In a survey of TV critics , `` Hill Street Blues '' changed the direction of programming . The show was so popular that it spawned two sequels and an animated series. In all , 46 shows were cited as having a strong influence on TV .
In a survey of TV critics , `` Hill Street Blues '' changed the direction of programming . `` ER '' and `` CSI '' failed to get even one mention from the panel . In all , 46 shows were cited as having a strong influence on TV .