The Sweeney (1975): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The Sweeney first went out in January 1975 on ITV (Thames). It ran until 1978, with 4 series and 53 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

police
gritty
seventies
More from the 1970s

Ask if we have it See rentals

Why it is worth your time

Regan and Carter of the Flying Squad tear around 1970s London in a Ford Granada. Rough, fast and on location; it made British TV cop shows grow up.

The details

First broadcast: 2 January 1975
Originally on: ITV (Thames)
On air: 1975–1978
Series: 4
Episodes: 53
Typical length: 60 minutes
Genres: Drama, Action, Crime
First episode: “Ringer”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The Sweeney: quick answers

When did The Sweeney start?

On 2 January 1975, on ITV (Thames).

How many episodes of The Sweeney are there?

53 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 4 series. The last aired in 1978.

Where can I watch The Sweeney now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.