Steven Bochco
Steven Bochco: A Pioneer of Television Drama
Full Name and Common Aliases
Steven Bruce Bochco was born on December 3, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. He is commonly referred to as Steve Bochco.
Birth and Death Dates
December 3, 1943 – October 1, 2018
Nationality and Profession(s)
American television producer, writer, and lawyer
Steven Bochco was a trailblazer in the world of television drama. His innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with his commitment to producing high-quality content, left an indelible mark on the medium.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Bochco's early life was marked by a strong work ethic. He attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied theater arts and began developing his writing skills. After graduating, Bochco worked as a lawyer for several years before deciding to pursue a career in television.
Major Accomplishments
Bochco's career in television spans over four decades, during which he produced some of the most iconic shows of all time. His notable works include:
Hill Street Blues (1981-1987): This groundbreaking series revolutionized police procedurals with its gritty realism and complex characters.
L.A. Law (1986-1994): Bochco's follow-up to _Hill Street Blues_ was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards for its writing and performances.
* Doogie Howser, M.D. (1991-1993): This coming-of-age comedy-drama series was one of the first shows to tackle complex social issues in a way that resonated with young audiences.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Bochco remained committed to pushing the boundaries of television storytelling. His willingness to take risks and explore new themes helped pave the way for future generations of writers and producers.
One notable example of Bochco's innovative approach was his use of ensemble casts in _Hill Street Blues_ and _L.A. Law_. By featuring a diverse group of characters, each with their own distinct voice and perspective, Bochco created a sense of realism that captivated audiences and influenced the development of future television dramas.
Impact and Legacy
Steven Bochco's impact on the world of television is immeasurable. His influence can be seen in countless shows that have followed in his footsteps, from _NYPD Blue_ to _The Good Wife_. Bochco's commitment to quality storytelling has raised the bar for writers and producers across the industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Steven Bochco is widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to television drama. His innovative approach to storytelling, coupled with his commitment to producing high-quality content, has left a lasting impact on the medium.
Bochco's legacy extends far beyond his own shows, as he paved the way for future generations of writers and producers. His influence can be seen in every aspect of contemporary television, from the gritty realism of _The Sopranos_ to the complex characters of _Breaking Bad_.
Quotes by Steven Bochco
The thing that always interests me from a storytelling point of view is how that moment of trauma, whatever the trauma is, even divorce, your dog dies, whatever it is, the consequence, in terms of people's emotional lives and the way it resonates behaviorally for a long time, is really the stuff that interests me.
When all of your decisions are based on economics, you end up with a sameness of vision. You’re not taking the risks, you’re not exploiting the passions of your creators. You’re manufacturing product for a huge vending machine.
Casting is sort of like looking at paintings. You don’t know what you’ll like, but you recognize it when you see it.
Television and film are such streamlined story mediums. You can’t really meander about, whereas a novel is an interior experience.
One of the problems of writing is that anyone who commits themselves to that process has to believe that they’re good.
The entertainment world, television, movies, social media, YouTube stuff, we’re so bombarded with so much imagery and such a great sense of inhumanity, and there is a coarseness, a coarsening of interaction.
Being a good television screenwriter requires an understanding of the way film accelerates the communication of words.
When it is perceived that a show has gone awry, the pressure is staggering, and as a writer caught in that storm, it feels like you are being attacked by jackals.