

The Protectors is a British television series, an action thriller created by Gerry Anderson. It was Anderson's second TV series using live actors as opposed to electronic marionettes, and also his second to be firmly set in contemporary times. It was also the only Gerry Anderson produced television series that was not of the fantasy or science fiction genres. It was produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment production company. Despite not featuring marionettes or any real science fiction elements, The Protectors became one of Anderson's most popular productions, easily winning a renewal for a second season. A third season was in the planning stages when the show's major sponsor pulled out, forcing its cancellation. The Protectors first aired in 1972 and 1973, and ran to 52 episodes over two series, each 25 minutes long - making it one of the last series of this type to be produced in a half-hour format. It starred Robert Vaughn as Harry Rule, Nyree Dawn Porter as the Contessa Caroline di Contini, and Tony Anholt as Paul Buchet. Episodes often featured prominent guest actors.

Sep 21, 1973
Harry travels to Spain in order to track down a bounty hunter named Quin.

Sep 28, 1973
The Protectors are called to deliver the ransom for the kidnapped daughter of a Danish aristocrat.

Oct 5, 1973
A revolutionary group steals and auctions off a priceless art collection in order to purchase dynamite to fund their cause.

Oct 12, 1973
The Protectors are hired to smuggle into Britain a Russian scientist who wishes to marry her childhood sweetheart.

Oct 19, 1973
In Denmark, a young woman and her father call on the Protectors to deliver a huge ransom for a stolen jewelry shipment.

Oct 26, 1973
The Protectors go after industrial spies who are threatening to topple a chemical company by scooping their best products.

Nov 2, 1973
Alone in Italy, the Contessa goes to Venice to find out why the son of a wealthy Brit is making huge withdrawals from his account.

Nov 9, 1973
In Salzburg, the Protectors must rescue a group of vacationers whom are unknowingly being held hostage on top of an Austrian mountain.

Nov 16, 1973
In Salzburg, the Protectors must rescue a group of vacationers whom are unknowingly being held hostage on top of an Austrian mountain.

Nov 23, 1973
In Spain, an English boy is framed and arrested on drug charges after a drug dealer plants some hash in his backpack.

Nov 30, 1973
In Britain, Harry is called on to protect a Russian author from publishing his anti-socialist book.

Dec 7, 1973
An old friend who has a new lead on an insurance scam calls Harry and the Contessa to Venice, but he is murdered just before they arrive.

Dec 14, 1973
The Protectors are hired by a Hungarian actress wanting to bury her now deceased revolutionary father in their homeland.

Dec 21, 1973
Harry's college friend Zeke, a pianist, is blackmailed into setting Harry up by mobsters.

Dec 28, 1973
In Venice, Harry aids Lena, a journalist, expose a corrupt politician.

Jan 4, 1974
Undercover as an explosives expert, Harry seeks to rescue a kidnapped girl and prevent a bridge bombing.

Jan 11, 1974
In order to protect the daughter of a rich industrialist who has received threats against her life, Harry poses as her tutor.

Jan 18, 1974
Harry masquerades as a drunk in order to get a Canadian heiress out of a cult.

Jan 25, 1974
The Contessa is used to lure her former lover, a British spy, out into the open.

Feb 1, 1974
Knowing where a huge stash of heroin is hidden, Harry confronts the drug dealers.

Feb 8, 1974
The Protectors are called upon when the father of a man on trial for murdering a policeman goes after the judge.

Feb 15, 1974
Harry is stalked on a train by Shadbolt, a professional assassin.

Feb 22, 1974
Harry Rule is called upon to see if Eartha Kitt's (guest star)home is haunted.

Mar 1, 1974
The Protectors are hired to discretely research stolen secret Swiss bank account information.

Feb 25, 1974
The Protectors aid a movie director in the retrieval of film being held for ransom.

Mar 15, 1974
The Protectors chase after a stolen platinum shipment.