Steven Bochco was one of the most influential figures in television history, known for revolutionizing the television drama genre with his innovative storytelling techniques and bold approach to complex characters. Bochco’s work left an indelible mark on American TV, with groundbreaking shows like Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, and Doogie Howser, M.D. defining the way television narratives were structured, and character development was explored. Over a career that spanned more than four decades, Bochco earned widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards and setting the standard for what high-quality television could achieve.
Born Steven Ronald Bochco on December 16, 1943, in New York City, he was raised in a family with deep artistic roots. His father, Rudolph Bochco, was a violinist and concertmaster, and his mother, Mimi, was a painter and jewelry designer. Growing up in this creative environment fostered a love of the arts in Bochco, who initially had aspirations of becoming a playwright. However, his path soon shifted toward television, where his passion for writing and storytelling would eventually shape some of the most influential shows in TV history.
Early Life and Education
Steven Bochco grew up in Manhattan, where he developed an early love for the arts. His parents’ artistic backgrounds gave him exposure to music, visual art, and theater from a young age. After attending high school in New York, Bochco enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a degree in theater and writing in 1966. His time at Carnegie Mellon was critical in honing his skills as a writer and storyteller, and it set the stage for his entry into the television industry.
After graduating, Bochco was hired as a writer for Universal Studios. During his early years in Hollywood, he contributed to numerous television shows, gaining valuable experience in writing and production. Some of his early work included writing for series like Ironside and Columbo, where he showcased his knack for creating compelling characters and smart dialogue. His writing on Columbo, in particular, earned him his first Emmy Award in 1973 for the episode “Murder by the Book,” which was directed by a then-unknown Steven Spielberg.
The Birth of a Revolution: Hill Street Blues
The early successes in Bochco’s career set the foundation for what would become his most groundbreaking project, Hill Street Blues. Premiering in 1981, Hill Street Blues transformed the television drama landscape with its multi-layered characters, serialized storytelling, and gritty depiction of urban life. The show was unlike any other police procedural at the time, breaking away from the traditional episodic format where each episode wrapped up neatly at the end. Instead, Hill Street Blues embraced a more realistic approach, with storylines that stretched across multiple episodes or even entire seasons.
Bochco co-created Hill Street Blues with Michael Kozoll, and the show was set in a fictional urban police precinct. Its ensemble cast featured a diverse group of characters, each with their own personal and professional struggles. The show’s focus on character development, complex relationships, and moral ambiguity was revolutionary for its time, and Bochco’s decision to adopt a more serialized structure gave the series a sense of continuity and depth that audiences were not accustomed to seeing in a police drama.
Despite initial low ratings, Hill Street Blues was a critical success and went on to win numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards. Bochco’s work on the series earned him widespread recognition as a creative force in television. The show not only redefined the police drama but also opened the door for future TV series that sought to explore darker, more nuanced themes. Many of the techniques Bochco pioneered, such as handheld cameras and overlapping dialogue, have since become standard in modern television drama.
Expanding His Influence: L.A. Law and NYPD Blue
Following the success of Hill Street Blues, Steven Bochco continued to innovate and shape the television landscape with a string of hit shows that further cemented his legacy as one of TV’s greatest creators. In 1986, Bochco co-created L.A. Law, a legal drama that offered a glimpse into the personal and professional lives of high-powered lawyers at a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Much like Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law featured an ensemble cast and tackled complex social issues, including discrimination, sexual harassment, and the ethical dilemmas faced by legal professionals.
L.A. Law became a massive hit, running for eight seasons and winning multiple awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. The show’s success demonstrated Bochco’s ability to create compelling characters and narratives in various settings, whether it be a police precinct or a law firm. Bochco’s work on L.A. Law further solidified his reputation as a master of ensemble dramas, and his influence on the genre was undeniable.
Perhaps Bochco’s most daring and controversial project came in 1993 with NYPD Blue. Co-created with David Milch, the series pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on network television at the time, with its raw depiction of police work, explicit language, and adult themes. NYPD Blue was known for its gritty realism and complex characters, particularly the emotionally troubled detective Andy Sipowicz, played by Dennis Franz.
NYPD Blue was both a critical and commercial success, though it sparked controversy for its explicit content. Despite initial pushback from conservative groups, the series thrived and ran for 12 seasons, earning numerous awards and solidifying Bochco’s place as a trailblazer in television. The show’s success also highlighted Bochco’s willingness to take risks and challenge the traditional boundaries of network TV, paving the way for future series that would continue to push the envelope in terms of content and realism.
Diversifying with Doogie Howser, M.D.
While Bochco was best known for his work on dramas, he also demonstrated his versatility by creating the beloved dramedy Doogie Howser, M.D. in 1989. The series, which followed a teenage prodigy who becomes a doctor at the age of 16, starred a young Neil Patrick Harris in the title role. Doogie Howser, M.D. was a departure from Bochco’s usual gritty fare, blending humor and drama in a way that resonated with younger audiences.
The show was notable for its coming-of-age themes and for tackling serious issues such as identity, relationships, and career pressures from the perspective of a gifted adolescent. Doogie Howser, M.D. ran for four seasons and became a cultural touchstone, further showcasing Bochco’s range as a creator who could succeed across genres.
Later Career and Legacy
Steven Bochco’s influence on television extended well beyond the shows he created. He helped usher in a new era of sophisticated storytelling that paved the way for today’s prestige dramas. Bochco’s use of serialized narratives, morally complex characters, and willingness to tackle difficult social issues in his shows laid the groundwork for the “Golden Age of Television” that would follow in the late 1990s and 2000s.
In his later career, Bochco continued to work on a variety of television projects, though none achieved the same level of success as his earlier work. In 1995, he attempted a musical police drama called Cop Rock, which, despite its ambition and uniqueness, was a commercial failure and was canceled after one season. However, even with its short run, Cop Rockhas been remembered as a bold experiment in television storytelling.
Bochco’s contributions to the television industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and the Television Critics Association Lifetime Achievement Award. His shows not only entertained millions but also pushed the boundaries of what television could be, setting a standard for character-driven storytelling and social relevance.
On April 1, 2018, Steven Bochco passed away at the age of 74 after battling leukemia. His death marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to be felt across the television landscape. Today, many of the techniques and themes Bochco introduced—such as serialized storytelling, ensemble casts, and gritty realism—are hallmarks of modern TV dramas, and his legacy as a visionary creator remains as strong as ever.