81 reviews
There are a handful of shows that defined television. This was one of the best. It showed a male lead that didn't look like a supermodel, but was a great actor. It showed flawed human beings, with all of thier faults. Realistic and edgy. Great watch.
This is one of the best cop dramas of all time. Gritty, raw in your face. Sad, violent and addicting.
- artjames-02668
- Apr 10, 2021
- Permalink
I just started watching some reruns of NYPD Blue on TV. Andy is the highlight of the show. His character is so unglamorous and anti- Hollywood stereotype that his character actually comes across as amusing. Let's face it. He's pretty darn fat, bald and ugly. But what makes his acting so funny are all the sneering looks and rude attitude he gives to the skanks and low lifes he has to confront on a daily basis. He's always brimming with condemnation and disgust. Every facial gesture screams it out loud!!! His attitude becomes so relentless and over the top that it's a hoot to watch. It becomes fun to call dirt bags - dirt bags!!! It's a great innovative show....not sure there are any other crime shows that are similar. If so, I haven't seen them.
- johnm-38132
- Jul 2, 2016
- Permalink
This masterpiece is good from beginning to end. It will make you a better human being. It will bring you to a certain maturity about life and what are the most important parts of it. The acting is out of this world amazing. This is an all-star cast and don't you worry about loosing some great characters along the way, they are replaced by other very talented and interesting ones. The core actors of the show stay on for long periods of time and this allows you to truly feel as if they are your close friends. This show will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you think and most importantly, if there is something going on in your life and you need certain guidance, Andy is there for you and he will most definitely have the answer you are looking for during one episode or another.
No doubt in my mind : If this TV show was a mandatory watch in high schools, the world would be a better place.
No doubt in my mind : If this TV show was a mandatory watch in high schools, the world would be a better place.
- a-grillo86
- Aug 26, 2014
- Permalink
- bkoganbing
- Jul 12, 2008
- Permalink
Consider that in the first 50 years of ABC television, NYPD Blue was on for 12 of them. Was it better, more edgy the first couple of seasons? Yes. Was it at the end? Not so much. Yet, it was still appointment television. It was ground-breaking, and if you missed it from Day One, sure you can buy the DVD's as they come out, but it was so different than anything on TV then, and it changed what we expect out of television dramas.
The character of Andy Sipowicz, played by 4 time Emmy winner Dennis Franz, was the most realistic character ever created on television, faults and all. He was a modern-day everyman, and that was why we rooted for him, even when he was in one of those moods. It was why we continued to watch right up until it's triumphant end.
It came along when the one-hour drama on network television was all but dead; it re-defined the look of prime time drama with language and wardrobe (or lack their of), as well as how it was filmed; and when you speak with anyone that is or ever has served in law enforcement in this country, they'll tell you it was the best show at capturing "The Job" from a realism and accuracy standpoint.
Thank God for re-runs.
The character of Andy Sipowicz, played by 4 time Emmy winner Dennis Franz, was the most realistic character ever created on television, faults and all. He was a modern-day everyman, and that was why we rooted for him, even when he was in one of those moods. It was why we continued to watch right up until it's triumphant end.
It came along when the one-hour drama on network television was all but dead; it re-defined the look of prime time drama with language and wardrobe (or lack their of), as well as how it was filmed; and when you speak with anyone that is or ever has served in law enforcement in this country, they'll tell you it was the best show at capturing "The Job" from a realism and accuracy standpoint.
Thank God for re-runs.
Three things that keep this show in my top 5 of all time. One, is the language. The way the people talk is Shakespearean poetry. They re-invent the English language every episode. Magnificent.
Two, how emotionally real the show can get. The relationships between the people, between the races, between the sexes, between the cops, is beautifully done. Top drawer. Andy's speech about Bobby, how he never thought he'd ever have a friend again, just the best you'll ever see.
Three, the single best piece of film I've ever seen is the scene in the last season where Bobby's ghost comes back and has a short conversation with Sipowicz in the bathroom. Stunningly good scene, best ever.
But every minute of every episode is spectacular. No bad moments ever. How you keep a series on such a consistently high level is beyond me.
