🚔 Hunter – The Gritty Cop Show That Ruled Prime Time for 7 Action-Packed Seasons!
Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer starred in the hit crime series Hunter
Premiering in 1984 and running until 1991, Hunter exploded onto NBC as a bold, no-nonsense police drama that mixed street justice with sharp wit. Starring former NFL star Fred Dryer as the tough, rule-breaking Sgt. Rick Hunter and Stepfanie Kramer as his smart, fearless partner Sgt. Dee Dee McCall, the show delivered high-octane crime-fighting across 153 episodes. From shootouts to stakeouts, Hunter brought the pulse of Los Angeles crime to America’s living rooms—and it held its grip on viewers for nearly a decade.
The show's early comparisons to Dirty Harry were no accident—Hunter embraced a gritty, action-driven tone right from the pilot. With its fast-paced car chases, undercover busts, and hard-edged criminals, the series appealed to fans who wanted more than just courtroom drama. The chemistry between the leads made the difference: while Sgt. Hunter often bent the rules to get results, Sgt. McCall provided a grounded, intelligent counterbalance. Their dynamic—equal parts respect, tension, and loyalty—kept the show from becoming a one-note tough-guy fantasy.
Over the years, Hunter evolved from a raw, hard-boiled cop drama into a more refined series with deeper story arcs and complex villains. Guest stars, twisted plots, and high-stakes showdowns became a hallmark of its later seasons. Though the tone softened slightly to appeal to broader audiences, the show's core—action, attitude, and arresting drama—remained intact. Even decades later, Hunter holds a loyal fanbase and continues to earn new viewers in syndication, proving that some cops never quit.
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Fred Dryer
Fred Dryer starred in the hit crime series Hunter
Before stepping into the role of Sgt. Rick Hunter, Fred Dryer was already a household name in the world of professional football. Standing 6'6", he played as a defensive end in the NFL, most notably with the Los Angeles Rams, where he made history as the first player to record two safeties in a single game. Known for his intensity, physicality, and commanding presence on the field, Dryer brought that same larger-than-life energy to his role on Hunter. His athletic background gave him an authentic edge in the show’s action scenes, and his dry delivery became a signature part of the character’s appeal.
Transitioning from football to acting wasn’t a typical move at the time, but Dryer made it look effortless. Though he had appeared in a few television roles prior, Hunter was his big break, allowing him to shape a character that would come to define his career. Unlike many sports stars-turned-actors, Dryer proved he had real dramatic chops, often delivering emotional weight alongside the gun-slinging action. He wasn’t just playing a tough guy—he gave Sgt. Hunter nuance, grit, and a reluctant sense of justice that viewers responded to week after week.
After Hunter ended in 1991, Fred Dryer stayed active in both acting and behind-the-scenes work. He reprised his role in several Hunter TV movies throughout the mid-90s, attempting a brief series revival in 2003. Outside of Hunter, Dryer appeared in shows like Diagnosis: Murder, Justice League, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., where he took on guest roles that played into his authoritative screen persona.
He also dipped into film, with supporting roles in movies such as Cannonball Run II and Death Before Dishonor. Behind the camera, Dryer worked as a producer and continued to explore opportunities in television development. Though he never landed a role quite as iconic as Rick Hunter again, he carved out a steady career as a respected figure in action TV history.
Stepfanie Kramer
Stepfanie Kramer- On Hunter Interview
Before becoming a primetime favorite as Sgt. Dee Dee McCall, Stepfanie Kramer had already built a solid foundation in television. With early guest roles on popular shows like Dynasty, Knots Landing, and Cheers, she quickly gained a reputation as a versatile actress with both dramatic depth and a commanding screen presence. But it was her breakout role on Hunter that transformed her into a star. As McCall, she portrayed a rare combination of toughness, intelligence, and empathy—one of the few female cops on TV at the time who wasn’t a sidekick, but an equal partner. Kramer’s sharp performance helped make Hunter more than just another cop show.
What set Stepfanie Kramer apart was her ability to balance the gritty world of street justice with emotional nuance. Her chemistry with Fred Dryer was palpable, and her presence gave the series a level of sophistication that resonated with viewers. McCall was never just “the woman on the force”—she was a central figure in every sense, handling interrogations, chasing suspects, and standing toe-to-toe with the toughest criminals. Off-screen, Kramer’s talent extended beyond acting; she was also a trained singer and songwriter, hinting at a multi-faceted career path that would emerge after the series ended.
After leaving Hunter in its sixth season, Stepfanie Kramer shifted her focus to music and independent film projects. She released multiple albums showcasing her vocal talents, blending jazz, adult contemporary, and pop influences. Kramer also continued acting, appearing in a variety of made-for-TV movies and guest roles on shows such as The Dog Whisperer, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and NYPD Blue. In 2003, she reunited with Fred Dryer for the Hunter revival TV movie and a brief reboot series, proving that her connection to the character—and the fans—remained strong. Whether on stage or screen, Kramer continued to chart her own path, building a career rooted in strength, style, and individuality.
