11 Things You Might Not Know About ‘CHiPs’

We all remember watching CHiPs when we were younger. It first came onto our screens back in 1977 and starred Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Sadly, this show finished in 1983.

So, here are some fun things that you probably didn’t know about this incredible show that blessed our screens in the late 70s and early 80s. And let’s first get in the mood with the iconic intro:

1. Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada didn’t actually get along

When it came down to filming for CHiPs it was reported that the pair really didn’t get along at all. This was one of the main reasons that Wilcox decided that he would quit the series.

Equally, Estrada wasn’t that happy with working with Tom Reilly either who was Wilcox’s replacement after he left.

2. In the October of 1981 two real-life California Highway Patrolmen were injured when they were on duty and the cast took time out from filming the show to donate blood

They decided that they would go out of their way to donate blood to the two officers that were on duty at the time.

Sadly, only one of the officers survived.

3. On the belt, which is part of every officer’s uniform, the policemen wear a rectangular pouch

This isn’t actually part of the uniform, which is the Sam Brown (holster) belt, and this rectangular pouch was there to help hold the wireless microphones that the actors wore!

4. The character of Jon Baker was named after the nephew of Rick Rosner, the show’s creator

The young boy actually appeared on the show at one point too!

He made an appearance in the very first episode when he was stopped by Ponch and Jon because he was riding his bike on the highway.

5. Various images of the cars that were used in CHiPs were real California Highway Patrol cruises that were bought at an auction

These cars were actually bought at an auction for the show.

This meant that the show were about 4/5 years behind with their version of the car, but this was the only way to get some for the show!

6. Whilst filming, Erik Estrada suffered a very serious motorcycle accident

This was dangerous and meant he had a long road to recovery.

When he was feeling like he could, he began shooting some scenes from his hospital bed.