Editing Cop Rock

{{short description|1990 American crime drama musical television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Cop-rock.jpg
| image_alt            = The silhouette of a handgun is shown with the words "Cop Rock" on its side and an eighth note between the title.
| genre                = {{Plainlist|
* [[Musical theatre|Musical]]<ref name="CopRockHistory" />
* [[Police procedural]]<ref name="EWInterview" />
}}
| creator              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Steven Bochco]]
* [[William M. Finkelstein]]
}}
| starring             = {{Plainlist| <!--Starring cast order is according to original broadcasting credits (the pilot episode). Do NOT rearrange cast order, per MOS:TVCAST (new starring cast members will be at the bottom of the list).-->
* [[Anne Bobby]]
* [[Barbara Bosson]]
* David Gianopoulos
* Larry Joshua
* [[James McDaniel]]
* [[Ron McLarty]]
* Mick Murray
* [[Peter Onorati]]
* [[Ronny Cox]]
* [[Vondie Curtis-Hall]]
* [[Paul McCrane]]
}}
| theme_music_composer = [[Randy Newman]]
| opentheme="Under the Gun" performed by Randy Newman
| composer             = {{Plainlist|
* Randy Newman
* [[Mike Post]]
* [[Stephen Geyer]]
* [[Amanda McBroom]]
* Donald Markowitz
* [[Greg Edmonson]]
* Brock Walsh
* Ronald Boustead
* [[Kathleen Wilhoite]]
* Jim Wilhoite
* Harvey Estrada
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 1
| num_episodes         = 11
| executive_producer   = Steven Bochco
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Gregory Hoblit]]
* [[Charles Haid]]
* [[Michael M. Robin]]
}}
| cinematography       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Tom Sigel]] <!-- as credited -->
* [[Roy H. Wagner]]
}}
| editor               = {{Plainlist|
* Joe Ann Fogle
* Chuck Weiss
* Stephen Mark
* Michael B. Hoggan
}}
| camera               = Multi-camera
| runtime              = 48–49 minutes
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* Steven Bochco Productions
* [[20th Century Fox Television]]
}}
| budget               = $13.2–22{{nbsp}}million<ref name="EWInterview">{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/09/21/cop-rocks-shot-survival/|title='Cop Rock'{{'}}s shot at survival|date=September 21, 1990|first=Mark|last=Harris|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423152711/https://ew.com/article/1990/09/21/cop-rocks-shot-survival/|archive-date=April 23, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref><ref name="CopRockHistory">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/an-oral-history-of-cop-rock-tv-s-first-and-last-musica-1798248164|title=An oral history of ''Cop Rock'', TV's first and last musical police drama|date=May 26, 2016|first=Will|last=Harris|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423152710/https://tv.avclub.com/an-oral-history-of-cop-rock-tv-s-first-and-last-musica-1798248164|archive-date=April 23, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
| network              = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1990|9|26}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|1990|12|26}}
}}

'''''Cop Rock''''' is an American [[police procedural]] musical television series created by [[Steven Bochco]] and [[William M. Finkelstein]] for the [[American Broadcasting Company]]. It premiered on September 26, 1990, and broadcast eleven episodes before concluding on December 26. It was both a critical and commercial failure.

== Premise ==
Following the [[Los Angeles Police Department]], ''Cop Rock'' features an ensemble cast of police officers and detectives as they solve crimes across the city, with the series mixing musical and choreography throughout storylines and to introduce new characters. In its main storyline, Captain John Hollander (Larry Joshua) investigates the involvement of Detective Vincent LaRusso ([[Peter Onorati]]) in the execution of murder suspect Tyrone Weeks (Art Kimbro). [[Subplot]]s include Detective Ralph Ruskin's ([[Ron McLarty]]) growing jealousy of his wife Officer Vicki Quinn ([[Anne Bobby]]), and her friendship with Officer Andy Campo (David Gianopoulos); Quinn helping drug addict Patricia Spence ([[Kathleen Wilhoite]]) recover her baby which Spence had sold for $200; and the relationship between corrupt Mayor Louise Plank ([[Barbara Bosson]]) and Chief Roger Kendrick ([[Ronny Cox]]).

