Jack Webb set the bar for police drama with Dragnet in the 50's & 60's. The sitcom Barney Miller raised the bar by mixing normal sitcom elements with realistic scenes in a police precinct.
Hill Street Blues raised the bar even higher.
The first dramatic series sold by MTM Productions to NBC, Hill Street Blues was a mid-season replacement series that bowed in February 1981. While it was not a ratings hit right away, it did strike a chord with critics and network executives. As you'll see, most episodes began with a meeting, with roll call having already taken place.
Hill Street treated its characters like real people you could relate to. People reacted when Michael Conrad (Sgt. Esterhaus) passed away during season 4. They wondered if Captain Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti) & public defender Joyce Davenport (Veronica Hamel) would eventually marry. The theme, composed by Mike Post, was released as a single, featuring jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, and peaked at #10 on the Hot 100.
Let's take a look at a sample intro from season 5. Robert Prosky had joined the show after Conrad's passing, and Ken Olin (later of thirtysomething) had also been added.
Currently, Heroes & Icons (check listings) has the rights to the series.
Rating: A.
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