TV PRODUCER/WRITER STEVEN BOCHCO DIES AT 74
 

Creator Steven Bochco

Steven Bochco was my generation's Shonda Rhimes.  

The multi-talented writer/producer had numerous hit network TV shows on the air in the 70s and 80s and was changing viewer's expectations about how we watched traditional television dramas.  His shows often presented profanity, some nudity and oddball characters who had deep flaws.

You couldn't watch the Emmys back then without knowing Bochco would walk away with a slew of them -- which he often did for his shows like Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue.  

Bochco changed the face of TV and impacted today's dramas (giving glory to realism and the anti-hero).

Days before hearing Bochco passed away, I caught an old Columbo episode on one of those nostalgic TV channels.  The episode by chance was "Murder By the Book" and starred the actor Jack Cassidy (that's right, David's father).  It was only the second episode of the detective series (1971).  Great episode of cat and mouse between Cassidy and Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo... it wasn't until the credits rolled that I realized Steven Spielberg had directed it and Steven Bochco wrote it.  It was Spielberg and Bochco's early days at Universal.  Talk about nostalgia!  

 RIP, Mr. Bochco.  You inspired me to be a better writer and to take risks on the page.  And more importantly, I hear you were a very kind man to work with and to know.  We salute you.

Until next time.