[1] The show was a half-hour dramedy, a hybrid between light private eye fare and a sitcom.

The series has the character quitting the police force, moving to Beverly Hills, and becoming a private investigator.

In a programming experiment, NBC president Brandon Tartikoff announced that this show would be a "designated hitter" and was originally given prize time slots once a month following Cheers and Night Court.

Night Court and Buntz were unsuccessful, but Miami Vice gained a fifth season with an improved performance having moved from 9pm back to 10pm.

The series starred Dennis Franz as Norman Buntz, and Peter Jurasik as Sid "The Snitch" Thurston.