The Original Forensic Detective

Before CSI, Bones, or today’s high-tech police procedurals, there was Quincy, M.E.—the groundbreaking NBC drama that introduced television audiences to forensic investigation as a dramatic and moral pursuit.
Premiering in 1976 and running through 1983 (seven seasons, 148 episodes), the series starred Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy, a Los Angeles County medical examiner who routinely questioned deaths the system wrote off. Wikipedia+1 Each week Quincy paired his lab work with a mission: uncover truth, challenge authority, demand accountability.

How Quincy, M.E. Redefined Television Storytelling

Created by Glen A. Larson and Lou Shaw, Quincy broke new ground by bringing the medical examiner into the center of the narrative—a vantage point rarely used on American network television at the time. Wikipedia+1 The show merged the mechanics of detective work with social commentary. Autopsies, toxicology, latent evidence: these weren’t mere plot devices—they became instruments of moral storytelling.

In many episodes, Quincy confronted systemic issues: environmental hazards, medical negligence, even societal denial of risk. The series earned recognition for its bold storylines and earned a 1978 Edgar Award for Shaw & Laurence’s episode “…The Thigh Bone’s Connected to the Knee Bone…”. Wikipedia+1

The DNA of Modern Forensic Drama

When you watch an investigator in a lab, a forensic specialist analyzing fiber evidence, or a scientist-detective defying bureaucratic inertia—you’re watching Quincy’s legacy in action.
Though lab scenes and high-tech gadgets became more common later, Quincy laid the groundwork: the idea that death speaks, science listens, and truth fights back. Wikipedia

Recent series such as High Potential even reference the trope: in a recent interview, actress Judy Reyes recalled “Quincy! Jack Klugman!” when asked about the old show, underscoring how the format still resonates.

Why the Series Still Resonates

For viewers in their 40s and 50s, Quincy, M.E. is more than nostalgia—it’s craft. The narratives respect intelligence, the character embodies conviction, and the storytelling fuses intrigue with integrity.
Despite its vintage production values, the themes remain urgent: Who ignored the death? Why did the system fail? What will it take to make things right?

Where to Watch Quincy, M.E. in 2025

The good news: Quincy, M.E. remains available in syndication and streaming. Notably, the show is featured on getTV in the U.S. (and select other services). Fans can also check guide listings at QuincyExaminer.com for the most up-to-date streaming info. Quincy Examiner+1

Rediscover the Legacy

Nearly 50 years after its debut, Quincy, M.E. still feels vital. Science, justice and moral urgency have never gone out of style.

If you’re drawn to modern dramas featuring forensic experts or genius consultants, take the detour back to where it all began—and explore the roots.

Head to our other sections of the QuincyExaminer.com for episode guides, cast bios, streaming updates and more—because Jack Klugman’s Quincy remains television’s original crime-scene legend.