== Cast ==
=== Main ===
<!--Main cast order is according to original broadcasting credits (the pilot episode). Do NOT rearrange cast order, per MOS:TVCAST. In addition, new main cast members will be at the bottom of the list.-->
* [[Anne Bobby]] as Officer Vicki Quinn
* [[Barbara Bosson]] as Mayor Louise Plank
* David Gianopoulos as Officer Andy Campo
* Larry Joshua as Captain John Hollander
* [[James McDaniel]] as Officer Franklin Rose
* [[Ron McLarty]] as Detective Ralph Ruskin
* Mick Murray as Detective Joseph Gaines
* [[Peter Onorati]] as Detective Vincent LaRusso
* [[Ronny Cox]] as Chief Roger Kendrick
* [[Vondie Curtis-Hall]] as Commander Warren Osborne
* [[Paul McCrane]] as Detective Bob McIntire

=== Recurring ===
* [[William Thomas Jr.]] as Detective William Donald Potts
* [[Kathleen Wilhoite]] as Patricia Spence
* [[Teri Austin]] as Trish Vaughn
* [[Dennis Lipscomb]] as Sidney Weitz
* Jeffrey Alan Chandler as Ray Rodbart
* [[CCH Pounder]] as Willa Phelan

== Episodes ==
{{Episode table|background=#B30C09|overall=5|title=17|director=12|writer=|airdate=12|prodcode=|aux4=10|aux4T=Rating/share<br />(households)|viewers=|country=U.S|episodes=
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 1
 |Title           = Pilot
 |DirectedBy      = [[Gregory Hoblit]]
 |WrittenBy       = [[Steven Bochco]] & [[William M. Finkelstein]]
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|9|26}}
 |ProdCode        = 2101
 |Viewers         = 14.3<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; NBC wins; CBS still surprises|date=October 3, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306363789}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 10.3/19<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75007099/familiar-comedies-garner-peak-interest/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=Familiar comedies garner peak interest|page=36|date=October 3, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403140010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75007099/familiar-comedies-garner-peak-interest/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = An arrested gang in control of Los Angeles ("We Got the Power") is acquitted of all charges of drug distribution due to a lack of evidence. One of the gang's vehicles is pursued by the police. Drug dealer Tyrone Weeks flees the scene after shooting and killing a police officer, and the driver is arrested. After Weeks is captured in his home, an enraged Detective Vincent LaRusso executes him; fellow police officers tamper with the crime scene to make it appear LaRusso acted in self-defense. Meanwhile, Officer Vicki Quinn is unable to convince drug addict Patricia Spence to enter rehab. Spence later sells her baby daughter for $200 ("Sandman").{{hr}} Additional music: Detective Ralph Ruskin thinks of his wife ("She Chose Me"), Mayor Louise Plank accepts a bribe ("She's The One"), and a jury gives a verdict ("He's Guilty").{{hr}}All songs for this episode were written by [[Randy Newman]].
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 2
 |Title           = Ill-Gotten Gaines
 |DirectedBy      = Gregory Hoblit
 |WrittenBy       = Steven Bochco<br />William M. Finkelstein<br />[[John Romano (writer)|John Romano]] <!--Do not use "&" or "and" because they are not credited that way. Per [[MOS:TV]], we go by according to credits.-->
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|10|3}}
 |ProdCode        = 2102
 |Viewers         = 9.5<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; NBC tops in ratings, barely|date=October 10, 1990|first=Eugene|last=Sloan|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306378149}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 7.2/13<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75016163/playoffs-ground-out-in-first-three/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=Playoffs ground out in first three at-bats|page=76|first=Joan|last=Hanauer|date=October 11, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403163728/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75016163/playoffs-ground-out-in-first-three/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = At the funeral of the police officer who was shot and killed, his cop partner Franklin Rose gives a eulogy ("How Much I Love You"). Unconvinced about the proposed events leading to Weeks' death, Captain John Hollander begins to interrogate LaRusso's colleagues. After Hollander meets with Quinn, she begins to question what she knows about her husband Ruskin ("If That Isn't Love"). Rose is given a new partner, Detective Joseph Gaines, and a burglary in a mansion is investigated ("Good Life" and "Lineup"), where LaRusso questions the housekeeper and finds the thief was her boyfriend. At home with his wife and son, Hollander talks about their family's financial state ("Gonna Be Alright").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by [[Mike Post]], [[Stephen Geyer]], [[Amanda McBroom]], Donald Markowitz and Greg Edmonson.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 3
