Hart to Hart (1979–1984) User Reviews (34)

"When they met... it was murder!"

[bensonmum2 · 7/10 · 19 February 2008]

If you've read some of my other user comments, you'll quickly discover that Hart to Hart isn't the kind of thing I usually go for. But, surprisingly, the show works for me. A loving relationship, plenty of money, a wonderful house, nice cars, and a life filled with adventure and mystery - this is what has always drawn me to Hart to Hart.

At the heart of Hart to Hart is its two leads - Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Johnathan and Jennifer Hart. Has there ever been a more perfect television couple? It's easy to see that they were longtime friends in real life before the show started. They seem so natural together. Both are also accomplished actors and are capable of making even the most ridiculous of situations believable. And Lionel Stander as the butler, chauffeur, handyman, cook, and general do everything guy, Max, is also a real asset. Like Wagner and Powers, he came to the series with a long resume. It's a solid cast.

Looking back at some of the episodes, they may seem incredibly corny to those more accustomed to modern TV. Two people just don't find themselves in these kinds of predicaments week after week. One week you're running from drug smugglers, the next week your house is completely emptied by thieves, and the next you're recovering a priceless antique for a Buddhist temple. I could live a lifetime and never have one episode worth of the adventure the Harts experienced. And, you know what? - it's this implausibility that really makes the show work for me. I enjoy it because it is unrealistic and fanciful. Life is tough enough without having reality rear its ugly head disguised as entertainment on television. I love to turn on something like Hart to Hart (or Charlie's Angels or Wonder Woman or Banacek or whatever show you can name form this period) and be entertained, and, even for a brief moment, forget about the real problems we all face. I don't find today's reality-based television dramas entertaining - they're depressing to me.

Millionaire sleuths solve mysteries while enjoying wedded bliss

[roghache · 7/10 · 10 May 2006]

This is a highly entertaining series featuring suspense and adventure, but above all the constantly romantic relationship between the married couple, the Harts, around which this story revolves. It's a wonderful series for both mystery and romance.

Jonathan and Jennnifer Hart are a pair of engaging amateur detectives. The dashing Jonathan is a self made millionaire and CEO of his company, Hart Industries. His gorgeous wife, Jennifer, has had her own career as a freelance journalist. Now much of their time is spent globe trotting and acting as amateur sleuths, investigating with apparent ease cases of murder, theft, and espionage. Apart from that, they enjoy their mansion home, the company of their loyal butler, Max, and their cute little dog, Freeway.

The two stars have a great on screen chemistry. Robert Wagner brings charm and charisma to the role of Jonathan Hart, and the beautiful Stephanie Powers is perfect as his wife, Jennifer. Lionel Stander portrays to perfection Max, the couple's butler, cook, and chauffeur, who is very proud of his employers and valiantly tries to keep their lives sorted out for them.

The glamorous couple's jet setting lifestyle and assorted encounters with danger & intrigue make for an engaging program. As with all amateur sleuths, murder follows these two wherever they journey. However, it's their constant flirting and loving banter that make the show. These two literally can't seem to get enough of each other! How refreshing to witness a married couple so obviously in love. Although they enjoy the luxurious benefits of Jonathan's wealth, they seem to be a pair with their priorities straight in life.

Typical Spelling cotton candy, but Hart to Hart is the cream of that crop

[GaryLThompson · 7/10 · 2 March 2015]

Spoiler warning: Don't get too attached to the Harts' friends. Pretty high mortality count by the end of most episodes!

Seriously, it's Nick and Nora Charles Lite, but with Spelling Productions you're expecting something profound or fiendish mystery plot twists? But Spelling always knew how to entertain, and he also had a knack of hiring top acting professionals. The charm and talent of the three leads here (the dog Freeway isn't bad either) is obviously the biggest factor in the show's success. And Spelling did have a knack for great opening sequences, and Hart to Hart is no exception.

So if you're looking to unwind from the pressure of a tough day, turning on Cozi or Hallmark Mystery to spend a couple hours with Jennifer and Jonathan and Max wouldn't be your worst choice for diversion.

My favorite part was to see such a happy and nice looking couple as Jonathan and Jennifer.

