Stout
Hold onto the ball, Murray!
Created by
Steven Bochco
Michael Kozoll
Release Date: 15 January 1981
The original "ensemble drama," this is the story of an overworked, under-staffed police precinct in an anonymous inner city patterned after Chicago. We follow the lives of many characters, from the lowly beat and traffic cops to the captain of the precinct himself. This is the show that blazed the trail followed later by such notable ensemble dramas as "St. Elsewhere" and "L.A. Law."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been watching this on DVD, because I have fond memories of it from when I was younger. It was the first show I was allowed to stay up a little late and hang out with my parents while it was on. I only remembered that the theme song was so awesome, but once I started watching this on DVD, I was blown out of the water.
It's incredible to me that a show so gritty, so explicit, so in-your-face, could actually be aired on TV in the early '80s. They don't swear overmuch, but the subject matter and a lot of the situations are extremely brutal or sensual, and it's remarkable they managed to pull it off. It's one of my favorite TV shows of all time.
Fun fact: At the time, it was the lowest-ratings TV show that ever got renewed for a 2nd season, but the decision was wise, because viewers finally caught on. Last I heard, it was tied for most Emmys EVER for a TV drama with the West Wing.
Steven Bochco
Michael Kozoll
Release Date: 15 January 1981
The original "ensemble drama," this is the story of an overworked, under-staffed police precinct in an anonymous inner city patterned after Chicago. We follow the lives of many characters, from the lowly beat and traffic cops to the captain of the precinct himself. This is the show that blazed the trail followed later by such notable ensemble dramas as "St. Elsewhere" and "L.A. Law."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been watching this on DVD, because I have fond memories of it from when I was younger. It was the first show I was allowed to stay up a little late and hang out with my parents while it was on. I only remembered that the theme song was so awesome, but once I started watching this on DVD, I was blown out of the water.
It's incredible to me that a show so gritty, so explicit, so in-your-face, could actually be aired on TV in the early '80s. They don't swear overmuch, but the subject matter and a lot of the situations are extremely brutal or sensual, and it's remarkable they managed to pull it off. It's one of my favorite TV shows of all time.
Fun fact: At the time, it was the lowest-ratings TV show that ever got renewed for a 2nd season, but the decision was wise, because viewers finally caught on. Last I heard, it was tied for most Emmys EVER for a TV drama with the West Wing.
