What Is Your Favorite TV Cop Show?
Mine hands down has to be the late lamented NYPD Blue (1993-2005) with Dennis Franz, Gordon Clapp, Bill Brochtrup, and James McDaniel. I used to stay up for its ten p.m. start, not so easy when the next day was a work day. Even if, I couldn't miss an episode.
Blue is what I like to see in a TV cop show: grit, realism, humor, and intriguing cases. Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz was my favorite character. Hey, he was also overweight and middle-aged. David Caruso exiting after Season One didn't leave me in tears. Gordon Clapp as the neurotic Medavoy grew on me. James McDaniel as Authur Fancy made the perfect professional lieutenant. Jimmy Smits as Simone did adequate, and Nicholas Turturro as Martinez was great. I hated seeing him and Fancy leave the show.
I always thought Blue would've made a good pick for writing a tie-in novel series. I bet Ed McBain could've penned it with his eyes closed, but he was probably busy with his own fine projects. Blue had a long run and kept its quality intact, at least for this loyal viewer. I've watched the syndicated re-runs, and I still get a kick out of the show.
By Ed Lynskey
Twitter: @edlynskey
Author of Lake Charles
"Definitely recommend you take a fictional journey to Lake Charles."
Elizabeth A. White's Musings of an All Purpose Monkey
Blue is what I like to see in a TV cop show: grit, realism, humor, and intriguing cases. Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz was my favorite character. Hey, he was also overweight and middle-aged. David Caruso exiting after Season One didn't leave me in tears. Gordon Clapp as the neurotic Medavoy grew on me. James McDaniel as Authur Fancy made the perfect professional lieutenant. Jimmy Smits as Simone did adequate, and Nicholas Turturro as Martinez was great. I hated seeing him and Fancy leave the show.
I always thought Blue would've made a good pick for writing a tie-in novel series. I bet Ed McBain could've penned it with his eyes closed, but he was probably busy with his own fine projects. Blue had a long run and kept its quality intact, at least for this loyal viewer. I've watched the syndicated re-runs, and I still get a kick out of the show.
By Ed Lynskey
Twitter: @edlynskey
Author of Lake Charles
"Definitely recommend you take a fictional journey to Lake Charles."
Elizabeth A. White's Musings of an All Purpose Monkey
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Craig
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Sep 15, 2011 07:35AM
"Barney Miller" is my fave, followed closely by "The Wire" and "Hill Street Blues." Dennis Farina, who was a cop before he became an actor, once said that "Barney Miller" was the most realistic cop show on TV>
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Craig wrote: ""Barney Miller" is my fave, followed closely by "The Wire" and "Hill Street Blues." Dennis Farina, who was a cop before he became an actor, once said that "Barney Miller" was the most realistic cop..."How could I overlook Barney Miller? I saw it every week. Loved Fish. And the Max Gail character. The old inspector always telling Barney his cop war stories was great. Dennis Farina was the best thing to ever happen to L&O even if the network brass didn't think so.
"Law & Order" especially the early ones and the ones with the late, great Jerry Orbach. Nowadays I like NCIS and Criminal Minds.
Michele wrote: ""Law & Order" especially the early ones and the ones with the late, great Jerry Orbach. Nowadays I like NCIS and Criminal Minds."Orbach was terrific in his cop role on L&O. The show took a big hit and was never the same after he died.
Law & Order all the way. I grew up watching it, and I think it's fully to blame for my love of Ed McBain and the boys of the 87th. Ed McBain
The spin-offs are all right, but I'm classic L&O all the way. When they announced the 20-season box set, I cheered. For all the cast changes, I think there's only a single DA I didn't like that much, and I loved all the cops. (Although Lennie will always be my favorite.)
The spin-offs are all right, but I'm classic L&O all the way. When they announced the 20-season box set, I cheered. For all the cast changes, I think there's only a single DA I didn't like that much, and I loved all the cops. (Although Lennie will always be my favorite.)
Gayle wrote: "Law & Order all the way. I grew up watching it, and I think it's fully to blame for my love of Ed McBain and the boys of the 87th. Ed McBainThe spin-offs are all right, but I'm cla..."
The spin-offs haven't been as good. I haven't felt any desire to watch them beyond a first sampling. Thank you for your remarks.
Hill Street Blues was my favourite, though I still love to catch Barney Miller re-runs, they're still funny. My daughter and I watch Criminal Minds, but it's more about the creepiness factor than cops.
I also liked Third Watch which was cops, ambulance and fire fighters as well.
I sometimes watch Flashpoint, mostly because it's Canadian.
Lbaker wrote: "Hill Street Blues was my favourite, though I still love to catch Barney Miller re-runs, they're still funny. My daughter and I watch Criminal Minds, but it's more about the creepiness factor than..."
Yes, I liked viewing Third Watch. I haven't seen Flashpoint. Thanks for your votes!
"Adam 12" was always popular at our house. I also liked the short lived (1973-1977)"Police Story" that was created by Joseph Wambaugh
I would have to add my vote for Barney Miller.The short lived but exceptional Crime Story for Dennis Farina.
I'd like to add the original CSI as well. It may be more of a forensics than a cop show but you have to love Gil Grissom's sexy brain.
Gregg wrote: ""Adam 12" was always popular at our house. I also liked the short lived (1973-1977)"Police Story" that was created by Joseph Wambaugh"I liked Adam 12. I think it was a Jack Webb production. I have a memory of Police Story but no specific recall. Thanks, Gregg.
Zorena wrote: "I would have to add my vote for Barney Miller.The short lived but exceptional Crime Story for Dennis Farina.
I'd like to add the original CSI as well. It may be more of a forensics than a cop show..."
Dennis Farina was great in Crime Story. CSI sort of lost me when they did the razzle-dazzle stuff with forensics, but it's popular. Barney Miller was tops. Loved the Jack Woo character. Thanks.
