Delaney is reluctant to leave comfortably established role in “NYPD,” but expressed more confidence when Bochco is confirmed as the show’s executive producer.  By A. Long

Bochco expresses understanding of ABC time changes, but worries about “NYPDs” new competition on Wednesday night. “NYPD” now occupies the 10PM timeslot against NBC’s “Law & Order” while “Philly” will take over “NYPD’s” old Tuesday slot. ABC explains its refusal to renew NYPD just yet as a sound decision from a business standpoint.  By A. Long

“Philly” is scheduled to run during “NYPD Blue’s” timeslot on Tuesdays. NYPD Blue’s performance in its new timeslot on Wednesday worries Bochco, since the network has not renewed the show for its 10^th season. The network hopes the Tuesday timeslot will capture the established NYPD audience.  By A. Long

Rutenberg examines the causes for increases in explicit language present in “Philly” as opposed to his previous “NYPD Blue.” Broadcast television has been long characterized with significant give-and-take exchanges between censors and producers to gradually lower standards. Traditionally, standards on broadcast have been higher due to public accessibility versus the anything-goes cable network, which has recently been posing a threat to network’s market share. Changing censorship rules are molding the movement of both television and pop/local culture. Bochco continues to demand looser restrictions.  By A. Long

Back to Bochco. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played Detective John Clark on Steven Bochco's NYPD Blue from '01 to '05, will rejoin his old boss on the new hit drama, Commander in Chief. The show (and many other produced by Bochco) have difficulties generating interest within the younger viewer demographic. Positive local reception of his shows remain concentrated in much older viewers, with an average age of almost 60.  By A. Long