In the Heat of the Night (1988)

Set against the backdrop of a racially charged Southern town, the series follows police chief William Gillespie, portrayed by Carroll O'Connor, and African-American detective Virgil Tibbs, played by Howard Rollins, as they tackle crime and social issues. Based on the acclaimed film and novel, the show aired on NBC from 1988 to 1992, later moving to CBS until 1995. With executive producers including O'Connor himself, the series explored deep themes of prejudice and justice. The first season was released on DVD by TGG Direct on August 28, 2012.