David Caruso

NYPD Blue was well ahead of its time when it came to cop shows. Being praised for its gritty nature and overall “realness,” though it was definitely considered controversial for a relaxed attitude towards nudity and alcoholism. The leading man on it, David Caruso, would even land himself a Golden Globe for his titular role in 1994.

In spite of all the success that came with the role, Caruso wanted to move on. He would leave after only the fourth episode of the second season, at first for not receiving higher earnings, then to try his hand at acting in the movies. All of the gritty details can be found in NYPD Blue creator, Steven Bochco’s memoir, Truth is a Total Defense: My Fifty Years In Television.