
Jake and the Fatman
Jake and the Fatman is a television crime drama starring William Conrad as prosecutor J. L. "Fatman" McCabe and Joe Penny as investigator Jake Styles. The series ran on CBS for five seasons from 1987 to 1992. Diagnosis: Murder was a spin-off of this series.
First Air Year
1987
Seasons
5
Audience Score
6.2
Genres
Drama, Crime, Action & Adventure
Series Snapshot
Jake and the Fatman is a television crime drama starring William Conrad as prosecutor J. L. "Fatman" McCabe and Joe Penny as investigator Jake Styles. The series ran on CBS for five seasons from 1987 to 1992. Diagnosis: Murder was a spin-off of this series.
Why This Page Helps
Jake and the Fatman is a dark pick with medium complexity, which makes it a strong option when you want something that feels specific instead of generic.
DISCOVERY PATHS
These curated pages help Google and real users understand what this show connects to on NextWatch.
Guides
Best Crime Shows To Binge
The best crime shows to binge when you want tension, momentum, memorable leads, and easy next-episode payoff.
Shows Like Breaking Bad
Crime dramas with pressure, escalation, and addictive episode-to-episode momentum.
Best Netflix Series To Binge
The best Netflix series to binge when you want fast hooks, reliable momentum, and a show that earns the next episode.
Lists
Best Crime Shows Right Now
Binge-friendly crime shows with momentum, recognizable titles, and strong return-watch appeal.
Best True Crime Documentaries Right Now
The best true crime documentaries right now for viewers who want gripping real-world cases, pressure, and easy next-watch momentum.
Best Shows To Binge on Netflix Right Now
The best shows to binge on Netflix right now for viewers who want a fast hook, strong momentum, and less time wasted browsing.
Topics
Crime and Mystery
A hub for crime shows, mystery series, thrillers, investigations, and twist-heavy stories.
Awards Buzz
Follow prestige movies, serious dramas, and conversation-driving titles that tend to dominate award season chatter.
Superhero Universe
A hub for superhero movies, comic-book franchises, and connected blockbuster universes.
Who Should Watch
Best Fit Viewers
Season Guide
Browse seasons and episode titles in one place.
More Like This
If you enjoyed this series, here are a few similar shows to try next.

77 Sunset Strip
77 Sunset Strip works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Riptide
Riptide works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Mannix
Mannix works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Barnaby Jones
Barnaby Jones works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

The Rockford Files
The Rockford Files works here because it keeps the pressure high, moves quickly, and gives you a clear reason to keep going.

Baywatch Nights
Baywatch Nights fits because it keeps the same sense of scale, idea-driven momentum, and larger-than-life sci-fi mood.
TV FAQ
Questions People Usually Search
Who should watch Jake and the Fatman?
Jake and the Fatman is best for viewers who want drama, crime, action & adventure with clearer next-step recommendations.
What tone does Jake and the Fatman have?
The overall tone leans dark, which is why this page connects to related binge, mystery, and mood-based recommendation pages.
Is Jake and the Fatman easy to binge?
Jake and the Fatman sits around medium complexity, so the best follow-up depends on whether you want something denser or something easier to keep running.
What should I watch after Jake and the Fatman?
Use the similar shows, season guide, and related discovery pages below to keep the same viewing mood going without starting from scratch.