The History of Simon & Simon: A Shelved Pilot, Near Cancelation & Ultimate Success

In the golden age of 1980s television, few shows captured the heart of audiences like Simon & Simon, a mix of action, comedy, and brotherly rivalry that turned two private eyes into household names. But behind the charm of Rick and A.J. Simon lies a story of missed pilots, near cancellation, network gambles, and creative clashes that shaped one of CBS’s biggest hits.

From an unaired 1978 pilot called Pirate’s Key to its eventual rise alongside Magnum, P.I., this is the untold journey of how Simon & Simon became a cult favorite. Discover the behind-the-scenes struggles, the moves that saved it from being axed, and what ultimately brought the brothers’ adventures to an end.

How did a small idea about two mismatched detectives become one of the most beloved shows of the decade?
Let’s find out. This is The History of Simon & Simon.

Sources:
Wikipedia
IMDB
The Saturday Evening Post
Los Angeles Times
Of or Involving Motion Pictures
Drunktv
Cult TV Lounge
Newportbeachlibrary

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