Anyone who grew up in the 70’s remembers Jon and Ponch, the California Highway Patrol Officers who rode into our homes each week. They caught the bad guys, came to the rescue of many a fiery car crash, and always got the girl-and they never once used their guns! CHiPs ran from September 1977 to June 1983. It starred Erik Estrada as Ponch, the lady-loving cop with the blinding smile, and Larry Wilcox as his blond, serious minded partner Jon Baker. Although Wilcox was told he would be the star, Estrada became one of the hottest heartthrobs of the 70’s and the show eventually came to center on Ponch rather than Jon. This led to some hard feelings and a well publicized falling out between the two, which was mended somewhat by Estrada’s near fatal on set motorcycle accident in 1979. Wilcox was the first to reach his side and is credited with helping to save his co-star’s life.
The show was a hit for NBC, and covered every fad of the day from disco to pet rocks and more, but behind the scenes tensions boiled. Estrada walked off the set at the beginning of the 5th season in 1981 over a contract dispute and was replaced with Bruce Jenner for 10 episodes before returning. At the end of that season, Larry Wilcox announced he was quitting the show. He was replaced for the shows 6th and final season with Tom Reilly, (who promptly proceeded to get arrested by the LAPD while high on Quaaludes, a move which nearly cost the show the CHP’s endorsement), who was later dropped to a supporting role. Motorcycle racing legend Bruce Penhall stepped in as Ponch’s partner for the shows final few episodes. Long time cast members Randi Oakes, Brodie Greer, and Michael Dorn(who went on to gain international stardom as Worf in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and the succeeding movies) also did not return and the writing staff was replaced. All these factors led to the show’s cancellation in May of 1983.
These days Estrada, now 58, can still be seen on TV in reality shows such as “The Surreal Life”, “Armed and Famous” and “Back to the Grind”. Wilcox, 60, left acting behind to become a successful businessman. Estrada can also be found on the recent DVD release of “CHiPs: The Complete First Season” providing trivia and episode commentary. The show has been shown in syndication around the world since it’s cancellation and has a devoted cult following-so much so that Warner Brothers has a feature film version of the show in the works, starring “That 70’s Show” alum Wilmer Valderrama as Ponch. Inspired casting if I do say so myself!
classic tv, chips, erik estrada, larry wilcox, 70’s cop show
