The Fugitive is an American television series that originally aired from September 17, 1963, to August 29, 1967, on ABC. The series was created by Roy Huggins and was loosely inspired by the real-life story of Sam Sheppard, a doctor convicted of murdering his wife. However, the series developed its own storyline, focusing on Dr. Richard Kimble, portrayed by actor David Janssen.
The show revolves around Dr. Richard Kimble, who is wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife, Helen Kimble. While being transported to death row, the train derails, allowing Kimble to escape. Now a fugitive, he evades capture while searching for the real killer, a one-armed man he saw fleeing the scene of the crime. Throughout the series, Kimble moves from town to town, adopting different identities and professions to survive, all the while being pursued by the relentless Lieutenant Philip Gerard, played by Barry Morse.
The Fugitive was critically acclaimed for its storytelling, character development, and its portrayal of a man on the run, which was a novel concept for television at the time. The series finale, where Kimble finally confronts the one-armed man, was watched by an estimated 72% of the television audience, making it one of the highest-rated shows in television history. The series has been influential in shaping the genre of the "man on the run" narrative in both television and film.
The success of The Fugitive led to several adaptations:
The series has been referenced in numerous other TV shows and films, and its iconic theme music by Pete Rugolo is often recognized even today. The character of Dr. Richard Kimble has become synonymous with the archetype of the innocent man fighting against the system.