6.6 /10 1 Votes
6.2/10 TV Written by Jeffrey Caine Original language(s) English Final episode date 16 June 1995 Number of episodes 35 | 6.8/10 IMDb Genre Crime drama Country of origin United Kingdom First episode date 20 April 1990 Number of seasons 5 Network ITV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Directed by A.J. Quinn
Tom Cotter
Rick Stroud
Brian Farnham
Desmond Davis
Roger Gartland Starring Tim Pigott-Smith
Martin Shaw
Karen Archer
Gillian Martell
Michael Cochrane
Dean Lepley
Judy Loe Cast Martin Shaw, Tim Pigott‑Smith, Michael Cochrane, Judy Loe, Gillian Martell Similar Judge John Deed, Always and Everyone, PD James: Death in, The Vice, The Last Place on Earth | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Chief is a British television crime drama series that aired on ITV from 20 April 1990 until 16 June 1995. A total of five series and thirty-five episodes were produced. The series followed the work of the fictitious "Eastland Constabulary", particularly focusing on Chief Constable John Stafford (Tim Pigott-Smith), and his efforts to restore order within his volatile team. Later, focus shifted towards Stafford's replacement, Alan Cade (Martin Shaw). The series was produced by Anglia Television and is primarily filmed and set in East Anglia.
The series was notable for containing a high percentage political content, in particular battles with the Home Office and local politicians. Former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police James Anderton was an adviser on the show, allowing it to be portrayed as close to real life as possible.
In 2010, Network DVD released the first two series of The Chief on DVD in the UK with a "12" certificate. The content has not been modified from the original broadcasts, and every episode contains the title cards for the commercial breaks. There are no special features. The third series was released by Network on April 18, 2011. Series four, which was due for release on August 18, 2011, was eventually released in September 2011, following an extensive delay caused by the loss of stock in a fire at the Sony Distribution Centre, caused by rioters in the 2011 England riots.