Long before I ever thought of writing a book or a screenplay, I was a fan of smart film and television. A writer who created some of the most memorable television of the past forty years was Steven Bochco. In a time when nighttime soap operas like Dallas, Falcon Crest and Dynasty were popular, Bochco made a huge impact with a new kind of hour long-drama called Hill Street Blues. It featured a wonderful ensemble cast with characters that offered more complexity than primetime audiences had previously been accustomed to along with along with fresh, relevant storylines that felt gritty and real. When I came home Thursday nights, I used to really look forward to watching this remarkable show and I remember being emotionally touched by several storylines during the first season. Character Andy Renko's breakup with his girlfriend particularly resonated with me, as I was going through something similar in real life. Bochco also created and wrote the first several episodes of LA Law, which was a template, as well as setting the bar for a number of other shows about attorneys. Though I wasn't a fan of all of Bochco's work, there's no denying his creative writing style paved the way for many great shows that came after HSB. RIP Steven Bochco. You will definitely be missed. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/steven-bochco-dead-hill-street-bl...
Screenwriting : Stephen Bochco: 1943-2018 by Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal"
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That is such a great show.
Mr. Bochco elevated the bar for television with nearly every element of Hill Street Blues. It's one of the few television shows that I have the DVD series, and even today...nothing about it seems dated. Great writing and intertwining story lines....great characters (nearly 20 regular memorable characters)....great everything.
Some of the original writers on Hill Street Blues....David Milch, Anthony Yerkovich, Dick Wolf, etc....went on to create their own memorable television shows as well. It also launched the television/film career of Chicago's own and Organic Theater Company Alum Dennis Franz, who played not just one, but two memorable characters on the Hill. Not many actors have ever done that.
RIP, Steven Bochco.
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Bill C:
I love David Milch who is a genius. Deadwood absolutely one of my favorites. The Deadwood DVD's having "making of" extras where we see Milch at work writing and choreographing scenes. He' s really inspiring to watch.
This has been a tough day. Steven is a legend and an icon. I was there the first year of HSB -- a baby writer. It being only my second episodic credit. It was a wonderfully compressed education. I learned the Bochco format that I carry to this day and pass on to students I teach and consult with. To say that Mr. Bochco wrote the first several shows is to denigrate a lot of talented writers who worked with him. If you look closely you will see he always had a strong writer by his side. From David Milch to David Kelley and so on, which is to his credit. Never forget that this is a team sport.
Bill Taub:
Excuse me but I'm not out to denigrate anyone. I just rechecked my statement on IMDB and Bochco is credited as writer on "several episodes", and I didn't feel a need to list the co-writers, since this thread isn't about them. Congratulations on your work and being a part of a great show.
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It's pretty amazing to read and hear all of the comments by people like Judd Apatow, Nell Scovell, Josh Whedon, Beau Willamon, Bob Iger, Reginald Hudlin, Steven Spielberg, etc. etc. Along with Norman Lear, nobody probably shaped the face of modern television/cable as much as Steven Bochco did. RIP, Steven Bochco.
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Bill C
I'm glad to see it because it's well deserved. The man was truly an innovator.
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Hill Street Blues changed TV forever.
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Steven Bochco was an incredible showrunner and producer as well as an incredible writer. He built teams and worked with top talent. He helped start the careers of many people. So many are giving tribute to him for changing their lives. It's been wonderful to read all their comments. :)