Katie Holmes has revisited the Eighties style of classic TV show Cagney & Lacey in preparation for her return to the small screen.

Five years after she finished playing tomboy Joey Potter in teen drama Dawson's Creek, the 29-year-old actress is returning to TV in new U.S. drama Eli Stone.

Pictured on set in downtown Los Angeles with husband Tom Cruise, their two-year-old daughter Suri and her mother Kathleen, Holmes's famous bob was looking decidedly retro.

Back to the 80s: Katie Holmes on the LA set of Eli Stone, looking not unlike Detective Mary Beth Lacey (played by Tyne Daly)

Dressed in a dowdy black cardigan and trousers, Holmes's style revisited the flicked bob of Cagney & Lacey actress Tyne Daly, who played feisty Detective Mary Beth Lacey.

Proudly watching his wife, Cruise cuddled their toddler Suri, who looked fashionable in a colourful Pucci dress.

Holmes is set to appear in one episode of the critically acclaimed show, which stars Trainspotting actor Jonny Lee Miller - ex-husband of Angelina Jolie - and Species actress Natasha Henstridge.

Family time: Katie Holmes dotes on her daughter Suri under the watchful eye of Tom Cruise and mother Kathleen at LA's Union Station

The role is the first acting job Holmes' has had since she wrapped filming on comedy caper Mad Money in May 2007.

Before that, she had a two year gap between film roles after completing Batman Begins in 2005.

Her guest appearance on Eli Stone marks a reunion with her former Dawson's Creek boss Greg Berlanti, who executive produces the ABC drama.

Later this month, Holmes will return to New York for rehearsals for her Broadway debut in a production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.

Down time: Katie Holmes, in her character's dowdy costume, chat to Tom Cruise in between takes