 |Title           = Happy Mudder's Day
 |DirectedBy      = [[Charles Haid]]
 |WrittenBy       = Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|10|10}}
 |ProdCode        = 2103
 |Viewers         = 8.8<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; For CBS, baseball's a grounder|date=October 17, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306359921}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 6.7/12<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75031279/bart-almost-won-in-head-to-head-combat/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=Bart almost won in head-to-head combat|page=51|first=Joan|last=Hanauer|date=October 18, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403201543/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75031279/bart-almost-won-in-head-to-head-combat/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = As the investigation grows, Hollander questions Detective William Donald Potts, promising [[qualified immunity]] if he reveals what happened to Weeks; Potts agrees to talk. Rose and Gaines respond to a domestic violence call, where the latter shows he does not know how to deescalate the situation without Rose's help; they leave after the couple promises to stop fighting ("Nobody's Fault"). At night, LaRusso's girlfriend Nikki, a mud wrestler at a nightclub ("I Hate Love"), is held at gunpoint by a drug dealer who gives up after LaRusso shows no intention of negotiating to save Nikki. Plank gets plastic surgery to improve her chances in the upcoming election as a U.S. Senator ("Perfection"). As the day concludes ("Garbage In, Garbage Out"), Hollander tells LaRusso he is under arrest.{{hr}} Additional music: Chief Roger Kendrick remembers his early days, where he rides a horse through Los Angeles in a [[dream sequence]] ("Hear The Doggy").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Stephen Geyer, Amanda McBroom, Donald Markowitz, Brock Walsh, Greg Edmonson and Ronald Boustead.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 4
 |Title           = A Three-Corpse Meal
 |DirectedBy      = [[Fred Gerber]]
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano|t=William M. Finkelstein & [[Toni Graphia]] & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|10|17}}
 |ProdCode        = 2104
 |Viewers         = 9.8<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; CBS slides easily into first place|date=October 24, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306386800}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 7.2/12<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75040577/world-series-for-cbs-is-both-a-hit-and/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=World Series for CBS is both a hit and a miss|page=52|first=Deborah|last=Hastings|date=October 25, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403221441/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75040577/world-series-for-cbs-is-both-a-hit-and/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = After being in custody for a few days, one of LaRusso's lawyers bails him out ("Can't Keep A Good Man Down"). Contemplating suicide after selling her baby, Spence asks Quinn for help at the police station, where Hollander orders for Spence to be arrested ("You Lied"). To recover the baby, Quinn and Officer Andy Campo go undercover to meet Glen, a [[Trafficking of children|child trafficker]] ("Baby Merchant"), who is later arrested alongside his also corrupt lawyer. In an interrogation, the pair ask for immunity after agreeing to tell the police the identities of several leaders controlling a child trafficking syndicate. They also tell Quinn the location of Spence's daughter, who is safely recovered and taken into foster care. Meanwhile, LaRusso begins a sexual relationship with the female lawyer who got him out of prison, Plank reveals herself post-surgery and begins a relationship with Kendrick ("Something Happened to Me"), and Ruskin starts exercising to avoid having a heart attack ("No Pain, No Gain").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Mike Post, Stephen Geyer, Brock Walsh, Amanda McBroom, and Donald Markowitz.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 5
 |Title           = The Cocaine Mutiny
 |DirectedBy      = [[Arlene Sanford]]
