In the context of the script, Kojak's was seen as typical squad room humor, which was picked up later in the TV drama "Hill Street Blues". Savalas described Kojak as a "basically honest character, tough but with feelings—the kind of guy who might kick a hooker in the tail if he had to, but they'd understand each other because maybe they grew up on the same kind of block." Kojak's Greek American heritage, shared by actor Savalas, was featured prominently in the series.