DC on TV discussion

On some of the topics here we're talking about DC being more dark and grim in the movies and TV shows...
When do you think the company started in this direction?
I think it was 1987 - 1988 with Longbow Hunters, Killing Joke and A Death in the Family as some examples...
But what do you all think - you probably know the comics better than I do...

Yeah, end of the 80's sounds right.
Watchmen, Swamp thing, and Frank Miller turning Batman into a grumpy ninja.

Agree. As Travis referred to Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns are usually credited with the onset of grim and gritty in DC, and Swamp Thing played a big role too. And the comics you mentioned James were some of the great follow ups that really cemented it.