This show got it right, and everything that followed was imitation.

Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak

Kolchak: The Night Stalker lasted less than a season, but inspired a lot of imitators.

In those days, acting, story and music carried the show, not special effects, moody closeups and jerky camera work; "reality" was limited to the news; and shows began with something called a "theme," a brief musical arrangement that set the mood and introduced characters, guests, and subjects.

For example...

Opening Theme from Kolchak: The Night  Stalker

Yes,  that's the father from A Christmas Story, but I knew him first here, as an intrepid journalist who tracked down classic monsters in modern settings.

[2014-05-10]

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I think I'm in love….

… and they are really good.

[2014-05-07]

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