Two, how emotionally real the show can get. The relationships between the people, between the races, between the sexes, between the cops, is beautifully done. Top drawer. Andy's speech about Bobby, how he never thought he'd ever have a friend again, just the best you'll ever see.
Three, the single best piece of film I've ever seen is the scene in the last season where Bobby's ghost comes back and has a short conversation with Sipowicz in the bathroom. Stunningly good scene, best ever.
But every minute of every episode is spectacular. No bad moments ever. How you keep a series on such a consistently high level is beyond me.
- mathomas-28053
- Jul 7, 2018
- Permalink
I'd say the two shows are both perfection. Amazing writing, superb acting. This is cop drama at it's finest. Just amazing!
- mxwhite-88103
- Mar 31, 2021
- Permalink
Believe-it-or-not, I never watched this show until I bought the DVD when it came out. I just never watched it, even though I enjoy crime shows. Anywhere, here are my thoughts, just randomly said:
David Caruso may have gotten top billing as the star of the show but Dennis Franz is the actor who dominates when on screen. He is the most dramatic figure in this crime series that features character studies, almost to the point of being soap opera-like. In fact, all the love-lives of the main characters are explored, especially as the episodes developed that first season.
In the beginning, some sex scenes were used to grab viewers. This was new to TV then. All the characters in the show may not have been likable but they were all interesting. To me, the most likable was Nicholas Turturro's "Martinez."
The cops - men and women - all talked tough and the show's writers liked to insert words like "a-hole" and "prick" because, I suspect, they could get away with using them. This was TV's first drama to use words like that and have the open sexuality that was shown here. We saw side shots of breasts and Caruso's butt, etc. Speaking of Caruso, he left after this first season and that really annoyed a lot of the viewers, I am told. After an unsuccessful movie career, he landed back on his feet in TV with the very successful CSI: Miami show. Franz, meanwhile, stuck it out for the long NYPD run.
I found the first season interesting but too much soap opera and not enough straight crime story didn't encourage me to buy any further season DVD sets.
David Caruso may have gotten top billing as the star of the show but Dennis Franz is the actor who dominates when on screen. He is the most dramatic figure in this crime series that features character studies, almost to the point of being soap opera-like. In fact, all the love-lives of the main characters are explored, especially as the episodes developed that first season.
In the beginning, some sex scenes were used to grab viewers. This was new to TV then. All the characters in the show may not have been likable but they were all interesting. To me, the most likable was Nicholas Turturro's "Martinez."
The cops - men and women - all talked tough and the show's writers liked to insert words like "a-hole" and "prick" because, I suspect, they could get away with using them. This was TV's first drama to use words like that and have the open sexuality that was shown here. We saw side shots of breasts and Caruso's butt, etc. Speaking of Caruso, he left after this first season and that really annoyed a lot of the viewers, I am told. After an unsuccessful movie career, he landed back on his feet in TV with the very successful CSI: Miami show. Franz, meanwhile, stuck it out for the long NYPD run.
I found the first season interesting but too much soap opera and not enough straight crime story didn't encourage me to buy any further season DVD sets.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Nov 6, 2006
- Permalink
A once & a lifetime masterpiece you will have see the likes of again. The first 7 or 8 seasons of this are pure magic. The writing on this show was so real & every episode makes you laugh.
- seangordon-77497
- Jul 18, 2022
- Permalink
The acting is superb...it's believable...well presented...the characters are intriguing...character development is tremendous...
i do feel that if it was a focus on characters and their actual lives...and their jobs being secondary to the story...this show might have been waaay better...i feel like the procedural aspect of it slows it down a bit...
this has got to be one of the few shows out there where characters and characterisation transcend the plot...great characters...sub-par story...
but it's good...it is.
i do feel that if it was a focus on characters and their actual lives...and their jobs being secondary to the story...this show might have been waaay better...i feel like the procedural aspect of it slows it down a bit...
this has got to be one of the few shows out there where characters and characterisation transcend the plot...great characters...sub-par story...
but it's good...it is.
