Let's jump in the "way back" machine and travel back to 1993 when a series that changed network television debuted. That's right, let's go back 31 years.
NYPD Blue did something no other network series had done before—full nudity of men and women with the only body part not shown being the small area a fig leaf would cover.
It also did something else—portrayed the good, the bad, and the ugly of cops and criminals and used "real" language in doing so.
Some critics took issue with the portrayal of alcoholism among cops, racism by all characters of all colors, and the frequent nudity. I think that everything portrayed was organic to the situation.
After all these years, it is still an amazing show that doesn't feel dated despite the lack of cell phones in the early seasons.
I didn't watch NYPD Blue until it was more than halfway through its 12 season run, but I liked the episodes I'd seen. No, not because of the nudity, but because of the characters so beautifully portrayed by the actors.
When I saw NYPD Blue listed on Tubi—all 12 seasons—I immediately added it to my playlist. Even though it is now 21 years old, I defy you to find an episode that is not completely riveting, emotional, humorous, and compellingly written and acted.
Back then, the series was heralded by cops as the way it really was to be in law enforcement. The power struggles within the various departments on the police, the personality conflicts, the depression, discouragement, and, yes, desperation of dealing with people who lied, cheated, stole, and murdered—and I'm not just talking about the criminals!
12 YEARS = 256 EPISODES
From 1993 to 2005 when the show ended, law enforcement changed from typewriters to computers.
From payphones and dial phones to cell phones.
From too many arrogant cops who rode roughshod over women cops, suspects, and criminals to cops who had to toe the line and comply with new policies.
From a world of innocense to the one we have after the 9/11 attacks.
DENNIS FRANZ WAS ANDY SIPOWICZ
What I mean is that no one else could possibly have portrayed Andy as capably as Franz did. He was supposed to be only in the pilot episode, but his performance as was so riveting that he ended up being the series regular who, I think, was in every one of the 256 episodes.
Franz won a record-holding 4 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, 1 Golden Globe Award, and 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards. (He also received his first Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the movie City of Angels.
CHARACTERS COME AND GO
Another aspect of NYPD Blue was the appeal of the characters created by Steven Bochko. The characters like John Kelly (played by David Caruso) in season 1 and part of 2 and Bobby Simone (played by Jimmy Smits) who started in Season 2 were beloved by viewers as was Lt. Fancy portrayed by James McDaniel. Viewers wept when Kelly was forced by higher-ups to resign, Simone died, and Fancy was also forced out.
Each episode was unique and compelling in every way. The regular characters became like people you know. The oddballs, psychos, and creeps made you realize there are a lot of people on the street you hope you never meet.
Tubi is a free streaming service. The content changes every week. I understtand that you can also watch NYPD Blue on Hulu, Disney Plus, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV on a Roku device. However, I don't know if any of the other streaming services offer it free.
If you want to watch without ads, or you're already a big fan, you can find all seasons of
NYPD Blue on Amazon on Amazon, and they're very reasonably priced.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
If you want to see a truly great, realistic portrayal of police and realize they are just like the public they try to protect, watch
NYPD Blue. If you want to learn how to create compelling, unforgettable characters, watch
NYPD Blue.
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