5. It Takes a Thief (1968–1970)

Long before sophisticated heist movies dominated the modern box office, Robert Wagner brought suave charm to the small screen as Alexander Mundy. Serving time in San Jobel prison, the polished cat burglar was offered a unique and highly unusual deal by the Secret Intelligence Agency (SIA): steal for the United States government in exchange for his complete freedom.

His handler, Noah Bain (played by Malachi Throne), summarized the premise perfectly in the opening credits, explaining that he was not asking Mundy to spy—he was merely asking him to steal.

The legendary Fred Astaire later joined the cast in the third season as Mundy’s equally sophisticated father, Alistair, adding an extra layer of elegance and old-Hollywood charm to the globe-trotting espionage capers.