Spenser: For Hire is a mystery television series based on Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, developed for TV by John Wilder and starring Robert Urich, was broadcast on the ABC network between September 20, 1985, and May 7, 1988. Like many TV detective series and the Spenser novels themselves, the show uses first person voice-over.Spenser is the only name used for this character throughout the show. While it is clear in the novel that Spenser is the character's last name, this is never made clear during the show. According to a popular rumor, Parker was going to name the character David, after one of his sons, but changed his mind out of consideration for his other son, Daniel.[1] In “An Eye For An Eye,“ Spenser quotes 16th-century poet Edmund Spenser, who may be the inspiration for the name since the spelling is identical. When introducing himself, he often says “Spenser with an 'S', like the poet.“ Spenser is surprisingly sophisticated for a private eye and former boxer. In “The Choice“, it is revealed that Spenser fared poorly in a professional fight 12 years ago, which might have contributed to him leaving the profession. However, he still boxes and exercises at Henry Cimoli's Gym. He is well-read, often quoting poetry in everyday conversation. He is also an excellent cook, often making recipes he picks up from watching Julia Child on his kitchen counter television.