James Earl Jones' First TV Leading Role Was On A Failed Steven Bochco Crime Procedural

James Earl Jones made his first leading television appearance in a short-lived crime procedural called Paris, which aired on CBS from September 1979 to January 1980. The series, developed by Steven Bochco, saw Jones playing the role of Woodrow Paris, a strict yet mentor-like captain of the LAPD police department. Paris also led a squad of young detectives and juggled personal life, including his marriage to Barbara (played by Lee Chamberlin) and his second job as a criminology teacher at a city college.

Unfortunately, Paris was cancelled by CBS less than four months after its premiere, marking Jones' first leading TV series to end prematurely. Despite its brief run, the show aired 11 out of the 13 filmed episodes, with the series premiering on Saturdays at 10:00 p.m., a notoriously poor time slot that often left viewers either asleep or out socializing.

Despite this unfavorable schedule, Jones received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Paris, with praise directed towards the show's depiction of his life outside of the police force, providing depth to his character beyond the badge.

Bochco, known for his successful crime procedurals like L.A. Law and NYPD Blue, continued to explore the personal side of his characters in subsequent projects, such as Hill Street Blues. Jones' character in Paris was portrayed both as a stern police officer and a devoted husband and teacher, offering a nuanced view of his professional and personal life.