McCloud

Synopsis

McCloud is a classic crime drama television series that premiered in 1970, starring Dennis Weaver as Marshal Sam McCloud, a cowboy lawman from Taos, New Mexico, who is assigned to work with the New York City Police Department. The show's unique blend of western and urban crime elements sets it apart from typical police procedurals, as McCloud navigates the unfamiliar and often dangerous streets of New York City while relying on his rural wisdom and straightforward approach to justice. The series explores the contrast between McCloud’s rustic background and the bustling metropolitan environment, featuring a variety of intriguing cases, colorful characters, and a strong moral compass, making it a compelling show that captures the spirit of both the Old West and modern law enforcement.

Cast

• 

  Dennis Weaver

  Sam McCloud

• 

  J.D. Cannon

  Peter Clifford

• 

  Terry Carter

  Joe Broadhurst

• 

  Diana Muldaur

  Chris Coughlin

Reviews

McCloud has received generally favorable, albeit somewhat mixed reviews over the years. On IMDb, the series holds a respectable rating of 6.9/10, reflecting solid appreciation from viewers who enjoy its unique character-driven storytelling and Dennis Weaver's charismatic performance. Critics have praised the show's creative fusion of western motifs with urban crime drama, highlighting Weaver’s role as a breath of fresh air amidst typical city cop dramas. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregate critic score for the original series, but audience reviews often emphasize the show's nostalgic charm and distinctive tone. Some critics note that the pacing and production values reflect the era in which it was made, which may feel dated to contemporary viewers used to faster, more polished dramas. Metacritic does not host formal ratings for McCloud, but retrospective commentary suggests that while it may not reach the heights of more modern crime shows, McCloud’s solid storytelling, strong lead, and memorable moments have cemented it as a beloved classic in television history. Fans of vintage procedural dramas and Western-inspired characters generally find McCloud an engaging watch.