Barnaby Jones

 April 3, 1980, the final episode of Barnaby Jones aired on CBS, bringing the long-running private detective series to a close after eight seasons.

Starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether, the series followed a father and daughter-in-law team who ran a Los Angeles-based private investigation firm. The show premiered January 28, 1973 as a mid-season replacement and became a steady performer for CBS throughout the 1970s.

The series featured notable crossover connections within the Quinn Martin universe, including an appearance by William Conrad as Frank Cannon from Cannon in the premiere episode “Requiem for a Son,” as well as a two-part crossover event in 1975 titled “The Deadly Conspiracy.” The production was handled by QM Productions.

After declining ratings and Buddy Ebsen’s growing fatigue with the role, CBS canceled the series in 1980. Reruns continued in syndication, keeping the show in circulation for years afterward.