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein|t=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|10|24}}
 |ProdCode        = 2105
 |Viewers         = 9.6<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; CBS, no longer the long shot|date=October 31, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306392850}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 7.3/13<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042702/rushdie-takes-minute-to-give-cbs-a-boost/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=Rushdie takes minute to give CBS a boost|page=57|date=October 31, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403224607/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042702/rushdie-takes-minute-to-give-cbs-a-boost/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = Several people are arrested for buying drugs from an undercover cop ("Pursuit of Happiness"). One of them, a woman serving as an assistant for a city councilman, is left off with a warning. After being arrested again, she confesses that she had been buying drugs for the councilman, who is later arrested. Detective Bob McIntire helps a woman, Stacey Kane, fend off a stalker ("A Step Away") before beginning a relationship with her. The next day, the stalker is shot by Kane in McIntire's presence, who quickly figures out her ruse to murder the stalker without being arrested ("Beautiful Eyes"). Meanwhile, Spence is put on probation with supervised visits with her baby daughter ("More Than Enough").{{hr}} Additional music: A politician running for [[Governor of California]] tells an audience he needs more donations ("Campaign Song").
{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Mike Post, Stephen Geyer, Brock Walsh, Donald Markowitz, Greg Edmonson, Kathleen Wilhoite and Jim Wilhoite.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 6
 |Title           = Oil of Ol' Lay
 |DirectedBy      = [[Michael Fresco]]
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano|t=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & Toni Graphia & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|10|31}}
 |ProdCode        = 2106
 |Viewers         = 7.6<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; NBC wins with fewer viewers|date=November 7, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306372652}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 5.8/11<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042879/cbs-rises-from-ashes-to-compete-with-nbc/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=CBS rises from ashes to compete with NBC|page=48|first=Jay|last=Sharbutt|date=November 8, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403224807/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042879/cbs-rises-from-ashes-to-compete-with-nbc/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = Rose and Gaines help clear out a homeless encampment under a bridge ("Nowhere to Go, Nothing to Do"). The following day, Gaines decides to help a homeless man named Louis by buying him food at a diner and giving him money. After Louis shows symptoms of being mentally ill, Gaines gives up and leaves. Meanwhile, at an insurance company, Quinn and Campo are confronted by a senile man who shoots Quinn in the leg; Ruskin visits her at the hospital, where he learns her injury was merely a flesh wound. Soon after, Campo arrives and begins to sing to Quinn about his love for her ("Your Partner"), where Ruskin overhears them from outside the room and decides to murder Campo ("What am I Doing Here?"). While Kendrick is encouraged by his assistant Ozzy to begin a serious relationship with Plank ("How to Love a Woman"), LaRusso is told by his lawyers that his best option to avoid incarceration would be to make the public believe his actions towards Weeks as an "American hero" were justified ("No Problem").
{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Stephen Geyer, Brock Walsh, and Amanda McBroom.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 7
 |Title           = Cop-a-Feeliac
 |DirectedBy      = Arlene Sanford
 |WrittenBy       = Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano & Michael Graham
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|11|7}}
 |ProdCode        = 2107
