NYPD Blue

NYPD Blue ran from 1993-2005 for 12 seasons. The show, described by its creator as "an R-rated cop show", was famous for being the first primetime American show with some mild nudity (almost entirely limited to bare butt shots) and some cursing and very colorful, mature language (but always stopping short of the f-word). It also introduced MTV-style motion cuts and faster pacing than generally previously encountered in most cop shows. While not originally conceived that way in the least, Dennis Franz's tough, street-wise ex-alcoholic cop -- flawed but basically honest and decent -- became the central character of the show, winning Franz four Emmys for best actor during his 12 year run on the show. The show was produced by Steven Bochco, previously renowned as producer of the equally critically acclaimed "Hill Street Blues".