Created by Ted Griffin, Terriers is a dramatic comedy-cum-mystery thriller, which provides some edgy entertainment to the discerning audiences. Delving into the lives of two unconventional detectives who are down on luck, the series is filled up to the brim with some scintillating writing and character development. This is exactly what differentiates the show from the rest in the genre.

Set in the seedy underbelly of a grungy San Diego, the series chronicles the nighttime adventures of two, detectives who go about unearthing the grimy secrets of the inhabitants in the manner of a ferocious terrier. What salvages the show from descending into stark pessimism, is some top class humor, and witty dialogues that lighten the overall mood of the show.

At the center of action are the two lead protagonists, who happen to be old friends. There’s the ex-cop Hank Dolworth (Donal Logue in a splendid turn), who has a lot of issues and inner conflicts to resolve. He’s also a recovering alcoholic, but all the disadvantages are more than neutralized by the unconventional acuteness of the detective, in arriving at the correct conclusions.

Partnering him in his endeavors is Britt Pollack, an ex-criminal with his own demons to deal with. The two open a Private Investigative agency that starts off by investigating the murder of one of the most influential citizens of the city, through their rather unconventional means.

Things, however, rarely turn out as they should, as Hank’s ex-wife Gretchen (Kimberly Quinn) complicates the matters. Hank’s ex-partner Gustafson (Rockmond Dunbar) also contributes his bit, to befuddle the matters even more. Britt also has agendas that he must set right, especially with respect to his beautiful girlfriend Katie (Laura Allen).

The detective duo, though, are helped out from time to time, by the legal expertise of Maggie Lefferts (Jamie Denbo). This rag-tag bunch presents a fascinating picture of life in modern America that surprises, and makes us laugh at the same time.
Though cancelled after a short run, Terriers is one of the best and most intelligent shows to have hit American television.