The
success of the radio show led to a Dragnet television pilot, aired as an
episode of Chesterfield Sound Off Time in 1951, and resulted in a
permanent slot for the series on NBC Television's Thursday night schedule in
early 1952. Yarborogh died suddenly after the pilot aired and was eventually
replaced by Ben Alexander, who played Officer Frank Smith from 1953 to the end
of the series in 1959. Dragnet was an instant hit on television,
maintaining a top 10 position in the ratings through 1956.




 


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