[macpherr · 1 April 2000]

Robert Wagner (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me) "Jonathan Hart" the very nice looking self-made millionaire, with his beautiful wife "Jennifer Hart " Stefanie Powers (The Magnificent Seven Ride!) lived in this darling house along with a butler "Max," Lionel Stander (New York, New York). Max was a dream of a house caretaker, and a cook full of good intuition and love for Jennifer and Jonathan. I would welcome someone in my house like Max. He had initiative. Their cute little dog Freeway, was just adorable. The series started when I first got married and my husband and I loved watching it. I wanted to look at Jennifer's outfits, and somehow managed to get a small leather jacket like hers and was thrilled that I could dress like the millionaire Jennifer Hart. What I liked most about the show was how close the Harts were and also how very happily married. They knew each other extremely well and respected each others opinion. That is what I remembered the most about the series. The people they fought every time were incidental to the show to me, but my favorite part was to see such a happy and nice looking couple. The series was very well done full of beautiful places and beautiful people.

Solid entertainment

[gsbuie · 7/10 · 1 March 2020]

I was a devoted Hart to Hart fan when they first aired. I was about 13 years old and thought Jonathan and Jennifer were just about the most glamorous and fabulous couple. Recently I found it again on the Hallmark Mystery Channel and out is just a delight! Stephanie Powers, Robert Wagner and Lionel Sanders made a powerhouse team. Yes, the plots were over the top but they were always entertaining. The main thing was it was so easy to get emotionally invested in not only the Hart's but the chauffeur and even Freeway, their dog. Of course, it would be impossible to have this type of show today and that's a shame. These type shows provided a nice, easy and enjoyable 47minute vacation from whatever you may be facing and I am so glad to be able to watch them again!

Guilty pleasure

[safenoe · 7/10 · 28 June 2021]

I have only fond memories of Hart to Hart and the chemistry of Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner was so electric that I thought in real life they were a couple. I wish there was a reboot that could star Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, with the butler from The Nanny playing the butler.

Stunt doubles like you've never seen before 😆

[stevenjohnsonsj · 6/10 · 31 October 2019]

The Harts get held at gunpoint... Jonathan Hart somehow overpowers the gunman/woman. If it's a man, JH, would always take him out with one punch... always! and Jennifer Hart, always stands there looking at the altercation saying "Jonathan... look out" Then you have the terrible stunt doubles, with their faces not even concealed!

Every episode was as stated above towards the last 15-20mins.

Light hearted fun ride. Love that Jonathon and Jennifer work as a team and never have marriage problems and are always lovey-dovey with each other.

[reb-warrior · 7/10 · 15 August 2021]

Jonathon and Jennifer Hart constantly find themselves caught up in murder mysteries. Their best friend and all-in-one helper, Max, helps them out. Many times Freeway(the true lead) tags along.

Love the way Jonathon and Jennifer always call each other "darling." That's so "rich people!" On most tv shows, couples aren't allowed to stay happy and end up have marital problems. Here this on show, Jonathon and Jennifer don't have that and work as a team whilst always being lovey-dovey with each other. It's refreshing really. The banter between the two is fun and flirty. The actors have great chemistry.

Max is great as the lovable cranky curmudgeon. Freeway, the super cute dog, and the star of the show will steal your heart away.

The mysteries and the way they are solved by these two aren't to be taken seriously. It's just a fun ride. Funnily enough, Jonathon and Jennifer don't go searching for trouble. Usually, they are the targets of some sort of nefarious scheme or they are helping a friend out. Robert Wagner at 50ish is kind of funny as the action guy. I mean, I'm not laughing at him, but just kind of "you go, man!" Lol. Stefanie Powers is great with the constant "surprised" look. She's gorgeous, as Max says in the opening, and she is charming and charismatic.

I heard they are doing a reboot of this show featuring a gay couple. I hope they can recapture the magic. I think one of the reasons this show did so well was that the actors were old friends and they were older which gave them a certain dignity in their roles.

Anyway, I really enjoyed rewatching it, especially in the dark days of the last couple of years. It's nice to see the good guys win, see love win, and just have fun with it. It's very charming and light. 7/10.

My Hart aches for you.

[lannes-nunn6-923-933191 · 10/10 · 6 June 2019]

The Hart's life is just one big adventure. It just shows what can happen when you put your heart into everything you love. But at the end of every adventure love concours all so they say. But you need to watch to make sure.

A show with a place in my Hart

[matthewnerz · 7/10 · 29 July 2019]

Suspend some disbelief and enjoy. Sometimes corny, sometimes contrived but it is almost always worth an hour of your idle time. Thank god they didn't go with the first option for leading man. Whew. RJ is perfect and pairs well with the over-qualified(wiki this) SP.

