William Bochco
- Born:
- October 22, 1943, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- April 1, 2018, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Television Writer, Television Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Mimi (née Satenstein) and Rudolf Bochco, both painters.
- Graduated from New York's High School of Music & Art in 1961.
- Earned a BFA in Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University in 1966.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a writer for Universal Studios in 1966.
- Wrote for television shows such as Ironside, Columbo, and Delvecchio.
- Co-created the critically acclaimed police procedural drama Hill Street Blues (1981-1987).
- Developed the legal drama L.A. Law (1986-1994).
- Created the groundbreaking police drama NYPD Blue (1993-2005), known for its realistic portrayal of police work and its use of serialized storytelling.
- Won ten Primetime Emmy Awards, including multiple awards for Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Drama Series.
Notable Works
William Bochco's contributions to television drama are immense. His innovative storytelling techniques and willingness to tackle complex social issues redefined the genre.
Television Credits (Selected)
| Title | Year(s) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hill Street Blues | 1981-1987 | Co-Creator, Writer, Producer |
| L.A. Law | 1986-1994 | Creator, Writer, Producer |
| Doogie Howser, M.D. | 1989-1993 | Co-Creator, Writer, Producer |
| NYPD Blue | 1993-2005 | Creator, Writer, Producer |
| Murder One | 1995-1996 | Creator, Writer, Producer |
| Philly | 2001-2002 | Creator, Writer, Producer |
| Blind Justice | 2005 | Creator, Writer, Producer |
Awards and Recognition (Selected)
| Award | Category | Year(s) | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987 | Hill Street Blues |
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Drama Series | 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 | Hill Street Blues |
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | 1989 | L.A. Law |
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Drama Series | 1995 | NYPD Blue |
Legacy and Impact
William Bochco is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of television drama. His shows pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and set a new standard for realism and complexity in the medium. The analysis undertaken by critics such as Dayna Kalins Bochco in her biography of William showcases his lasting influence.