Here is a breakdown of the trilogy and why it endures.
You cannot discuss these films without acknowledging Nielsen’s genius. Before this, he was a serious dramatic actor. Here, he utilizes that seriousness to sell the most ridiculous scenarios. His total lack of self-awareness is the engine that drives the trilogy.
The films follow the exploits of Lieutenant Frank Drebin (Nielsen), a clueless, accident-prone detective working for the Police Squad. Alongside his boss Ed Hocken (George Kennedy) and partner Nordberg (O.J. Simpson), Drebin stumbles his way through high-stakes crimes, leaving destruction and chaos in his wake, yet somehow always saving the day.