TV series
Strangers is a 1978–82 ITV police procedural created and principally written by Murray Smith, based on characters created by Kenneth Royce in his novel series and subsequent 1977–78 television adaptation The XYY Man. Don Henderson and Dennis Blanch reprise their roles, respectively, of Detective Sergeant (DS) George Bulman and Detective Constable (DC) Derek Willis. A group of police officers are brought together from across the country to the north of England. There, the fact that they're not well-known gives them the advantage to infiltrate where a more familiar local detective could not. Despite being based around a comparatively small team of detectives, a regular feature in its early years is that few episodes feature the entire team, with most using just two or three regulars in any major role.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Strangers premiered June 5, 1978. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Strangers is a 1978–82 ITV police procedural created and principally written by Murray Smith, based on characters created by Kenneth Royce in his novel series and subsequent 1977–78 television adaptation The XYY Man. Don Henderson and Dennis Blanch reprise their roles, respectively, of Detective Sergeant (DS) George Bulman and Detective Constable (DC) Derek Willis. A group of police officers are brought together from across the country to the north of England. There, the fact that they're not well-known gives them the advantage to infiltrate where a more familiar local detective could not. Despite being based around a comparatively small team of detectives, a regular feature in its early years is that few episodes feature the entire team, with most using just two or three regulars in any major role.
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Episode 1
Bulman and Willis are assigned to trail an experienced hitman and discover the identity of his next target. But if the man gives them the slip and manages to make his next hit, who will carry the can?
Directed by Ken GrieveWritten by Murray SmithGuest stars Troy Foster, Paul McDowell, Lol Coxhill, Constantine Gregory, Edward Peel, Brian Miller, Niven Boyd, Antoine Martin
Episode 2
When a group of prominent businessmen decide to choose crime as a short cut to riches, the Inner City Squad are on their trail when they kidnap a prominent politician.
Directed by William BrayneWritten by Murray SmithGuest stars Troy Foster, John Castle, Matthew Blakstad, Dudley Sutton, Charles Keating, Steve Plytas, Catherine Schell, Edward de Souza
Episode 3
Bulman and Willis set out to investigate corruption in a local government but ultimately are caught breaking and entering. Meanwhile, Bennett meets a jazz musician whose twin brother is behind the corruption, and Willis falls for local policewoman Sgt Jill Tender.
Directed by Ben BoltWritten by Bruce CrowtherGuest stars Rachel Davies, Simon Williams, Bernard Gallagher, Brian Southwood, Nigel Stock, John Collin, Stephen Tomlin
Episode 4
A number of extremist politicians die in mysterious circumstances. The squad investigates the academic world of Cambridge and the upper reaches of the law.
Directed by Bill GilmourWritten by Murray SmithGuest stars Thorley Walters, Tim Wylton, Peter Woodthorpe, Graeme Garden, Kim Thomson, Rupert Everett, Michael Gough, Richard Vernon
Episode 5
The squad participatr in a weekend seminar on urban terrorism. A hotel full of policemen should be a safe place, but a senior female officer is murdered by a crooked fellow officer.
Directed by Bill GilmourWritten by Bruce CrowtherGuest stars Fred Pearson, Bernard Wrigley, Christopher Coll, Ashley Barker, Howard Crossley, Kenneth Cope, Derek Fowlds, Kenneth Cranham
Episode 6
When coffins are stolen but no one informs the police, the squad go undercover in a jazz club to expose an international smuggling ring.
Directed by Roger TuckerWritten by Murray SmithGuest stars Troy Foster, Lol Coxhill, Ian Redford, Shirley Stelfox, Colm Meaney, Peter Martin, Rose Hill, Ian East
Episode 7
Peter Mollett — aka the Sandman — acts as an agent smuggling stolen art treasures, often in coffins. A rival gang hope to cash in on his lucrative trade, but the squad are also interested.
Directed by William BrayneWritten by Murray SmithGuest stars Thorley Walters, George Pravda, Patricia Maynard, Troy Foster, Ian Redford, Keith Washington, Suzanne Danielle, Patrick Mower
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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Don HendersonDS George Bulman
Dennis BlanchDS Derek Willis
Mark McManusDCS Jack Lambie
John RonaneDI David Singer
Frances TomeltyDC Linda Doran
David HargreavesDCI Rainbow
Michael ByrneSgt Briscoe
ITV1United Kingdom
Granada TelevisionUnited Kingdom
