The Lineup followed the investigations of two detectives, Lieutenant Ben Guthrie (played by Warner Anderson) and Inspector Matt Grebb (Tom Tully), of the San Francisco Police Department's Homicide Division. The show was famous for its use of on-location filming throughout San Francisco, giving viewers a unique glimpse into the city's landmarks and real-life locations.
Each episode began with the two detectives receiving their assignment from the police dispatcher, and they would then follow the clues and leads to track down the criminals responsible for the crime. The show's focus on the police work and procedures of San Francisco was a unique concept at the time, and it was one of the first police dramas to feature an ensemble cast instead of a single protagonist.
The Lineup was known for its gritty realism, as it dealt with issues such as drug addiction, organized crime, and violent crime. The show was also notable for its use of background music, which was composed by Nathan Scott and John Seely.
The TV series was based on the radio program of the same name, which ran from 1950 to 1953. The Lineup was produced by Quinn Martin Productions, which would later go on to produce other popular TV shows such as The Fugitive, The Invaders, and Barnaby Jones.
The Lineup remains a classic police drama that set the standard for future shows of its kind, and it is still remembered as one of the most iconic TV programs of the 1950s and 1960s.