The "Force Seven" episode. In an odd attempt at a spinoff the episode focused on a secret unit of Kung Fu Cops, dedicated to the preservation of human life, that took on a terrorist organization. It even had John Rhys-Davies as the Big Bad.
"Mitchell & Woods" also qualifies; while the premise was a bit less bizarre compared to "Force Seven" (two female motorcycle cops become detectives), the episode mixes subject matter more serious than the typical CHiPs fare ( murder leading to a male prostitution ring) with an even higher level of camp than usual. It's basically a bad Dramedy version of Cagney & Lacey.
Season 6 episode "The Spaceman Made Me Do It" includes a young girl who robs a jewelry store after a person (or alien?) in a spacesuit telepathically tells her to do so. Despite evidence the "UFO" is just a helicopter, Ponch ends up believing it was really a UFO anyway. However, if it was really a guy in a spacesuit, how did she "hear" him tell her to steal the jewels?
Germans Love David Hasselhoff: The series was very popular in Mexico, thanks to the great voice acting work in the dub, and also Erik Estrada's performance.
Retroactive Recognition: Kelly Preston, still going by her real name of Kelly Palzis, appeared in one of the last episodes, "Things That Go Bump in the Night".
The disco version of John Parker's theme song was arranged by a then-unknown Alan Silvestri.
The 2017 film:
Alternate Character Interpretation: Jon is uncomfortably honest about everything, gives away personal details like it's small talk, is incredibly eccentric and has an expertise in motorcycles. Is neurodivergent or just quirky?
Harsher in Hindsight: While Jon's Functional Addict status isn't exactly played for laughs, it can still be a lot harder to watch knowing that his actor would later develop a similar painkiller addiction just a few years after the movie's release.
Squick: Ponch's initial reaction when he realises he's getting a nude full-body Facetime from his CHP captain. He does admit later on that she's "tight". It's even implied that they might get together in some capacity.