That being said, SP sometimes doesn't know what to do with the physicality of some scenes but that is because they script her like a part-time hothouse flower. She should have been allowed to be tougher with a gun in her hand; a little more Emma Peel, after being involved in countless murder cases. Jeez.

Anyway, I watched as a preteen for its OG run and that is a bit like the way I do now.

Great fun.

(P. S. I am amazed that RJ and Christopher Walken were going through the Natalie Wood drowning 'case', smack dab in the middle of the HtH series run. Wow.)

8Os elite nomsense at its work

[lige-george1 · 3/10 · 13 March 2020]

They have so Mich money they look for adventure. I got an adventure they should try being poor. not to mention the DA and police wouldn't be happy.

Guilty Pleasure, 80s style

[Jambie67 · 8/10 · 21 January 2007]

Man, I love this show, and wish they would show reruns on cable now, instead of some of the crappy shows in syndication. Hart to Hart wasn't deep or important or even remotely realistic, but it was great fun, and full of eye candy. Stephanie (who was and is just gorgeous) and Robert had great chemistry and brought a real sense of glamor to this show. The formula was simple and effective: every episode was either about a Hart family friend or colleague getting murdered or murdering someone else, followed by the Harts donning costumes, playing sleuth, and using their vast financial resources to solve the crime. There was always at least one "action" scene or chase, and the show always closed with some silly, sexual banter between J&J...usually shot in the bedroom set. Along the way there was always a bit of comic relief provided by the late, great Lionel Stander (AKA Max.) TV these days is either incredibly shoddy or sooooo self-important and haughty that it's unwatchable (Hello, Mr. Sorkin!!!)A show like Hart to Hart would be a welcome change of pace these days.

Robert and Stefanie at the top.

[asalerno10 · 7/10 · 13 December 2023]

He is a millionaire and she is a retired journalist, a perfect marriage where what abounds is love, and both are fans of unraveling crimes and mysteries. Many times they come across a strange event by chance and do not stop until they find out its origin. I think Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers were at their best when they made this series, she was a beautiful and modern forty-something, and he had his second hit after It Takes a Thief. Watching it after 40 years, the show may have aged and be a little slow compared to what it is now and even its stories are somewhat repetitive, but in the 80s it was an original, intelligent series without explicit violence, the chemistry between Wagner and Powers was extraordinary, anyone would have believed it was a real marriage.

Wagner And Powers Were A Great Team

[Big Movie Fan · 22 September 2002]

Maybe I'm easily pleased but Hart to Hart was a wonderful show. Perhaps I would only admit to watching it after drinking a huge quantity of beer but it was very watchable indeed.

The lovely Stefanie Powers was Jennifer Hart, Robert Wagner was Jonathan Hart. Their butler was Max played by the late Lionel Stander. Together, they travelled around the globe always attracting the attention of the wrong people. There was plenty of action and intrigue but despite all the danger, Jonathan and Jennifer loved each other and everything was held together by their butler Max.

It wasn't the best show ever but it'd be hard to find someone who didn't enjoy it.

Just Darling

[aramis-112-804880 · 6/10 · 23 January 2023]

Of all the romantic comedy/thriller shows of the 1980s (including "Remington Steele," "Moonlighting," and "Scarecrow and Mrs. King") "Hart to Hart" is by far the most conventional, perhaps because it was actually a product of the 1970s (albeit 1979).

Robert Wagner is Jonathan Hart, self-made millionaire married to Jennifer (Stephanie Powers), a writer. They and their major domo, gravelly-voiced Max (and their dog, Freeway) blunder into crime wherever they go. Sort of like "Murder, She Wrote."

The leads have experience in light drama, Wagner in "It Takes a Thief" and Powers in "The Girl from Uncle." Here they play a happily-married couple in early middle age, giving them a "Thin Man" ambiance, but Wagner is no William Powell.

It errs a bit on the serious side, not yet ready to let itself go whole-hog into comedy. The background music, for instance, doesn't have a light touch. As a product of the 1970s "Hart to Hart" more silly like "Charlie's Angels" than outright funny like "The Rockford Files," though Wagner was at that point in his career able to match James Garner at easy-going, laid-back smarm.

I never liked Lionel Stander (I can't stand gravelly-voiced actors, even George C. Scott) so that's a detriment going in. I hate the name "Freeway" for the pooch.