- angelorwez
- Aug 12, 2022
- Permalink
My childhood memories are with this show. Every week one episode was on tv, and day after i was playing nypd detectives from "15" station. 25 years after that i wanted to watch again these episodes. I watched them all and from this point of view biggest mistake of this tv show was Jimmy Smitts and Kim Delaney leaving. Jimmy Smitts was awesome role model, and his replacement was not good enough. Rick Shroder was not suitable for this show. Just from that appeairance you could tell, he is not for nypd. He was more for Mask 1, side role. Actor "zero". Dennis Franz was great on this show, and couple off them had their good times too.
- anvarjusic
- Dec 6, 2022
- Permalink
If it weren't for the storylines of the the rest of the squad room, I couldn't watch this.
As the lead, Andy Sipowicz's anger can be understood, but it is too overblown and his racist attitude flies in the face of logic toward his boss Arthur Fancy, considering that he owes his career to Fancy. Franz emotes just a bit too much and comes across as a cartoon at times.
As it goes on, Andy's self-appointed godhood regarding everyone in the squad room including his bosses is exhausting. The attraction of any woman for him is a mystery, especially when you watch his relationships and how he treats women.
The childishness, sycophancy, and neuroticism of Greg Medavoy makes me think that there's a good chance they will reveal that Medavoy is a prolific serial killer in the final episode and the final scene will be a slow fade with all of Greg's fellow detectives sitting at their desks with their throats cut and Greg sitting there smiling and filling out his 5.
And I wonder how true the interrogation scenes are.
As the lead, Andy Sipowicz's anger can be understood, but it is too overblown and his racist attitude flies in the face of logic toward his boss Arthur Fancy, considering that he owes his career to Fancy. Franz emotes just a bit too much and comes across as a cartoon at times.
As it goes on, Andy's self-appointed godhood regarding everyone in the squad room including his bosses is exhausting. The attraction of any woman for him is a mystery, especially when you watch his relationships and how he treats women.
The childishness, sycophancy, and neuroticism of Greg Medavoy makes me think that there's a good chance they will reveal that Medavoy is a prolific serial killer in the final episode and the final scene will be a slow fade with all of Greg's fellow detectives sitting at their desks with their throats cut and Greg sitting there smiling and filling out his 5.
And I wonder how true the interrogation scenes are.
- the_griswolds-60312
- Mar 8, 2021
- Permalink
And by that I mean the now almost countless bad TV shows with directors who think shaking the camera at everything is cute.
NYPD Blue started that awful trend, and while NYPD Blue was strangely still a hit (but not as big at it would have been had it been well shot!) thanks to its great writing in the first season, its progeny is stinking up the airwaves.
Film is an art form and doing that with the camera makes a mockery out of it.
A sad legacy for Steven Bochco who should be remembered from the epically well-produced L.A. Law.
NYPD Blue started that awful trend, and while NYPD Blue was strangely still a hit (but not as big at it would have been had it been well shot!) thanks to its great writing in the first season, its progeny is stinking up the airwaves.
Film is an art form and doing that with the camera makes a mockery out of it.
A sad legacy for Steven Bochco who should be remembered from the epically well-produced L.A. Law.
- MarcelaKronstein
- May 15, 2006
- Permalink
Great acting, excellent character development, etc. I particularly liked the Jimmy Smits years, but all of them were great.
One of the bet shows ever on TV---lasted 12 seasons---but only the first 5 are available on DVD.
Does anyone know why? Is there some sort of contract problem or lawsuit? Are they scheduled to be released at some time in the future? I would like to know----the first 5 seasons came out quite some time ago (8 years?) and then nothing! You would think that a show with the kind of legs this one had and the audience to keep it on the air for 12 seasons would represent excellent potential for the DVD sales. SO---what's up with that? Anybody know?
One of the bet shows ever on TV---lasted 12 seasons---but only the first 5 are available on DVD.