Alberto wrote: "Law & Order is our favorite TV show at home. Also The Wire. I also enjoy the L&O spin-offs but Criminal Intent.My wife and I have tried some shows with the modern touch like Hawaii 5.0, In Plain ..."
I don't get the channel to watch The Wire, but it sounds like my sort of show. Why doesn't H-Wood leave the old TV shows be, and not try to do the modern adaptations? Thanks for your votes.
The First 48, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, and Castle are current favorites. I know the CSI shows aren't realistic, but that's not why I watch, I like the story. For a realistic show, it's The First 48 on A&E all the way. It's acutal cops working cases in real time. Love the Memphis detectives. Loved watching Barney Miller reruns when I was a kid.
Karin wrote: "The First 48, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, and Castle are current favorites. I know the CSI shows aren't realistic, but that's not why I watch, I like the story. For a realistic show, it's The First ..."Oh yes, The First 48 Hours is great. I've watched it many times, and feel sorry for the victims, but the homicide cops seem to really care. I haven't seen it lately but I'd recognize the different cops if I saw it again. Thanks for mentioning it.
For me, two of recent vintage: "Life on Mars" (Michael Imperioli, producer and late of "The Sopranos"), Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Murphy, the protagonist,somehow lost in time/space, and Gretchen Mol, a fetching policewoman, series set in the 1070's, complete with wide ties and double-knit suits. Excellent ensemble program, with a very satisfying twist in the last episode. The other is "The Good Guys," with tom Hanks and Bradley Whitford (of "The West Wing"). Buddy show, young obsessive-compulsive cop and crusty, hardened cop buddy up to get the bad guys and sling sarcasm and fun. Both were canceled all too soon, likely because they were intelligent.
Tim wrote: "For me, two of recent vintage: "Life on Mars" (Michael Imperioli, producer and late of "The Sopranos"), Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Murphy, the protagonist,somehow lost in time/space, and Gretchen Mol,..."I saw the LIFE ON MARS ads while it ran with the idea in mind to watch it. I liked Keitel in TAXI, etc. Plus the premise sounded interesting. I'm not familiar with the Tom Hanks TV vehicle you mention. I saw him as a prison guard in THE GREEN MILE, and it was okay. I agree with your last statement heartily. Thanks for your votes.
I really like the UK Life on Mars, have not watched the US version.
Oops, on two counts: First of all, the protagonist on "The Good Guys" was played by COLIN Hanks (Tom's son, you can see the resemblance). Second of all, the main character on "Life on Mars" was played by Jason O'Mara. Sorry for the errors, both very fun programs.
Tim wrote: "Oops, on two counts: First of all, the protagonist on "The Good Guys" was played by COLIN Hanks (Tom's son, you can see the resemblance). Second of all, the main character on "Life on Mars" was pla..."No problem, Tim. Thanks for the fixes and comments!
Law and Order (original) and SVUWise Guy
Barney Miller
Highway Patrol
M Squad
I'll date myself, too with the original Dragnet with Ben Alexander. The late 1960s version was sort of a parody of the original.
Marley wrote: "Law and Order (original) and SVUWise Guy
Barney Miller
Highway Patrol
M Squad
I'll date myself, too with the original Dragnet with Ben Alexander. The late 1960s version was sort of a parody of t..."
I liked the original Law & Order. The spinoffs don't seem as good. Barney Miller was a stitch. Loved it. Highway Patrol I recall as suspenseful. Thanks for the comments, Marley. Good to hear from you again.
NYPD Blueoriginal Law & Order
Criminal Minds
Blue Bloods
Heather wrote: "NYPD Blueoriginal Law & Order
Criminal Minds
Blue Bloods"
You remind me how much I miss watching NYPD Blue. It was a stellar series. Thanks for your list, Heather.
Ah, but I liked NYPD Blues' father, "Hill Street Blues," much better. Sort of Darth Vader to Luke, only in a good way...
Tim wrote: "Ah, but I liked NYPD Blues' father, "Hill Street Blues," much better. Sort of Darth Vader to Luke, only in a good way..."With David Caruso the tie-in between the two excellent series, as well.
As a Police officer I am probably more critical of the Police shows than most. I tend to pick them apart with "That would never Happen" but I will give the TV drama "Homicide" as the most realistic and " Hill Street Blues" a Close second. I think that what makes them more close to real life is that they emphasized the trials and tribulations of the Officers and not the crime. Police Departments even now with female officers is stilled brimming with testosterone and egos, like no other profession.
sarg wrote: "As a Police officer I am probably more critical of the Police shows than most. I tend to pick them apart with "That would never Happen" but I will give the TV drama "Homicide" as the most realistic..."I could do with a good cop show. There's a Mafia doctor TV show on this fall that got a bad mark. The premise just doesn't sound like a viable one. We'll have to see I guess.
If the cops I know and my own research are to be believed, the only even slightly realistic cops shows are "Homicide: Life on the Street," "The Wire," "Hill Street Blues" (a shameless plagiarism of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct series) and the number one all-time champion, "Barney Miller."Everything else is basically nonsense.
It was a very pleasant surprise to see Ron Glass as a preacher (well, "shepherd") on the wonderful-but-alas-shortlived series, "Firefly." Actually, "Hill Street Blues" was my favorite.
Tim wrote: "It was a very pleasant surprise to see Ron Glass as a preacher (well, "shepherd") on the wonderful-but-alas-shortlived series, "Firefly." Actually, "Hill Street Blues" was my favorite."Ron Glass was the would-be author on Barney Miller if I got my names straight. I read or heard somewhere Ed McBain was angry/hurt he wasn't consulted for Hill Street Blues. His 87th Precinct novels are gems.
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