I didn't get to watch Hunter when it first aired because it went up against Dallas, which was my favorite show at the time. But later, I saw a few episodes in seasons 5 and 6 and really enjoyed it. Fred Dryer as the lead character of Sergeant/Lt. Rick Hunter was very believable as the hardnosed, rule bending cop who always got his man, mostly by a one or two shot gun blast. His gun sounded like a cannon every week. Now that streaming services are plentiful, I saw all seasons from the very beginning and I enjoyed it! It was exciting to see the car chases, blowups, action, etc. I didn't like the character of Sergeant Dee Dee McCall portrayed by Stepfanie Kramer at first because she was so unrealistic. Her small frame, globs of makeup, wearing flashy clothed. running after bad guys in high heels and always carrying a purse that obviously looked like there was nothing in it, was just too far fetched. But as the show changed, I loved them together. The chemistry, banter, jokes and sexual tension between them was great!
Later on as the seasons continued, it lost something. The stories were good, but predictable. They got away from the things that made this show great...more drama, less action. I always thought it was a Dirty Harry tipoff, but the show held its own. Unfortunately, I lost interest in it as a cop show and only looked forward to the scenes with the leading co-stars! Loved it when they finally showed them kiss in the episode Unfinished Business in season 6!
All in all, the show is good for entertainment purposes even now. I watch it often, except season 7. I didn't bother to watch..It was dismal without Hunter's sidekick, McCall. Fred Dryer and Stepfanie Kramer were great together as my favorite cop team on tv!