CHiPs 

The adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers.

Creators:

Rick Rosner, Paul Playdon

Stars:

Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox, Robert Pine

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Robert Pine	...	Sgt. Joseph Getraer 139 episodes, 1977-1983
Erik Estrada	...	Officer Frank Poncherello 139 episodes, 1977-1983
Larry Wilcox	...	Officer Jon Baker 117 episodes, 1977-1982
Paul Linke	...	Officer Arthur Grossman / ... 116 episodes, 1977-1983
Brodie Greer	...	Officer Barry Baricza 112 episodes, 1977-1982
Lou Wagner	...	Harlan Arliss 81 episodes, 1978-1983
Randi Oakes	...	Officer Bonnie Clark / ... 69 episodes, 1977-1982
Michael Dorn	...	Officer Jebediah Turner 59 episodes, 1979-1982

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:

highway patrol | california | motorcycle cop | police protagonist | los angeles california | 

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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:

California Highway Patrol Central Station Los Angeles, 777 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

MGM Television, Rosner Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min (139 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

4:3

Did You Know?

Trivia

Early in season five, Erik Estrada briefly walked off the show, due to contract disputes. He was replaced by Bruce Jenner, playing Steve McLeish. During the absence, normal opening credits with Estrada's name and image continued to run, and Bruce Jenner's name was listed among the guest stars.

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Goofs

Throughout the series and regularly in later seasons, car crashes were shown involving vehicles getting airborne after rear-ending another vehicle. This does not happen in actual crashes. In some scenes the ramps used to launch the vehicles are visible.

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Quotes

[a hacker has messed up the CHP's payroll]
Sgt. Joseph Getraer: Now, about the paychecks.
Officer Barry Baricza: Yeah, I've got a car payment due!
[the other officers start complaining]
Sgt. Joseph Getraer: Settle down! Just settle down and we'll try to sort out your paychecks.
Officer Barry Baricza: Well, how much was YOUR paycheck?
Sgt. Joseph Getraer: [nervously] It's... more than I usually get.
[under his breath]
Sgt. Joseph Getraer: It's closer to what I deserve.

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Connections

Referenced in Jeff Ltd.: The Yachtsman (2007)

User Reviews

The Best TV Show Ever!

'CHiPs' is one of the most fun TV shows ever aired. It is a genuine feel good show, and each episode usually taught us a lesson. Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox make great partners and are both underrated actors. 'CHiPs' has some of the most horrific car crashes ever seen on television. Add to that the great early 80's vibe the series has, and you can't go wrong. God bless CHiPs!