 |Viewers         = 7.7<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; 'Cheers' sweeps up for NBC|date=November 14, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306382672}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 5.7/11<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042976/200th-cheers-shows-rating-tops-this/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=200th 'Cheers' show's rating tops this season|page=72|first=Scott|last=Williams|date=November 15, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403224948/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75042976/200th-cheers-shows-rating-tops-this/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = As the police force prepares for another day of work ("Let's Be Careful Out There"), multiple officers gossip about the person who gave the witness testimony against LaRusso ("What Kind Of World Do We Live In?"), unaware that it was Potts, who himself has been receiving threatening messages and [[Cross burning|burning crosses]] from an unknown perpetrator associated with the [[Ku Klux Klan|KKK]] ("Burning Crosses"). Meanwhile, Plank's assistant, Ray Rodbart, decides to resign after becoming worried that a journalist will write an article [[outing]] him as a [[homosexual]], as he fears it will hurt Plank's chances in the election. However, a supportive Plank refuses to let him quit and later blackmails the journalist to stop them from publishing the article. Quinn returns to work, where Ruskin's jealousy continues to grow. Gaines is asked questions about Week's death, where he assures himself that his actions were professional ("I'm OK"). Beginning to stalk Quinn and Campo, Ruskin sees the pair enter a hotel, unaware that they are investigating a crime, and confronts Quinn about his speculations. After his speech receives positive feedback from the public, LaRusso attends a gala ("Brenda and The Bus Monsters").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 8
 |Title           = Potts Don't Fail Me Now
 |DirectedBy      = [[Brad Silberling]]
 |WrittenBy       = Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano & Michael Graham
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|11|21}}
 |ProdCode        = 2108
 |Viewers         = 8.7<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; ABC's 'It' confirms competitors' fears|date=November 28, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306389941}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 5.9/11<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75043086/abc-finishes-first-for-the-first-time/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title=ABC finishes first for the first time this fall|page=60|date=November 28, 1990|newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403225127/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75043086/abc-finishes-first-for-the-first-time/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = While Quinn becomes annoyed with Ruskin's jealousy ("Why Can't A Man Be More Like a Woman"), Potts refuses a proposal to receive protection from a community of [[African-American Muslims]], and later decides against testifying at LaRusso's upcoming trial. As Rose investigates the shooting of a six-year-old child ("Why Lord"), Gaines listens to a detective's barely veiled racist remarks about Rose ("Black is Black"). The detective later asks Hollander to remove Rose from the case; Hollander angrily refuses as Rose and Gaines successfully arrest the suspects ("Anybody Can Die"). Kendrick is asked various questions about LaRusso's trial, where he answers with offensive comments seen as racist, sexist, [[homophobic]], and [[anti-semitic]]; Plank soon confronts him and Kendrick leaves. After Campo and Ruskin brawl at a bar, Quinn agrees to switch partners if she and Ruskin start going to [[couples' counseling]]. The following day, Potts is told to testify at the trial, despite the possible consequences, to "do the right thing".{{hr}} Additional music: Hollander misses his son's piano recital at school and later argues with his wife ("Find My Way Back Home").
{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Mike Post, Stephen Geyer, and Brock Walsh.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 9
 |Title           = Marital Blitz
 |DirectedBy      = Gilbert Shilton
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano|t=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & Toni Graphia & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|12|5}}
 |ProdCode        = 2109
 |Viewers         = 6.5<ref name="1.09">{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; ABC wins a sub-par week|date=December 12, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306398832}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 4.9/9<ref name="1.09" />
