When Barnaby Jones premiered in 1973, it brought a fresh twist to the private eye genre. Buddy Ebsen starred as a retired private investigator who returns to the job after his son’s murder, teaming up with his widowed daughter-in-law Betty, played by Lee Meriwether. Known for its slower pace and emphasis on logic and evidence over car chases and violence, the show ran for eight seasons and became a dependable favorite in CBS’s crime drama lineup. Have you ever wondered which main stars are still alive in 2025? Let’s find out, then enjoy some additional fun facts about the series.