Beginning as a mid-season replacement series in 1981, cop drama Hill Street Blues started off on shaky ground. Initially a ratings loser, NBC took a chance on the critically acclaimed, yet under-watched series, giving it a 10-show pick up for the 1982 Fall season. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of an urban police department and intertwining dramatic stories from both police business and personal stories of the show’s characters. It won eight Emmy awards in its first season alone (including Outstanding Drama Series) and by the third season was part of NBCs “Must See TV” lineup. The show retired after 7 seasons, when actor Daniel J Travanti announced he would not be returning. Hill Street Blues aried its last episode on May 19, 1987.

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