Does anyone know why? Is there some sort of contract problem or lawsuit? Are they scheduled to be released at some time in the future? I would like to know----the first 5 seasons came out quite some time ago (8 years?) and then nothing! You would think that a show with the kind of legs this one had and the audience to keep it on the air for 12 seasons would represent excellent potential for the DVD sales. SO---what's up with that? Anybody know?
- davisnathan
- Oct 15, 2011
- Permalink
Although I religiously watched NYPD when it was first released, it's obvious to me now that I missed so many episodes! The the re-releasing of this show has reminded me that the writing of each episode is perfection and it has become my favorite show once again! I will be so sorry to see it end!! The acting is amazing too, and makes me want to find out more about each actor, and to see what each actor is doing since being part of this fantastic cast. Like a great book that stays with you years after you've finished reading it, NYPD is that kind of of television series! I would love to see it continue on indefinitely!!
I am a true fan of the crime show genre, and have watched all of the subsequent "Law and Order" shows, some, many times over, another fantastic series! And "Criminal Minds," is great, although sometimes a little 'dark.' But my favorite series so far is NYPD Blue and the incredible actors!!
I am a true fan of the crime show genre, and have watched all of the subsequent "Law and Order" shows, some, many times over, another fantastic series! And "Criminal Minds," is great, although sometimes a little 'dark.' But my favorite series so far is NYPD Blue and the incredible actors!!
- anniesscandal
- Apr 23, 2016
- Permalink
I was hesitant about this show before I started watching because I knew it had 12 seasons, I haven't encountered a quality show that had gone on that long before, usually they're mediocre at best if they last that long ironically enough. This show on the other hand is the exception. Had me hooked after a few episodes and it never dropped in quality the whole way through. Incredible writing, incredible characters, I don't know what more there is to say. I'm still amazed, that a cop drama where in most cases every episode is a new case, can go on for so long without getting old. But it doesn't get old. The story surrounding the characters, watching their stories unfold, is crafted with genius paired with great actors such as Dennis Franz. Nothing about this show feels cheap. Every bit of dialog is clearly written with a lot of thought put into it, whether it be witty, comedic, serious, or anything else. I can't recommend this show enough. Watch it!
What else can I say, I mourned the demise of HSB one of the best cop series of the 70/80's , it faltered a bit when Bochco left but still one of the best. He has taken the production and directorial qualities with him, not to mention the fine Dennis Franz who was almost ruined with Beverly Hills Buntz.
Sadly David Caruso talked himself out of series 2 by demanding more money because he thought he was bigger than the show but Jimmy Smitts rode to the rescue.
I've just binge watched series one on DVD and have already ordered series two, you can get them for a song these days, treat yourself if you love good quality cops shows.
Sadly David Caruso talked himself out of series 2 by demanding more money because he thought he was bigger than the show but Jimmy Smitts rode to the rescue.
I've just binge watched series one on DVD and have already ordered series two, you can get them for a song these days, treat yourself if you love good quality cops shows.
My wife and I also love NYPD Blue! The best show ever made for TV. We just watched 3 hours tonight. Back then, in 1993 everybody thought that was too strong for airing on TV prime time. Wonder what they think now compared to todays garbage on TV?
Thanks for the info about Court TV on Saturday and Sunday. I did not know about them. I will start taping there also.
Here is Arkansas, CST, I tape it every Wednesday Morning at 2:00 A.M till 5:00 A.M. on TNT! Hope this helps! It is still the best show on TV Today, bar none. There is literally no better actor than Andy. I wonder what Andy was being paid per episode over the 12 year run? Does anybody know?
Thanks for the info about Court TV on Saturday and Sunday. I did not know about them. I will start taping there also.
Here is Arkansas, CST, I tape it every Wednesday Morning at 2:00 A.M till 5:00 A.M. on TNT! Hope this helps! It is still the best show on TV Today, bar none. There is literally no better actor than Andy. I wonder what Andy was being paid per episode over the 12 year run? Does anybody know?
