JuicyTalk
The Rookie is one of the biggest hits on television today, but the greatest police drama of all time actually came out in 1993. One of the best procedurals, NYPD Blue stands out as being not only the best cop show, but also one of the most memorable ones. While The Rookie is exciting, it wanes in comparison to the grit of NYPD Blue.
The Rookie season 8 is set to continue to capture audiences, but it is difficult to appreciate the show fully without looking back at how far police shows have come. As one of the first great modern cop dramas, NYPD Blue set the stage for future series. That is partially what makes it so good even after years off the air.
The Rookie Is A Beloved Hit, But NYPD Blue Is On Another Level
The Rookie Focuses More On The Positives
Since premiering in 2018, The Rookie has remained a popular show, even becoming one of the most-watched modern cop shows. Its unique premise has offered an interesting look at an under-explored theme, with Nathan Fillion’s John Nolan being the oldest rookie in the LAPD. However, it is not the same as NYPD Blue.
Where The Rookie has some light-hearted storylines around intense crime scenes, NYPD Blue upped the ante. It is grittier, darker, and highlights the dirtier, corrupted aspects of police work in a way that many shows dance around. This is not to say The Rookie doesn’t also have dark plots, just that the focus of the storylines is different.
The Rookie may be a more light-hearted drama, but the tradition of cop shows was once much darker.
NYPD Blue often highlighted the consequences of police work and the emotional dangers involved. In other modern police dramas, that is still a major element, but it is not the focus. NYPD Blue, however, put that aspect front and center, showing how being in law enforcement can morally and emotionally ruin a person.
NYPD Blue Set The Standard For Modern Network Cop Shows
NYPD Blue Encouraged Cop Shows To Be Gritty
Of the many cop shows over the years, NYPD Blue stands out. It was designed to be a show that pushed boundaries, and its controversial moments just highlighted it even more. NYPD Blue was praised for its stories, but it was also criticized for its portrayal of nudity, something that was uncommon on cable television at the time.
Related
NYPD Blue Star Would Return “In a Heartbeat” For A Revival Show, 20 Years After It Ended
20 years after it came to an end, one NYPD Blue star, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, admits that he would gladly would return for a revival show.
However, all the controversies connected to the show helped make police procedurals what they are today. As a result, NYPD Blue practically set the standard for today’s cop shows and what they are and aren’t allowed to show. Without NYPD Blue, it is unlikely that modern shows in the genre like The Rookie would have the leeway to show so much grit and still be adored.
Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
NYPD Blue
- Release Date
-
1993 – 2005-00-00
- Directors
-
Michael M. Robin, Daniel Sackheim, Davis Guggenheim, Gregory Hoblit, Brad Silberling, Mark Tinker, Charles Haid, Adam Nimoy, Rick Wallace, Randall Zisk, Perry Lang, Michael Switzer, Matthew Penn, Henry J. Bronchtein, Kathy Bates, Jesse Bochco, Eric Laneuville, Elodie Keene, Donna Deitch, Carol Banker
- Writers
-
Ann Biderman, Burton Armus, David Mills, Leonard Gardner, Thad Mumford, David Milch
