When the original concept for Third Watch was pitched to network executives, it didn't have firefighters. The first pitch of Third Watch to NBC didn't even have paramedics. There are many interesting facts about the evolution of Third Watch. Third Watch developed over the course of its 6 season life into something very different from its original concept.
Third Watch was originally a cop drama. The pilot was written to compete with The Shield. Third Watch, as a police drama, was rejected by NBC studio producers. "Too many cop shows" they said. Third watch waited, stewing in the mind of John Wells. Two years later he re-pitched the show, not as a cop drama, but as a realistic saga of police and paramedics. NBC loved the idea. Still the seed that would grow into one of the best action/drama shows ever had been planted (even without firefighters).
Third Watch Cast began assembling in early '99. During the casting, a young actor, known only for his performance on The Young and the Restless, tried out for the part of Maurice Boscorelli. He lost the part to Jason Wiles, but so impressed producers they decided to create a role for him. Third Watch still lacked firefighters. The producers decided to cast the young Eddie Cibrian as Jimmy Doherty, the firefighter. The script was modified to include a firefighting element. Third Watch was born.
Third Watch's pilot featured harsh language and graphic depictions of violence. As a result, the pilot aired at 10 PM on a Friday. It's unconventional to run the pilot at a different time then the regular series. Third Watch's first season (sans pilot) aired at 8 PM on Thursday's. NBC pushed the pilot to a later time to protect its younger viewers.
Third Watch had many actors come and go throughout its run. Each actor that left created a problem for the main storyline. The show features many exciting plot twists that came about more from kismet than intention. Third Watch was destined for greatness. Regardless of its starting point, Third Watch would be shaped by fate to become the best action/drama television show of our age.