I'm 54 years of age and of all the TV programs that I have seen (including Law & Order), NYPD Blue has to be the BEST. It rates up there with MASH but in a different category. I wish there was MORE. Everyone can learn from these 260+ episodes & be entertained at the same time. Watching TV is like shopping at Big Lotts; there are some "good stuff" there but hard to find. This is Great stuff! All of the characters that have come & gone over the years have been interesting. What could replace such a great show? I have gone back and started watching this series from the 1st season; great entertainment! Even the earlier episodes (1993) are not out-dated. The reruns of this series will continue for a long time, hopefully!! Thank you Dennis Franz, Gordon Clapp, Steven Bochoo, and David Milnch.
I started watching NYPD Blue when I was in Year Eight at high school after my legal studies teacher said it was a good show. Turns out, I tuned in just when Danny Sorensen (Rick Schroeder) joined the show, and I had no idea about John Kelly or Bobby Simone.
No doubt, Dennis Franz as Detective Andy Sipowicz is the star of NYPD Blue, and the heart of the ensemble show. His journey from a season one racist, homophobic drunk through to a stationhouse commander by the time the twelfth and final season is over was highly believable, and Sipowicz, who saw more tragedy than most, is now an iconic television character.
That said, Jimmy Smits as Bobby Simone was brilliant: the final episodes of Smits' run, where Detective Simone was dying were some of the best episodes of any TV show I have ever watched. Wish we'd seen more of David Caruso's John Kelly. Marc-Paul Goesselaar as the more youthful John Clark did a solid job after Rick Schroeder left the show.
And what of the supporting cast? All brilliant - particularly Kim Delaney as Diane Russell, Gordon Clapp as the delightfully awkward Greg Medavoy, Bill Brochtrup as PAA John Irvin, Nicholas Turturro as the youthful James Martinez, Jacqueline Obradors as Rita Ortiz and the two squad leaders, James McDaniel as Arthur Fancy and Esai Morales as Tong Rodrigues. Who else? Charlotte Ross as Connie McDowell, Sharon Lawrence as Sylvia Costas and Andrea Thompson as Jill Kirkendall. All great characters, all with so much (often tragic) depth.
Violent, brash, at times highly emotional and very controversial given the content and the era in which it aired (though definitely not by today's 'anything goes' standards!), we will never see the likes of NYPD Blue again.
No doubt, Dennis Franz as Detective Andy Sipowicz is the star of NYPD Blue, and the heart of the ensemble show. His journey from a season one racist, homophobic drunk through to a stationhouse commander by the time the twelfth and final season is over was highly believable, and Sipowicz, who saw more tragedy than most, is now an iconic television character.
That said, Jimmy Smits as Bobby Simone was brilliant: the final episodes of Smits' run, where Detective Simone was dying were some of the best episodes of any TV show I have ever watched. Wish we'd seen more of David Caruso's John Kelly. Marc-Paul Goesselaar as the more youthful John Clark did a solid job after Rick Schroeder left the show.
And what of the supporting cast? All brilliant - particularly Kim Delaney as Diane Russell, Gordon Clapp as the delightfully awkward Greg Medavoy, Bill Brochtrup as PAA John Irvin, Nicholas Turturro as the youthful James Martinez, Jacqueline Obradors as Rita Ortiz and the two squad leaders, James McDaniel as Arthur Fancy and Esai Morales as Tong Rodrigues. Who else? Charlotte Ross as Connie McDowell, Sharon Lawrence as Sylvia Costas and Andrea Thompson as Jill Kirkendall. All great characters, all with so much (often tragic) depth.
Violent, brash, at times highly emotional and very controversial given the content and the era in which it aired (though definitely not by today's 'anything goes' standards!), we will never see the likes of NYPD Blue again.
- allmoviesfan
- Sep 10, 2023
- Permalink
Show itself has its ups and downs... still is a great show. But the one thing that is constant is Andy Sipowitz. For me, the best character ever created in any tv show. So human and well acted. Only that is worth watching. His partners are not always great but some are prefect. Old school cop show that is well worth your time. Rating is way lower then it should be. One of the most underrated shows of all time i think. Its not modern, one case trough entire season kinda show but more of one episode one case. Ofcourse some cases go troguh entire season or even show and characters are build upon them perfectly. Hope u enjoy it.