Study data came from observations of 50, 49, and 30 crime shows respectively from the 1976-77, 1978-79, and 1980-81 seasons. The research sought to determine whether these shows changed from the first half of the 1970's in their emphasis on violent crime; an overrepresentation of white, middle-aged, middle-class suspects and victims; and a portrayal of crime as generally unsuccessful. Current shows continue to emphasize violent crime, but more recently portray more women then men as murder victims and more robbery suspects as lower class or working class. However, the motivation for violent crime on television remains psychological. In addition, almost 9 of every 10 crimes on television are solved. If television represented the clearance rate and the characteristics of suspects more accurately, structural solutions to crime would become much more appealing to the public. Data tables and footnotes containing references are supplied.