 |ShortSummary    = After several police officers, including Quinn and Campo, are awarded the [[Los Angeles Police Medal of Valor]] ("Heroes All"), interviewers get Kendrick to say he believes LaRusso is innocent. Quinn later tells Campo that she has asked for a new partner and Campo shows his understanding of her decision; Campo later meets his new partner, a dull Officer Petrovich, while Quinn is paired with a rude and sexist Officer Stillman. While LaRusso's trial begins ("For the Record"), Plank decides to get back together with Kendrick on his birthday, who happily agrees. While working, Petrovich reveals her intimate feelings for Campo and kisses him ("Bumpty, Bumpty"). Soon after, Campo reports Petrovich's actions to Hollander, who dismisses the claims, and Stillman argues about being assigned to a female partner. After receiving more complaints, Hollander becomes annoyed and tells the entire police force to stop ("Quit Your Bitchin'"). At the trial, Potts tells the jury that LaRusso executed Weeks and that he wanted to tell the truth to make his family proud.{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Mike Post, Stephen Geyer, and Brock Walsh.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 10
 |Title           = No Noose Is Good Noose
 |DirectedBy      = [[Michael M. Robin]]
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano|t=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & Toni Graphia & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|12|12}}
 |ProdCode        = 2110
 |Viewers         = 6.9<ref name="1.10">{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; St. Nick can't lick TV lull|date=December 19, 1990|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306371476}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 5.1/10<ref name="1.10" />
 |ShortSummary    = Several police officers hold a birthday party for LaRusso and present him to a stripper ("To Live and Die a Cop"). At the police station, Campo is introduced to his new partner, Officer Jessica Wolf. In couples' counseling, Quinn reveals to Ruskin that she has intimate feelings for Campo; Ruskin leaves after threatening [[domestic assault]] and later tells Quinn that he wants a divorce. While multiple female officers go undercover as prostitutes ("Choose Me" and "Tenderness"), Kendrick begins suffering from hallucinations in which he is hanged for his offensive comments ("Your Number's Up"). At LaRusso's trial, the jury finds him [[Acquittal|not guilty]] ("Reasonable Doubt").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Stephen Geyer and Brock Walsh.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 11
 |Title           = Bang the Potts Slowly
 |DirectedBy      = Fred Gerber
 |WrittenBy       = {{StoryTeleplay|s=Steven Bochco & William M. Finkelstein & John Romano|t=William M. Finkelstein & Toni Graphia & John Romano}}
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1990|12|26}}
 |ProdCode        = 2111
 |Viewers         = 7.9<ref>{{cite news|title=NIELSENS; NBC wins as networks end 1990 on a low note|date=January 3, 1991|first=Brian|last=Donlon|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|id={{ProQuest|306388476}}}}</ref>
 |Aux4            = 5.6/11<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75043495/60-minutes-no1-viewers-opt-out/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|title='60 Minutes' No.1; Viewers Opt Out|page=247|first=Rick|last=Du Brow|date=January 3, 1991|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403225743/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75043495/60-minutes-no1-viewers-opt-out/|archive-date=April 3, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>
 |ShortSummary    = As LaRusso rejoins the police force ("Ties That Bind"), Potts is told that he can move to a different division. An investigation is initiated after multiple college students report being sexually assaulted and raped by an unknown assailant ("I Got Somethin' For You"). After receiving a warrant for one of the suspects, Donald Bruckner, the police investigate his home. However, Stillman decides to violate the warrant by entering the house, where he finds evidence of Bruckner being the rapist. McIntire confronts Stillman for committing an illegal search, meaning the evidence cannot be used due to the [[exclusionary rule]]. Soon after, Rose and Gaines arrest Bruckner [[arrest without warrant|without warrant]], where a rape victim at the police station declares Bruckner was the assailant who raped her; Hollander calls Stillman a "bad cop" as LaRusso overhears. Meanwhile, Quinn moves out of Ruskin's house ("How Do You Say Goodbye"), Plank begins making television advertisements for her political campaign ("Clean it Up"), and LaRusso is given a proposal to have a producer create a film surrounding his case. As the final number, the cast appear out of character to sing a farewell to their audience ("We'll Ride Again").{{hr}} Songs for this episode collectively composed by Stephen Geyer and Brock Walsh.
 |LineColor       = B30C09
}}
}}

