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NYPD Blue

Name: NYPD Blue
Genre: Drama
Released: 1993-09-21
Cast: Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Henry Simmons, Bill Brochtrup, Jacqueline Obradors

1993 | 12 seasons | 60 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics rank it among the best shows ever made and it won 12 Emmys, though it had a lukewarm 7.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who loves a strong character drama. If you loved Law & Order or The Wire, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace: 12 seasons and 261 episodes: a long-haul commitment, hour-long episodes, about 261 hours in all.
What might put you off: Rated TV-14. Probably too much for younger kids.
A big time investment at 12 seasons.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
Named among the best TV shows of all time by critics (on 9 all-time best lists)
AudiencesBelow par
7.1 out of 10
AwardsVery strong
Won 9 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Drama Series, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and 5 more. Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Television Series – Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor – Television Series Drama. Won 2 SAG Awards: Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series, Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama Series. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Television: Episodic Drama. Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild of America Awards: Best Episodic Drama. Won 1 Peabody Award: Peabody Award: Best Primetime Drama Series - Television. Also nominated for 1 more Emmy, 2 more Golden Globes and 1 more SAG Award. Plus 10 other awards.
Reach & staying powerStrong
Ran for 12 seasons and reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 344K people sought it out in the past year