Otherwise, the two old pros Wagner and Powers play well together. And it's nice for a TV show to recognize that married couples can be romantic, too.

Familiar faces surround them. For instance, in the pilot we see Roddy McDowell and Jill St. John, who married Wagner after the death of Natalie Wood (who also makes a cameo in the pilot). Some episodes have less high-powered names but many faces are familiar right back to shows of the 1960s.

For me, the show would be improved by sacking Max and veering more into slapstick, but that wasn't quite the way of things at that time. And Stander has an impressive resume all the way back to Harold Lloyd.

Unlike the other romantic thriller comedies of the 1980s the Harts are already married, robbing them of that question of "When will they realize they're in love like we know they are from the get-go?" Still, it lasted five seasons on the Harts being just darling.

One of the best shows of the 80s

[rdcooper101 · 9/10 · 20 December 2009]

I'm into my forties now and I love watching old movies and TV shows that were playing when I was a kid. I recently purchased the first season of "Hart to Hart" on DVD and plan on buying the second and all the other seasons if they ever release them. Stefanie Powers, Robert Wagner were class acts and gave the show just the right chemistry. The running themes of the show seemed to be beautiful people, beautiful places and feel good emotions. The Harts were always dressed in the height of fashion whether they're being chased through a swamp by Mexican police or paying a visit to the local pool hall. The quality of the filming, the lighting, the sets are combined to produce a visually stunning effect, one that you won't find in today's shows. Compare that with today's boring reality shows working in restaurant kitchens or getting a makeover with a little scripted drama thrown in by some pimple faced, self absorbed automaton. "Hart to Hart" wasn't trying to push an agenda either it was just pure entertainment. Sometimes I wish they would remake this show but I know that with today's standards and writing it wouldn't be as good as the original and probably end up canceled within a few months.

Excellent Crime Fighting Show

[Rabical-91 · 10/10 · 27 January 2021]

Crime fighting shows have always been popular with viewers. Raymond Burr played a wheelchair bound chief of detectives in 'Ironside'. Edward Woodward was a retired special agent turned amateur detective in 'The Equalizer' whilst Peter Wyngarde played secret agent Jason King in 'Department S'. 'Hart To Hart' was one of America's best crime fighting drama shows of the late '70's/early '80's. It starred Robert Wagner ( in what what a role originally written for Cary Grant ) and the gorgeous Stefanie Powers as Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, him the head of a successful company and her a freelance journailst.

At times, the two find themselves acting as amateur detectives to put a stop to many crimes such as murder, armed robbery, espionage and so on. They are often assisted by the loyal butler Max. Even their pet dog Freeway is known to help out from time to time.

There was a fair display of violence on display. The Harts never failed to take the baddies down with the use of their fists if the occasion called for it. Wagner and Powers had a powerful chemistry together. Stealing the show however was the late Lionel Stander who as the gruff voiced Max brought a much needed dose of humour to the show.

I regularly used to watch this show when it was repeated on Granada Plus many years every morning before I would leave for school and to this day still hold fond memories of it and even fonder memories of the sight of the lovely Stefanie Powers.

An excellent update of "Thin Man" movies

[Steed-2 · 24 April 2001]

He was a handsome millionaire. She was a well-know journalist. Their hobby was murder. What a beginning! The Harts were, of course, Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. And the show was an update of "Thin Man" movies. But thanks God, plots were better in the show. Behind all that was creator (and best-seller novelist) Sidney Sheldon who also wrote some scripts in the show. The show was excellent, specially for a very good acting and good scripts. And no forget that wonderful sense of humour! Lionel Stander was the housekeeper Max and Freeway (that was also kidnapped in one episode) was Hart's dog. This is one of my favourite 70's crime and mistery show. Better than Charlie's angels, Kojack, Columbo, etc. It had the same kind of magic I found years later with "Remington Steele".

Love this show!!

[stacie_finn · 10/10 · 20 April 2020]

This is one of my favorite shows. I still watch the reruns on TV

Mr Wagner wasn't an actor, he was a movie star

[makonrad · 10/10 · 13 June 2006]

This was the most amazing show of all times, and still stands the test of time. I only wish it's syndication was more accessible. Being that I work in an entertainment facility, I was privy to have a real conversation with Mr Wagner while he waited to go on stage. He and his wife, Jill, did their rendition of "Love Letters". It was the most beautiful thing. They are really down to earth people. Mr Wagner told me that during the time of "Hart to Hart" was the best time in his life. "That show was really good to us" was his comment. He was quite fixated on telling me about his newest "Austin Powers" project in the works. I and a few others spoke with him and Jill after the show as well. What separated these folks from the other acts, are the fact that they aren't actors, they are movie stars.

