The show was created by Steven Bochco and David Milch, and was inspired by Milch's relationship with Bill Clark, a former member of the New York City Police Department who eventually became one of the show's producers.
Acara drama ini diciptakan oleh Steven Bochco dan David Milch dan terinspirasi oleh hubungan Milch dengan Bill Clark, mantan anggota dari Departemen Kepolisian Kota New York yang akhirnya menjadi salah satu produser acara.