Dragnet was a pioneering radio crime drama that aired from 1949 to 1957, created by and starring Jack Webb as the no-nonsense Los Angeles police detective Sergeant Joe Friday.
Known for its stark realism and methodical storytelling, the show was based on actual LAPD case files, emphasizing procedural accuracy and police work's routine aspects.
Its signature opening—“The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.”—became iconic.
With its clipped, deadpan dialogue and minimalist production, Dragnet set the standard for future police procedurals and successfully transitioned to television in 1951, further cementing its legacy in American pop culture.
200 full episodes listen free and uninterrupted use ☰ to select episode
The Dragnet radio show featured a rotating cast, but several actors became closely associated with the series:
Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday – The show's creator and lead actor, known for his deadpan delivery and commitment to realism.
Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero – Friday’s first partner, appearing from 1949 until his sudden death in 1951.
Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith – Replaced Romero as Friday’s partner from 1951 onward and continued in the TV version.
Raymond Burr – Frequently played police captains and other authority figures before achieving fame as Perry Mason.
Harry Morgan (in the TV version) later replaced Ben Alexander, but he did not appear in the radio run.
Virginia Gregg, Peggy Webber, and June Whitley – Regularly voiced female characters, including victims, suspects, and witnesses.
Herb Ellis and Stacy Harris – Played various police officers and criminals throughout the series.
The show often reused voice actors in different roles, a common practice in old-time radio dramas.
