The Chief (UK TV series)

src: www.telegraph.co.uk

The Chief is a British television crime drama series that aired on ITV from 20 April 1990 until 16 June 1995. A total of five series and thirty-five episodes were produced. The series followed the work of the fictitious "Eastland Constabulary", particularly focusing on Chief Constable John Stafford (Tim Pigott-Smith), and his efforts to restore order within his volatile team. Later, focus shifted towards Stafford's replacement, Alan Cade (Martin Shaw). The series was produced by Anglia Television and was mostly filmed and set in East Anglia.

The series was notable for a lot of political content, in particular for Stafford's battles with the Home Office and local politicians. James Anderton, a former Chief Constable of the Greater Manchester Police, was an adviser on the show, allowing it to be portrayed as reflecting real life.

In 2010, Network DVD released the first two series of The Chief on DVD in Britain, with a "12" certificate. The content has not been modified from the original broadcasts, and every episode contains the title cards for the commercial breaks. There are no special features. The third series was released by Network on April 18, 2011. A fourth series, which was due for release on August 18, 2011, was delayed until September, thanks to the loss of stock in a fire at the Sony Distribution Centre, caused by rioters in the 2011 England riots.