What Does CHIPs Stand For?

Both “CHIPs” stars walked off the show at different times during its run. During Season 5, Erik Estrada briefly left the drama due to a salary dispute. “Well, I had owned 50 percent of the show’s net profits, then had a big dispute with [the producers] over it,” Estrada told TV Guide in 2007. The show brought Caitlyn Jenner on to replace Ponch for several episodes, but it did not work out. “The ratings [dipped], you know? And they had to deliver six years of me as Poncherello to complete their sales for syndication.”

Larry Wilcox’s decision to leave “CHIPs,” however, ended up becoming permanent, and he never appeared in Season 6. On his official website, LarryWilcox.net, the actor explains that he left the show to pursue other projects. Still, other topics may have factored into his choice; though they get along now, the relationship between Wilcox and Estrada had long been contentious, and Wilcox yearned for a stronger acting challenge in light of the show’s frequent focus on Ponch. Ultimately, John was replaced by Officer Bobby ‘Hot Dog’ Nelson (Tom Reilly) for a season before the series was finally canceled.

Since then, “CHIPs” has spawned a television reunion film and a big-screen adaptation, the latter of which didn’t meet with either actor’s approval, making them two of many actors who have slammed reboots of TV shows they starred in. While Estrada softened on the subject, appearing at the movie’s premiere and taking on a cameo, Wilcox remained firmly against the film. Nevertheless, the pair left behind quite a legacy for two honest beat cops trying to keep the mean streets of California squeaky clean.