NYPD Blue (1993)
The groundbreaking ABC police drama that redefined gritty, character-driven television across twelve unforgettable seasons.
NYPD Blue - Series Information
- Original Title: NYPD Blue
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2005
- Created by: David Milch, Steven Bochco
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (52 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Number of Episodes: 261
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- First Air Date: September 21, 1993 (United States - TV-14), September 21, 1993 (France - 16), September 21, 1993 (Brazil - 14), September 21, 1993 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: New York Cops - NYPD Blue (DE), New York Police Blues (FR)
- Production Companies: Steven Bochco Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
NYPD Blue - Plot
Police drama set in New York City, exploring the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan. Each episode typically intertwined several plots involving an ensemble cast.
Where to Watch NYPD Blue
Looking for where to watch NYPD Blue?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
NYPD Blue - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Milch
- Steven Bochco
Main Cast
- Dennis Franz
- Gordon Clapp
- James McDaniel
- Nicholas Turturro
- Kim Delaney
- Bill Brochtrup
- Jimmy Smits
- Henry Simmons
- Sharon Lawrence
- Charlotte Ross
Writers
- David Milch
- Bill Clark
- Jody Worth
- Steven Bochco
- Leonard Gardner
NYPD Blue - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch NYPD Blue?
NYPD Blue is available to purchase digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. For a full breakdown of current streaming and purchasing options in your region, check JustWatch, which aggregates availability across all major platforms.
How many seasons and episodes does NYPD Blue have?
NYPD Blue ran for 12 seasons and 261 episodes in total on ABC. Each season contained between 20 and 23 episodes. The series premiered on September 21, 1993, and concluded in 2005, making it one of the longest-running police dramas in American television history.
Did NYPD Blue win any major awards?
Yes. NYPD Blue was a major awards contender throughout its run, winning 20 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. Dennis Franz won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Detective Andy Sipowicz, a record for that category.
Who are the main actors in NYPD Blue?
The ensemble cast was led by Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz, with Jimmy Smits, James McDaniel, Gordon Clapp, Kim Delaney, Nicholas Turturro, Sharon Lawrence, Bill Brochtrup, Henry Simmons, and Charlotte Ross among the principal players across the series' 12-season run.
Why was NYPD Blue controversial when it first aired?
NYPD Blue sparked significant controversy before its 1993 premiere due to its use of adult language, partial nudity, and unflinching depictions of police brutality. Over 50 ABC affiliates initially refused to air the pilot. Despite the backlash, the series became a critical and ratings success.
Who created NYPD Blue?
NYPD Blue was created by David Milch and Steven Bochco, the same producing team behind Hill Street Blues. Bochco's production company, Steven Bochco Productions, developed the series for ABC in collaboration with 20th Century Fox Television.
Is NYPD Blue based on real police cases?
While NYPD Blue is a fictional drama, co-creator David Milch collaborated closely with real NYPD detective Bill Clark, who served as a writer and technical consultant on the series. This partnership grounded the show's storylines, procedural details, and character dynamics in authentic police experience.
What is the content rating for NYPD Blue?
NYPD Blue carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series was notably one of the first primetime network dramas to push the boundaries of what was permissible on broadcast television in terms of language and adult content.
More About NYPD Blue
Explore further details, cast information, and episode guides on these authoritative resources.