🧑✈️ The Commanding Captains of Hunter: Leadership Behind the Badge
John Amos appeared in the first season of Hunter as Captain Dolan, the tough but principled superior who tried to rein in Hunter’s rogue tendencies. Known for his commanding presence and prior roles in Good Times and Roots, Amos brought immediate authority to the role. While Dolan often clashed with Hunter’s unorthodox methods, he respected his results and offered a grounded moral compass during the show’s gritty early episodes. His no-nonsense leadership helped establish the series' tone, even though his run was relatively short-lived.
Bruce Davison stepped into the role of Captain Wyler, later promoted to Deputy Chief Wyler, bringing a more bureaucratic but still firm presence to the precinct. Appearing in key episodes during seasons 2 and 4, Davison portrayed Wyler as a strategic leader trying to balance departmental politics with street-level policing. Known for his work in both film and television, Davison added a thoughtful, methodical layer to the show’s command structure, often acting as the voice of reason when things got too heated between Hunter and other officers.
Charles Hallahan became the most enduring captain on Hunter, portraying Captain Charles "Charlie" Devane from 1986 through the end of the series in 1991. With his gravelly voice and wry humor, Hallahan’s Devane struck the perfect balance between exasperated boss and loyal supporter. Though frequently frustrated by Hunter’s methods, he stood behind his detectives when it counted. Devane's long tenure helped anchor the show during its peak popularity, providing continuity, comic relief, and genuine heart to the precinct dynamic.
🎖️ Sgt. Bernie Terwilliger – The Backup with a Big Heart
James Whitmore Jr. brought warmth and comic timing to his role as Sgt. Bernie Terwilliger, a recurring character who often found himself caught between Hunter’s chaos and the chain of command. Introduced as a support officer with a knack for tech and paperwork, Terwilliger wasn’t your typical street cop—but, quirky charm, and occasional field work made him a memorable part of the team. He served as a grounding presence in the series, often offering dry observations or subtle humor that helped balance the show’s more intense moments.
After Hunter, James Whitmore Jr. transitioned almost entirely behind the camera, becoming one of the most prolific and respected television directors in the industry. He directed episodes of major series like NCIS, 24, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and JAG, bringing a sharp eye for action and story pacing to every project. His directing career eclipsed his acting work, earning him a long-standing reputation as a go-to talent for procedural dramas and high-stakes television storytelling.
🌟 Famous Faces on the Force: Legendary Guest Stars Who Appeared on Hunter
Over its seven-season run, Hunter welcomed a parade of guest stars—many of whom were already screen legends or would go on to major fame. The show became a revolving door of familiar faces from classic Hollywood, cult cinema, and future blockbusters, giving fans an extra reason to tune in each week.
Jane Russell (The Outlaw, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, “Cross Your Heart” Playtex ads) brought old-school Hollywood glamour to her guest spot, proving she still had the star power to light up the screen. Piper Laurie, best known for her haunting performance in Carrie and her Oscar-nominated turn in The Hustler, added gravitas to her dramatic appearance. George Clooney, long before ER and Ocean’s Eleven, popped up in a smaller role that gave a glimpse of the charm he'd later become famous for.
TV icons were no strangers to Hunter either. Dennis Franz (NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues) brought gritty realism in his guest stint, while Brian Dennehy (Death of a Salesman, First Blood) showed up with his trademark intensity. Paul Gleason, forever remembered as the principal in The Breakfast Club, lent his sharp edge to the series. Fans of sci-fi may have spotted LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation) in an early appearance, and horror buffs likely recognized Brad Dourif (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the voice of Chucky in Child’s Play) in one of the show’s darker episodes.
Other recognizable names included Isaac Hayes (Shaft, South Park), Robert Vaughn (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Bullitt), and Robert Englund, just before or during his rise as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Don Stroud (Coogan's Bluff, License to Kill) and Bo Hopkins (American Graffiti, The Wild Bunch) added a tough-as-nails edge to their roles, while David Soul (Starsky & Hutch) gave fans a double dose of ‘70s cop nostalgia.
Even younger talent like Jason Bateman (Silver Spoons, Arrested Development) and Helen Hunt (Mad About You, Twister) appeared in early roles that hinted at future success. Meanwhile, Richard Roundtree—cinema’s original Shaft—brought cool authority, and Frances McDormand, long before her Oscar-winning performances in Fargo and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, dropped by with early-career poise.
Hunter didn’t just chase down bad guys—it tracked down talent from every corner of Hollywood. With a lineup that spanned old-school legends, up-and-coming stars, and TV regulars, the guest star roster reads like a who’s who of film and television history.
🛒 Buy Hunter: The Complete Series on Amazon
Further Reading & Resources
📖 Retro TV Review: Hunter (1984)
🕵️♂️ The 1980s: A Forgotten Golden Age of Crime Television
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.