History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1981

Step back in time to explore the definitive collection of iconic tv releases from 1981. Discover the standout creations that defined pop culture, captured consumer imagination, and shaped history during this unforgettable era.

1. Hill Street Blues

   Released in 1981 by Steven Bochco, Michael Kozoll, NBC

   On January 15, 1981, a Thursday night, NBC broadcast the two-hour pilot movie of a new police drama, "Hill Street Station," forever changing television. At the time, the airwaves were dominated by formulaic cop shows with clear-cut heroes and neatly resolved plots. "Hill Street Blues" shattered this mold. Premiering to dismal ratings, it was unlike anything audiences had seen before, with its chaotic, overlapping dialogue, handheld camera work, and morally ambiguous characters. Despite the low viewership, the series received immediate and overwhelming critical acclaim, which, combined with the steadfast support of NBC executive Fred Silverman, saved it from an early demise and allowed it to become a landmark in television history.