4. The Name of the Game (1968-71)
Expanding from the earlier concept of "Maverick" where James Garner and Jack Kelly shared a rotation in starring duties, this one split its focus between 3 stars whose characters and storylines were bound by the common theme of a publishing empire. Veterans Gene Barry, Robert Stack and Anthony Franciosa each had their own starring week in turn, in essence combining 3 shows in one with one or two of the trio making short appearances in the others week to keep things connected. Barry played publishing magnate Glenn Howard, a flamboyant Rupert Murdoch-like figure who navigated the business and political side of the show. Robert Stack would follow as Dan Farrell, a retired FBI agent who keeps up the good fight as editor of a crime magazine. Then came Jeff Dillon, played by Franciosa, a crusading journalist whod stop at nothing to bring scandals to light. Despite critical acclaim across the board, high production cost overshadowed ratings and the series came to an end after only 3 seasons. Notable among other things for giving Steven Spielberg one of his very first directing gigs with the science-fiction episode LA 2017.