This paper discusses some of the ways in which the commitment of the television series Cagney and Lacey to the examination of often controversial social issues from liberal or progressive standpoints--especially issues associated with the women's movement--is worked through in narrative practice. The origins and development of the series are described, as well as its position in a long line of television crime/detective stories and the character portrayals of the two women detectives. Several of the episodes are then reviewed to analyze ways in which Cagney and Lacey negotiate controversies such as ethnic disadvantage, the vulnerability of illegal immigrants, class differences, latchkey children, and various feminist issues, including abortion. It is concluded that the series must be regarded as progressive in that it succeeds in promoting openness and awareness of socially controversial situations with considerable explicit commitment to its positions, but not as radically feminist or radical in any other way. (21 end notes) (Author/CGD)