When they started out together in the New York Police
Department, Theo Kojak and Frank McNeil had worked
closely together and, for a number of years, been
partners. Over the years Frank had worked his way up
the hierarchy to the point where he was now chief of
detectives for the 13th Precinct in the Manhattan
South district. Kojak, who had a cynical sense of
humor as was determined to do things his way
regardless of what his bosses thought, was now
working for him. Kojak was outspoken and streetwise,
and was not above stretching the literal interpretation
of the law if it would help him crack a case. Working
closely with him was plain clothes detective Bobby
Crocker, as close to a regular partner as he had.
The supporting role of Detective Stavros was played by
Telly Savalas' brother George who, during the first two
seasons of the show, was billed as Demosthenes in the
credits rather than his real name. Considerable location
filming was done in New York with Kojak seen all over
the city licking his trademark lollipops.