NYPD Blue (season 1)


The first season of NYPD Blue, an American television police drama set in New York City, aired as part of the 1993–94 United States network television schedule for ABC, premiering on 21 September 1993 and concluding on 17 May 1994. The show explores the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan. Each episode typically intertwines several plots involving an ensemble cast. The season led to a record 26 Emmy nominations. and six awards.

Plot synopsis

and Andy Sipowicz are detectives in the 15th squad. Sipowicz is the elder partner but is a drunk and a threat to the partnership lasting much longer. Kelly has a genuine affection for his partner but becomes increasingly exasperated by Sipowicz's behavior. In the pilot, Sipowicz is shot, and nearly killed, by Alphonse Giardella, a gangster whom Sipowicz, while drunk, insulted badly in public. This leads to his decision to stay sober and save his job. While his partner is recuperating, Kelly is teamed up by the squad's Lieutenant, Arthur Fancy, with a young cop from Anti-Crime, James Martinez.
Kelly's personal life is no less complicated, as he is reluctantly going through a divorce from his wife, Laura, and is embarking on an affair with a uniformed cop, Janice Licalsi. To complicate matters further, Licalsi has been ordered to do a 'hit' on Kelly by mob boss Angelo Marino, otherwise Marino will turn in Licalsi's father, who is on his payroll. Instead, Licalsi murders Marino and the repercussions come back to haunt both her and Kelly.
Sipowicz begins a relationship with A.D.A. Sylvia Costas while another detective in the squad, Greg Medavoy, embarks on an affair of his own with the squad's new police administrative aide, Donna Abandando.

Main Cast

ActorCharacterMain castRecurring cast
David CarusoJohn Kellyentire season
Dennis FranzAndy Sipowiczentire season
James McDanielArthur Fancyentire season
Sherry StringfieldADA Laura Michaels1 - 18
Amy BrennemanJanice Licalsientire season
Nicholas TurturroJames Martinezentire season
Sharon LawrenceADA Sylvia CostasEpisodes 1, 4, 6-9, 11, 13-16, 18-22
Gordon ClappGreg MedavoyEpisodes 3, 5-6, 8-19, 21-22
Gail O'GradyPAA Donna AbandandoEpisodes 8-22

Recurring guest roles

Season 1's recurring guest roles include:
Each NYPD Blue episode entry includes its original airdate in the United States, the writing and directing credits, and a plot summary. The credits and airdates are taken from the pamphlet accompanying the Region 1 Season 1 DVDs.