== Production ==
{{Expand section|date=October 2021}}

=== Development ===
[[File:Steven Bochco.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Steven Bochco developed and co-created ''Cop Rock'' with William M. Finkelstein]]
In the early 1980s, a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] producer offered [[Steven Bochco]] a proposal to convert his series ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'' into a musical. As the plan was not practical, the proposal was declined, but Bochco kept the idea in mind and thought about doing the opposite instead, converting a Broadway show into a [[police procedural]] television series. In 1987, the [[American Broadcasting Company]] (ABC) gave Bochco a production commitment for ten of his future shows, and wanting to experiment, he developed ''Cop Rock'' as a "bold and adventurous" idea.<ref name="CopRockHistory" /> The head of ABC Entertainment at the time, [[Bob Iger]], was one of the only people willing to give him a chance, allowing the creation of the series.<ref name="CopRockHistory" /> On the opportunity, [[James McDaniel]] stated that, "the media said it was impossible and that it was ridiculous, but nothing's impossible and ridiculous if you have the right pieces in place."<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

=== Casting ===
Over 200 people auditioned for ''Cop Rock''; [[Peter Onorati]], who portrays Detective Vincent LaRusso, was introduced to the series by his wife after she talked with [[Howard McGillin]], who had also auditioned. Jokingly stating that he had experience singing at weddings, Onorati's agent, Kay Liberman, set up an audition, where Onorati performed [[Fats Domino]]'s "[[Blue Monday (1954 song)|Blue Monday]]".<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

One of the only actors with singing experience, [[Teri Austin]] graduated with a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]] and performed "Lover Man" and "[[Breaking Up Is Hard to Do]]" at her audition. [[Kathleen Wilhoite]], who portrays Patricia Spence, had a [[record deal]] at the time, and decided to audition with "[[Easy to Be Hard]]", finding her casting as a "good gig for me, because singing is kind of my thing".<ref name="CopRockHistory" /> McDaniel, on the other hand, turned down an offer to join the series but changed his mind after finding out it was created by Bochco, who he had worked with on the last season of ''Hill Street Blues''.<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

Mick Murray was searching for an acting job in [[New York (state)|New York]] and was going through multiple pilots from ABC before hearing about ''Cop Rock'' and Bochco's involvement. At his audition, the [[casting director]] was Alexa Fogel, who was not of fan of his following a failed audition for the film ''[[Young Guns (film)|Young Guns]]''. As a result, Murray decided to perform [[a cappella]] by [[Terence Trent D'Arby]], which Fogel responded to with "the warmest smile". At night, Murray received a phone call from his agent and was told that the production crew had expanded a small role for him so he could join as a series regular.<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

Larry Joshua brought his own guitar to his audition and performed "When She Wants Good Lovin'" and "[[Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye]]". During this time, David Gianopoulos heard about the series after running into Joshua near [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]]. Revealing to his agent that he had been secretly singing in several bands for over six years, Gianopoulos auditioned with [[Ben E. King]]'s "[[Stand by Me (Ben E. King song)|Stand by Me]]" at [[Lincoln Center]], where several other cast members also had their auditions. Originally, Gianopoulos had auditioned for the role of LaRusso before being told by Bochco to audition for the role of Officer Andy Campo. The following day, he performed [[Bruce Springsteen]]'s "[[Hungry Heart]]" and received the part.<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

[[Ronny Cox]] was told by pilot director [[Gregory Hoblit]] that he would get the role of Chief Roger Kendrick whether or not he could sing. Broadway performer [[Anne Bobby]], however, had to audition, doing so on a Saturday where she said she saw her friend [[Jane Krakowski]]. Furthermore, [[Paul McCrane]] was told by Hoblit and Bochco that they did not have a part for him at the moment and reassured him that they would write a new character once the show entered production; McCrane was later cast as Detective Bob McIntire.<ref name="CopRockHistory" />

Several cast and guest stars had previously appeared on ''Hill Street Blues'', including Bochco's wife [[Barbara Bosson]] (Fay Furillo on ''Blues'', Mayor Plank on ''Cop Rock''). ''Hill Street'' cast member [[Charles Haid]] was a producer and directed one episode. The seventh episode "Cop-a-Feeliac" opens with a roll call scene and musical number "Let's Be Careful Out There," based on the ''Hill Street Blues'' catchphrase. At the end of the scene, [[James B. Sikking]] makes a cameo appearance, uncredited and without dialogue, as his ''Hill Street Blues'' character Howard Hunter.

