Which police TV series made “Book ’em, Danno” one of television’s best-known catchphrases?

Hawaii Five-O is the answer. The police TV series Hawaii Five-O made “Book ’em, Danno” famous through Jack Lord’s character Steve McGarrett, who often said it to Detective Danny “Danno” Williams.

Steve McGarrett and Danno

Hawaii Five-O premiered on CBS in 1968 and centered on a state police unit working in Hawaii. Jack Lord played Steve McGarrett, the firm and controlled head of the Five-O team. James MacArthur played Danny “Danno” Williams, McGarrett’s trusted detective and the character addressed in the famous line.

A Catchphrase Built Into the Arrest

“Book ’em, Danno” was tied to the moment when McGarrett ordered a suspect to be booked after an arrest. The phrase was short, direct, and easy to remember, which helped it become one of classic TV’s best-known catchphrases. It also worked because it connected the police procedure of booking a suspect with the familiar partnership between McGarrett and Danno.

Why Hawaii Five-O Stayed Memorable

The original Hawaii Five-O ran for 12 seasons, giving the catchphrase years to become closely linked with the show. Its Hawaii setting, CBS crime-drama format, and recurring McGarrett-Danno dynamic helped make the line recognizable long after the original series ended. Later revivals, references, and parodies kept “Book ’em, Danno” connected to Hawaii Five-O in television history.