Tom Selleck in "Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt"

TV detectives are a dime a dozen, but a good one is worth tuning in for.

Some actors have a knack for bringing such characters to life. Peter Falk was a hopelessly disheveled "Columbo," Jack Klugman was a perfectly righteous Dr. Quincy in "Quincy, M.E." and, more recently, Tony Shalhoub entertained viewers as an obsessive-compulsive detective in USA Network's "Monk."

Hollywood icon Tom Selleck brings another detective back to the forefront of prime time with a new TV movie. Although Selleck has been busy as the star of CBS's police drama "Blue Bloods," he reprises his role as disgraced police detective Jesse Stone in "Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt," premiering Sunday, May 20, on CBS.

Author Robert B. Parker created the character in the late '90s, but the first television adaptation of his "Stone" novels didn't debut until 2005's "Stone Cold." Other memorable TV films in the series include "Night Passage" (2006), which was actually a prequel to "Stone Cold," "Sea Change" (2007), which earned Selleck an Emmy nomination, and "Innocents Lost" (2011) as the seventh instalment.

Flawed characters are almost always more interesting than "perfect" ones, and that's certainly the case with Selleck's Stone. Once a member of the LAPD, Stone had to resign because of a drinking problem he developed after his marriage fell apart. Throughout the series of films, the troubled cop seeks redemption as he struggles with alcohol and romantic entanglements.

Previously, Stone was forced to give up his position as the chief of police in the fictional town of Paradise, Mass. "Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt" follows the detective as he struggles to reclaim his post, all the while trying to solve a double murder. As he sifts through misleading clues, he relies on his keen intuition to investigate the mob-related homicide.

The latest movie features some familiar faces for fans of the earlier instalments. Emmy and Golden-Globe winner Kathy Baker returns as Officer Rose Gammon, Kohl Sudduth stars as Officer Luther (Suitcase) Simpson, and Stephen McHattie portrays State Homicide Commander Healy. Stone's colleagues are also joined by William Devane as former cop-turned-therapist Dr. Dix, William Sadler as Gino Fish, Gloria Reuben as Thelma Gleffey, and Saul Rubinek as former corrupt politician Hasty Hathaway.

They all come together in the latest story about Stone, a character who has captivated millions of readers and viewers. Interestingly, Parker was actually even better known for his creation of another famous TV detective: Spenser of ABC's popular '80s series "Spenser: For Hire," starring Robert Ulrich. Spenser was a sophisticated private eye who seemed to have it all together, whereas Stone is much more damaged and looking for redemption. A stark contrast to Parker's other creation, Stone is all too human, but that only makes him relatable to the average viewer.

That kind of connection may be what's made the movies so successful. Last year's broadcast of "Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost" drew more than 13 million viewers, beating out such heavy hitters as "The Celebrity Apprentice" and the Billboard Music Awards (in total viewers). The same two programs will battle "Benefit" this year, not to mention the season finale of "The Simpsons" on Fox.

If past performance is any indication, Stone's new effort should do well. The movie is executive produced by Michael Brandman and Selleck, who also co-wrote the script as they have for past productions. In fact, it was only the first four TV movies in the series that were pulled directly from Parker's books: "Stone Cold," "Night Passage," "Death in Paradise" and "Sea Change." Brandman and Selleck teamed up to write "Thin Ice," "No Remorse" and "Innocents Lost."

In the hands of Selleck and Brandman, the Stone series of TV movies focuses on the man behind the mystery solver. He's something of a tortured soul. As for Selleck himself, he needs no redemption. The actor is, of course, best known as Thomas Magnum in the uber-popular '80s CBS series "Magnum, P.I.," which earned him an Emmy, Golden Globe and five People's Choice awards.

Far from a flash in the pan, he's continued working in television, on film and on stage since then. In addition to TV credits that include "Las Vegas," "Friends" (both NBC) and "Boston Legal" (ABC), he's starred in such films as "In & Out" (1997), "Mr. Baseball" (1992) and "3 Men and a Baby" (1987). In 2001, he branched out and made his Broadway debut in "A Thousand Clowns."

Selleck has been particularly successful in the TV movie genre. He played Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower in A&E's critically acclaimed "IKE: Countdown to D-Day." He also starred in CBS's "Reversible Errors" and TNT's " Louis L'Amour's Crossfire Trail," which set a ratings record for basic cable.

CBS execs and fans of the "Jesse Stone" series are likely hoping Selleck can charm audiences once again to ensure a ninth edition. Check out "Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt" Sunday, May 20, and judge for yourself.