The series, developed for TV by John Wilder and starring Robert Urich, was broadcast on ABC from September 20, 1985, until May 7, 1988.

Location shooting ultimately led to the show's demise, with costs being cited as one of the main reasons why ABC cancelled it.

In "The Choice", it is revealed that Spenser fared poorly in a professional fight 12 years ago, but he still boxes and exercises at Henry Cimoli's Gym.

He is well read, often quoting poetry in everyday conversation, and is an excellent cook, often making recipes he picks up from watching Julia Child on his kitchen counter television.

His first is a mildly worn-out, dark ivy green 1966 Ford Mustang, with back centered chrome wheels, which is destroyed at the beginning of the second season episode "The Long Hunt".

Spenser carries a Beretta 9mm pistol and acknowledges being a Vietnam War veteran in the series' pilot episode.

After Stock left the show, ADA Rita Fiori (Carolyn McCormick) becomes Spenser's love interest during the second season.

In the second season, the Fire Department takes the station back and Spenser moves to a small top floor apartment in Charlestown, near the old Boston Navy Yard which he now uses as his office.

In the episode "Heart of the Matter", Quirk suffers an angina attack and reluctantly accepts the fact that he must retire after 35 years on the force.

Warner's website explains that the initial disc run was pressed traditionally "to meet expected high consumer demand".