== Reception ==
On [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the series holds an approval rating of 53% based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 5.33/10. The website's critical consensus states, "''Cop Rock''{{'}}s ambition to innovate the police procedural is admirable, but the contrast of grit and glam proves too jarring with unmemorable music throwing the series' more promising dramatic beats askew."<ref>{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=Cop Rock|id=cop_rock|type=tv|season=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405153526/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/cop_rock/s01|archive-date=April 5, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], it has a weighted average score of 61 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite Metacritic|title=Cop Rock|id=cop-rock|type=tv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405153529/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/cop-rock|archive-date=April 5, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2021}}</ref>

The show was a critical and commercial failure and was canceled by ABC after 11 episodes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE7DA1E3BF930A25752C1A966958260|title=ABC Cancels 'Cop Rock' |date=November 13, 1990|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=August 28, 2008}}</ref> The combination of a fusion of musical performances with serious police drama and dark humor with its high-powered production talent, made it infamous as one of the biggest television failures of the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE3D61338F935A35752C1A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|title=A Series Makes the Starting Gate|last=Weinraub|first=Bernard|date=November 11, 1991|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 28, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/06/04/flops-101-lessons-biz/|title=Flops 101: Lessons From The Biz|last=Tucker|first=Ken|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=June 4, 2004|access-date=August 28, 2008}}</ref> ''[[TV Guide Magazine]]'' ranked it #8 on its List of the 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time list in 2002<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cosgrove-Mather|first1=Bootie|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-worst-tv-shows-ever/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402002745/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-worst-tv-shows-ever/|title=The Worst TV Shows Ever|date=July 12, 2002|work=[[CBS News]]|access-date=August 28, 2008|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and dubbed it "the single most bizarre TV musical of all time".<ref>{{cite web|title=TV Musicals: The Highs and Lows|url=http://www.tvguide.com/galleries/favorite-tv-musicals-1060019/photo/ed3ebea8-f8b7-4281-ad91-49e4d34b1cbf/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043101/https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/favorite-tv-musicals-1060019/5/|work=[[TV Guide]]|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-date=January 20, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Despite an overwhelmingly negative reception<ref>Recent examples include a [https://web.archive.org/web/20091021090118/http://geocities.com/badtelevision/coprock.html 2009 review on the site Bad TV Shows] and a  [https://web.archive.org/web/20040604151640/http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/coprock.htm 2004 review on the site Television Heaven].</ref> and short run, the series has been rebroadcast in later years, with [[VH1]] and [[A&E Network]] airing it on separate occasions later in the 1990s, and [[Trio (TV network)|Trio]] in the 2000s.

== Home media ==
On May 17, 2016, [[Shout! Factory]] released the complete series on DVD in Region 1.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lambert|first1=David|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Cop-Rock-The-Complete-Series/21969|title=Cop Rock – Shout! Factory Surprises Us with 'The Complete Series' on DVD!|website=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]|publisher=[[TV Guide Online]]|access-date=April 1, 2016|date=February 4, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329132609/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Cop-Rock-The-Complete-Series/21969|archive-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Recipient
! Episode
! Result
|-
| rowspan="5"|1991
| style="white-space:nowrap;" rowspan="5"|[[Emmy Award]]
| Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series
| style="white-space:nowrap;"|Robert Appere, Gary D. Rogers, Ron Estes, and Mark Server
| style="white-space:nowrap;"|"Oil Of Ol'Lay"
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
| Gregory Hoblit
| Pilot
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics
| Ron Boustead and Greg Edmonson
| "Oil Of Ol'Lay"
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Outstanding Editing for a Series – Single Camera Production
| Joe Ann Fogle
| Pilot
| {{Won}}
|-
| Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics
| Randy Newman
| Pilot
| {{Won}}
|}

== International broadcasts ==
In the [[United Kingdom]], ''Cop Rock'' was televised on [[BBC1]] and premiered on Monday 30 September 1991. The show premiered on Australian television via the [[Ten Network]] on Thursday 23 January 1992 at 11:00 PM.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0098772|Cop Rock}}

{{Randy Newman}}
{{Steven Bochco}}

[[Category:1990 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1990 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1990s American crime drama television series]]
[[Category:1990s American music television series]]
[[Category:1990s American police procedural television series]]
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company crime dramas]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Television series about the Los Angeles Police Department]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award–winning television series]]
[[Category:Television shows scored by Randy Newman]]
[[Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television]]
[[Category:Television series created by Steven Bochco]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Los Angeles]]