The American television series Jake and the Fatman, produced between 1987 and 1992, is about the cases the District Attorney Jason Lochinvar McCabe (played by William Conrad) and his private investigator Jake Styles (played by Joe Penny).

Jason Lochinvar McCabe, who is called Fatman because of his stature, was formerly an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Later he changed to prosecution and is now a district attorney famous for his number of convictions. McCabe is also known for often being tactless and has no problem breaking or neglecting the law, provided it benefits his case.

Due to his lack of tact and due to his behaviour, as well as based on the convictions obtained, the number of people who could be described as McCabe’s enemies is almost legendary. Jason Lochinvar McCabe is almost always accompanied by his bulldog Max. And anyone will notice some similarity between master and dog.

Jake Styles is McCabe's special investigator, responsible for conducting research on current cases. As part of his investigation, Jake Styles also often works undercover to gather information. The relationship between Jake and Fatman is a classic father-son relationship in which McCabe repeatedly responds grumpily but also lenient to the antics of styles.

In addition to the private investigator Jake Styles, McCabe also employs a young attorney named Derek Mitchell (played by Alan Campbell) as assistant. And also his secretary Gertrude (played by Lu Leonard) supports her boss McCabe in his work.

The joint work of Jake and Fatman for the state of California lasted only a year, however. Both moved to Hawaii, where they have worked together as partners and opened a detective agency similar to that of Magnum. They are accompanied by Derek Mitchell, who also serves as McCabe’s assistant further. Since Gertrude prefers to stay in Los Angeles, the two private detectives now need a new secretary. This is quickly found in Lisbeth Berkeley-Smythe (played by Olga Russell).

At the urging of the mayor of Los Angeles, a new move occurs one year later, leading Jake, Fatman, assistant Derek and secretary Lisbeth to Los Angeles, where Jake and Fatman are again working as investigators for the district attorney.

Apart from Dick Van Dyke (known from the series Diagnosis: Murder) and Ernest Borgnine, Robert Culp, Michael Madsen, Marlyn Mason, Reiner Schoene, David Soul, and Ally Walker and many famous actors played as guest stars in some episodes of the series Jake and the Fatman.

You may find all episodes of Jake and the Fatman here.