiery multi-car pile-up with multiple deaths. Other aspects of Ponch and Jon's daily work were highlighted as well; the social lives of both officers (they were both single) often provided the lighter moments. On occassion, Ponch and Jon were assisted by a female "Chippie" at first, the very beautiful Sindy Cahill; and later, the more wholesome Bonnie Clark. In 1982, Ponch got a new partner, Bobby Nelson (series star...

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Plot Keywords:

california | highway patrol | motorcycle | bachelor | acronym in title | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 September 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

CHiPs Patrol

Filming Locations:

Long Beach, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

MGM Television, Rosner Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (139 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jon was among the first characters on a TV series to be identified as a Vietnam Veteran. The portrayal was also among the few at that time to show a Vietnam Veteran in a positive manner. Larry Wilcox who played Jon had actually done service in Vietnam with the Military.

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Quotes

[Jon announces his proposal for a trail bike task force]
Officer Jon Baker: I'd like to nominate my partner, Frank Poncherello.
Officer Francis Llewellyn 'Ponch' Poncherello: Hey, that's great. 'Cause when we first met, I was on a dirtbike.
Officer Jon Baker: Uh, no, Ponch. When we first met, you had just fallen off a dirtbike.

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Connections

Referenced in The Nanny: Kindervelt Days (1995)

User Reviews

Glued to the backgrounds

Sure the formula was the same for every episode. Yes there were always two hotties for Ponch and John; criminals who scoff at the law at first then learn how foolish it was to run a gambling operation in the back of a tractor trailer after all. When I was a kid, I loved CHiP's. They were cops on motorcycles, for crying out loud.

I still love to watch it, but like many of you I can't take my eyes off the background. The best part of the show is the location filming. Real streets. I'm watching the cars, storefronts, etc. like an eagle. In a small way it's like walking through the world of my childhood again, taking notice of how some things have changed so much and others not much at all. It's very fascinating to me.

I don't think there have been many television shows as entertaining as this.