Shannon is an American crime drama series created by John Hawkins that aired in first-run syndication from October 2, 1961, to May 2, 1962. The series starred George Nader as insurance investigator Joe Shannon.
Joe Shannon (George Nader) is an insurance investigator in Los Angeles for the Denver-based Transport Bonding and Surety Company. Shannon investigates losses of items in transit that are insured under the company, the losses of which are often tied to crime. He reports to his Denver-based boss Bill Cochran (Regis Toomey), and sometimes involves Los Angeles branch manager Elliot Mills (Jan Arvan).
While the series is typical for the early 1960s detective series, it is also unique in that Shannon heavily utilizes his 1961 Buick Special equipped with advanced gadgetry for the period. The car has its own phone and a dictation machine for his notes. Shannon often uses a personal recording device hidden in his jacket while questioning suspects.
As the Network era began in the late 1950s, first-run syndication programming began faltering. By this time, film studios such as Columbia (which owned Screen Gems) had begun to recognize more value in creating series for the broadcast networks as opposed to the first-run market, the reach of which were often relegated to only larger cities. The three major networks - ABC, CBS, and NBC - increased broadcast time, with audiences preferring the higher quality of their programming over the lower-budgeted fare of syndication programming. This was compounded by increasing production costs, which were limited by the larger viewership base and finances associated with the networks.
The series was created by John Hawkins (who often co-wrote with his brother Ward Hawkins) for Screen Gems Television. Jerry Briskin served as producer. Gene Roddenberry wrote two of the teleplays while under contract to Screen Gems. Screen Gems formally announced the series on June 2, 1961.
As opposed to the then-usual schedule of three-day shoots for one episode per week, Shannon utilized a six-day shoot for three episodes per week. This schedule plus on-location shoots lowered costs for the series. Most notably, co-star Regis Toomey wore a hat to avoid time needed for makeup on his bald head. By September 18, the series had completed its first thirteen episodes.
Although it only produced one season of 36 episodes, Shannon experienced some success. It was sold to 87 markets within its first two months, which had expanded to 109 markets by February 1962. In 1963, it was the top-rated syndicated series in Detroit.