The TV show "Highway Patrol" refers to two distinct series:
- Highway Patrol (American TV series, 1955–1959)
- This is a 156-episode action crime drama starring Broderick Crawford as Dan Mathews, the tough head of a highway patrol in an unnamed Western state.
- The show was based on real stories from highway patrol files and featured car chases, shootouts, and crime-fighting on rural highways.
- It was produced by Ziv Television Programs and aired in syndication from 1955 to 1959.
- The series was very popular and notable for its period cars, location shooting in California, and fast-paced dialogue.
- It featured many actors who later became famous, such as Clint Eastwood and Leonard Nimoy.
- The show is remembered for its documentary-style narration by Art Gilmore and the iconic image of Mathews leaning on his patrol car while speaking into a radio microphone
- Highway Patrol (Australian TV series, 2009–present)
- This is a factual reality TV series following members of the Victoria Police highway patrol in Australia.
- It documents real police work including traffic stops, high-speed chases, accident responses, and dealing with drunk drivers.
- The show is produced by Greenstone TV and airs on the Seven Network in Australia.
- It has multiple seasons and is also broadcast internationally in countries like New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, and the UK
In summary, "Highway Patrol" can refer to a classic American scripted drama from the 1950s or a contemporary Australian factual police series. The American version is notable for its dramatic storytelling and historical significance in TV syndication, while the Australian version is a reality- based show focused on modern highway policing.
