If you were watching NBC in the fall of 1981, you might’ve done a double-take during the opening credits of CHiPs. Usually, you saw the pearly whites of Erik Estrada’s Frank "Ponch" Poncherello. But for a brief, weird window of time, Ponch was gone. In his place stood the World’s Greatest Athlete.
Basically, the producers had a massive problem on their hands, and they decided the solution was to put Bruce Jenner—now Caitlyn—on a Kawasaki 1000. It wasn't just a random cameo. It was a full-blown "we need a replacement fast" situation that most people have totally forgotten about.
Why Bruce Jenner Joined the CHP
The backstory is actually pretty dramatic. Erik Estrada was the undisputed king of the show, but he knew his worth. He got locked in a nasty contract dispute with MGM and NBC over syndication profits. He basically went on strike.
The show couldn't just stop. They had a production schedule to keep, and Larry Wilcox (who played Jon Baker) needed a partner. Enter Bruce Jenner. At this point, Jenner was a massive celebrity thanks to the 1976 Olympic decathlon win. He’d done some acting, but nothing like a lead role in a prime-time action hit.
He was cast as Officer Steve McLeish.
The vibe was weirdly seamless. McLeish was written as a "super-cop" from another precinct who just happened to be available to ride with Jon. If you watch those episodes now, the chemistry is... interesting. Jenner was athletic and looked the part in the tan uniform, but he wasn't Ponch. Nobody could be Ponch.
The Steve McLeish Era: Seven Episodes or Six?
There’s always some debate about the exact count, but Jenner appeared as the principle performer in several episodes during Season 5 (1981–1982). Most TV historians count seven specific appearances, though some official credits list six.
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The most famous one is probably "The Killer Indy" (Season 5, Episode 4). In this one, Jon and Steve McLeish have to take down outlaw bikers turning city streets into a literal race track.
Honestly, it’s peak 80s TV. You've got the feathered hair, the tight uniforms, and the surprisingly decent motorcycle stunts. Jenner actually did a fair amount of his own riding. He was already an avid motorcyclist and racer in real life, which made the transition a lot easier for the stunt coordinators.
The Episodes That Defined the Run:
- "The Moonlighter": This was the introduction.
- "The Killer Indy": High stakes, lots of engine noise.
- "Diamond in the Rough": Aired in late November '81.
- "Finders Keepers": More highway hi-jinks.
Jenner wasn't just a "guest star." He was the co-lead. For those few weeks, the show basically became The Jon and Steve Show.
The Tension on Set
It wasn’t all sunshine and sunglasses behind the scenes. It’s no secret that Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada didn’t always get along. When Jenner came in, Wilcox actually reportedly enjoyed the change of pace. Jenner was professional, hit his marks, and didn't have the "diva" reputation that was dogging Estrada at the time.
But fans weren't having it. The ratings started to feel the absence of Ponch. People loved the Jon/Ponch dynamic—the serious guy and the loose cannon. Steve McLeish was a bit too "perfect." He was like a Boy Scout on a bike.
Eventually, the money got sorted out. Estrada came back, the contract was signed, and Jenner’s character was phased out. He didn't get a big send-off. Steve McLeish just sort of... stopped showing up.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cameo
A common misconception is that Jenner was brought in to replace Larry Wilcox. Nope. He was strictly the "Anti-Ponch."
Another thing? People forget that Jenner’s then-wife, Linda Thompson, also had a guest spot on the show. It was a family affair for a minute there.
There’s also this weird urban legend that Jenner was "bad" at acting. Honestly? He was fine. He played the "straight-arrow cop" exactly how the writers wanted. If anything, the writing was the problem—trying to make a guest star feel like a five-year veteran in forty-eight minutes is a tall order for anyone.
Why It Still Matters Today
Looking back at Bruce Jenner in CHiPs, it serves as this incredible time capsule of celebrity culture. It was an era where being an Olympic hero meant you could be dropped into any sitcom or drama and the audience was expected to just go with it.
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It also highlights how fragile these hit shows were. One contract dispute almost changed the entire trajectory of the series. If Estrada hadn’t come back, CHiPs probably wouldn't have made it to Season 6.
For collectors and TV buffs, the Steve McLeish episodes are the "lost tapes" of the series. They feel different. They look different. They have a certain earnestness that disappeared once the show leaned harder into the "Ponch-mania" of the later years.
How to find these episodes:
If you want to see this era for yourself, look for Season 5, Episodes 1 through 7. Most streaming platforms that carry CHiPs (like Tubi or Amazon) have them clearly labeled. Watch for the episode "The Killer Indy"—it’s easily the best showcase of Jenner’s time in the saddle. Check the opening credits specifically; seeing "Bruce Jenner" billed over the iconic theme song is a trip.
Next time you're browsing 80s nostalgia, skip the usual trivia and look for the Steve McLeish era. It’s a fascinating footnote in television history that proves even the biggest stars are sometimes just one contract dispute away from being replaced by a decathlete.