CHiPs is an American police procedural action-drama television series created by Rick Rosner and produced by MGM Studios which follows the daily beats of two state motorcycle patrolmen as they patrol the freeway system in and around Los Angeles.
The series aired in the USA on NBC from 15 September, 1977 to 17 May, 1983. There are 139 hour-long episodes in six seasons.
CHiPS originally aired in South Africa on the old SABC service, in the late seventies and early eighties. It later aired on StarSat's (formerly TopTV) FOX Retro channel, on SABC3 and on DStv's FOX Crime channel. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 6 premiered on FOX Crime on Tuesday 17 December 2013, at 16h55. New episodes broadcast daily, on weekdays. There are 22 episodes in the sixth and final season.
Synopsis
CHiPs, which stands for California Highway Patrol, follows the daily beats of two state motorcycle patrolmen as they patrol the freeway system in and around Los Angeles.
Officer Jon Baker (Larry Wilcox) is the straight, serious officer while Frank "Ponch" Poncherello (Erik Estrada) is the more free-wheeling member of the duo.
Both report to Sgt. Joe Getraer (Larry Pine), who gives out assignments and advice in handling the cases.
Each episode sees 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 are highlighted as well; the social lives of both officers (they are both single) often provide the lighter moments.
On occasion, Ponch and Jon are assisted by a female "Chippie" - played first by the very beautiful Sindy Cahill (Brianne Leary) and later the more wholesome Bonnie Clark (Randi Oakes).
In 1982, Ponch got a new partner, Bobby "Hot Dog" Nelson, played by Tom Reilly after series star Larry Wilcox left the show that year, while Nelson's younger brother, Bruce (Bruce Penhall), was a trainee on the force.
By now, the female Chippie was the attractive Kathy Linahan, played by Tina Gayle.
Seasons
Note: these times are for the run of the show on FOX Retro, SABC3 and FOX Crime only. Broadcast details for the original run of the show on the SABC are not available.
Season 1 (22 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 5 Jan 2011 | Finale: 3 Feb 2011 | Weekdays, 18h25
Channel: SABC3 | Premiere: 6 Oct 2012 | Finale: 9 Mar 2013 | Saturdays, 17h00
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 10 Jul 2013 | Finale: 6 Aug 2013 | Weekdays, 17h20
Season 2 (22 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 4 Feb 2011 | Finale: 7 Mar 2011 | Weekdays, 18h25
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 7 Aug 2013 | Finale: 5 Sep 2013 | Weekdays, 17h20
Season 3 (24 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 8 Mar 2011 | Finale: 11 Apr 2011 | Weekdays, 18h25
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 6 Sep 2013 | Finale: 9 Oct 2013 | Weekdays, 17h20
Season 4 (21 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 2 Jul 2012 | Finale: 30 Jul 2012 | Weekdays, 18h00
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 10 Oct 2013 | Finale: 7 Nov 2013 | Weekdays, 16h55
Season 5 (27 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 31 Jul 2012 | Finale: 5 Sep 2012 | Weekdays, 18h00
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 8 Nov 2013 | Finale: 16 Dec 2013 | Weekdays, 16h55
Season 6 (22 episodes)
Channel: FOX Retro | Premiere: 6 Sep 2012 | Finale: 5 Oct 2012 | Weekdays, 18h00
Channel: FOX Crime | Premiere: 17 Dec 2013 | Finale: 15 Jan 2014 | Weekdays, 16h55