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Hill Street Blues 1981

“Let's be careful out there.”

★ 7.6/10 · 127 votes TV-14 DramaCrime 7 seasons · 146 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is Hill Street Blues?

Hill Street Blues is an American serial police procedural television series that aired on NBC in prime time from January 15, 1981, to May 12, 1987. Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll, the program ran for a total of 146 episodes.

Type
TV series
Year
1981
Status
Ended
Episodes
146
Runtime
49 minutes
First aired
Jan 15, 1981
Last aired
May 12, 1987
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
NBC
Genres
Drama, Crime
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

Stream

Disney Plus

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Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 146 episodes and an average 49-minute runtime.

Trailer

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Overview

Hill Street Blues is an American serial police procedural television series that aired on NBC in prime time from January 15, 1981, to May 12, 1987. Created by Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll, the program ran for a total of 146 episodes. The series provides a realistic glimpse into the daily lives and work of the officers and detectives stationed at an urban police precinct. The narrative offers a gritty look at the experiences of the staff operating within a large, unnamed metropolitan city. Led by Captain Frank Furillo, the personnel at the Hill Street Station navigate the challenges of their professional environment. The cast features actors including Daniel J. Travanti, Michael Warren, Bruce Weitz, and James B. Sikking. The show focuses on the routine operations and personal lives of those tasked with maintaining order in the inner city. By documenting the environment of the precinct, the series presents a detailed perspective on the responsibilities and pressures faced by law enforcement officials in a high-stakes urban setting.

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Should you watch it?

“This series offers a realistic glimpse into the daily lives of urban police officers and detectives.”

Reasons to watch
  • authentic depiction of police work
  • focus on daily operations
Keep in mind
  • may feel dated to modern viewers

Watch it if you enjoy realistic portrayals of law enforcement environments.

The series depicts the daily activities of police personnel in an urban setting.

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Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 17 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 18 episodes
Season 3 · 22 episodes
Season 4 · 22 episodes
Season 5 · 23 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the show about?

It follows the daily lives of officers and detectives working at an urban police station.

Is this a documentary?

No, it is a television series portraying the lives of police personnel.

What is the tone?

The series maintains a realistic tone throughout its depiction of police work.

Who are the main characters?

The series focuses on the officers and detectives stationed at an urban precinct.

Is it a procedural?

Yes, the show centers on the daily professional activities of police staff.