Premiering on September 21, 1993, NYPD Blue was one of the most critically acclaimed new series ever and one of the most controversial programs television had seen in years. Even before the first program aired, word had leaked out regarding the show's use of language and presentation of partial nudity. While critics across the country praised its style and content, by the time the first episode aired fifty-seven of ABC's affiliates had declined to carry the program. Perhaps because of the immense publicity the program generated, this gritty police drama managed to rank nineteenth in the ratings and garnered a record twenty-six Emmy nominations during its first year. By the time the year ended, eighteen of the dissenting stations gave in and carried the program; by its second season NYPD Blue won the Emmy for Outstanding Dramatic Series while becoming the seventh highest rated program in the country...