One of the most popular TV shows of the mid 1980's was Cagney and Lacey . Who were the two stars of this show?

The iconic female detective duo of the 1980s was brought to life by Sharon Gless as the single, career-driven Christine Cagney and Tyne Daly as the dedicated working mother, Mary Beth Lacey. The series, which ran from 1982 to 1988, broke new ground by focusing on the complex personal and professional lives of two female police partners. Their contrasting lifestyles—Cagney navigating her ambitions and personal demons, while Lacey balanced the demands of her job with her husband and children—provided the show with its signature dramatic depth and realism.

While the pairing of Gless and Daly became legendary, Gless was actually the third actress to play Christine Cagney. Loretta Swit originated the role in the 1981 pilot movie but was unavailable for the series due to her commitment to M*A*S*H. Meg Foster then played Cagney for the first six episodes, but she was replaced by network (Review) executives who reportedly felt her portrayal was too tough. Once Sharon Gless stepped into the role, the chemistry with Tyne Daly solidified, creating one of television's most memorable partnerships.

The show's critical success was as significant as its popularity. During its run, the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series was won exclusively by one of the two stars for six consecutive years. Tyne Daly took home the award four times and Sharon Gless won twice, a testament to their powerful individual performances and their incredible on-screen dynamic.