A sweet, entertaining show in its time

[la-31 · 29 October 2005]

I was in elementary school in the late 70s when this show debuted, but my mother loved watching it, and so it has a soft spot in my heart. It will seem dated now, but the chemistry between Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers as well as the glamorous settings made for fun viewing. As a jet set couple very much in love, the show has a nostalgic positive vibe that is sadly missing these days. I really like the fact that they are very happily MARRIED. Very 70s-Sidney Sheldon chic. I would love to see an intelligent, non-goofy remake of Hart to Hart. It would require intelligence as well as good looks in the two leads. And obviously great chemistry! Both of these original actors are very classy, and it would be hard to top them. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes romance and mystery, 70s style.

Oh Johnathan !!!!!!

[carolynocean · 10/10 · 1 May 2021]

I love, love, love this show ! I watch the reruns often , and ,oh, does it take me back ! I remember at the time that every man wanted to be Johnathan Hart and every woman wanted to be Jennifer Hart.

There was no other show to compare with this, their lifestyle , their home and cars , and their endless sense of adventure, travels and encounters !

Not to mention their enviable love life ,what a pair !

And of course there was the lovely Max , their housekeeper and friend , and Freeway the dog .

Pure escapism and entertainment , wonderful stuff !!!

When Television Had Some Of The Best Shows.

[buckikris · 8/10 · 3 September 2017]

I grew up with this show as a kid, now I'm glad I am able to catch re-runs on T.V.. If you have Direct T.V. you will be able to catch the show at 11p.m. on FETV. Monday through Friday @ 11 p.m.. It is also on at 7 p.m. on Saturday. This was one of the best shows from the early to mid 80's. I am a sucker for crime T.V.. This one was much better than Remington Steele, because Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers were perfect amateur sleuths. This show was almost perfect, but the way Stephanie Powers character was weak. I didn't like the way she was portrayed as the damsel in distress. It seemed like she was always calling on Johnathan to come to her aid, when she was overpowered. That was the only negative I found with the show. The viewer never got bored, because each episode was exciting and would get you involved. To me it was like being there helping them solve the crime. I highly recommend this show to anyone, especially those who love crime shows. It was and still is a guaranteed winner.

One of the more pleasant crime shows

[famelovingboy68 · 21 June 2018]

Between the mostly comedic Moonlighting and the dark, gritty crime shows of the 21st century like CSI and Criminal Minds, crime series' like this portrayed the scathing wold of diabolical crime and murder without being too grim and intense, unlike crime shows of the past couple decades. Wagner's Jonathan Hart was a superhero level fighter, and also a refined gentleman, very manly, but too humble, dignified, and willing to show his feelings to be macho and Jennifer was just as plucky, self-reliant and quick-witted; the quips and cute jokes made this show much more lighthearted than other crime shows, especially today's. Their laid-back, fun-loving butler gave a good amount of the laughs with his comedic deliveries. They were very wealthy and lived a glamorous lifestyle but didn't lose sight of what mattered in life and wouldn't hesitate to help anybody. Which is why they were amateur detectives in the first place. Their wealth, plucky resourcefulness, and street smarts gave them clearance to go on any caper and often made them targets for the nefarious villains. I have wondered why they never had children, I did think that was somewhat sad: one time there was a young boy who claimed to be Jonathan's son, a situation that came together by one of Jonathan's old loves and an unstable father where they were both very kind, devoted and protective parents who grew attached to the boy in season 1. Another attractive quality of the show is their cute little shaggy dog and how he was written as one of the family and one of the detectives. Most shows don't seem to write animals as that versatile and central to the story unless the show is about the animal. The episodes write suspense together nicely with creepy two-faced characters and setups and the culprits evil deeds and preying so close by all the noble, likable heroes.

Does what it says ........

[jhmoondance · 10/10 · 26 August 2021]

A lighthearted murder mystery program with lots of lurve.........thrown in.

The loved up duo solve crime n murder in their duplicitous way.

Easy watching n an uplifting show with great fashion n haircuts!