While doing an arc on "Wiseguy", Michael Chiklis was approached by one of the writers about doing a true story about a young police commissioner in a small upstate New York town.

The family-friendly show from Stephen Kronish was first developed for CBS — where the then-entertainment topper thought Chiklis was too young to play Tony Scali — before it was picked up by ABC a year or so later.

"One door closes and another one opens. It's just the twists and turns of this business. I always cite the lyrics of the great [Frank] Sinatra classic 'That's Life.' It's the theme song of my life and actors' lives in general."

https://ew.com/tv/michael-chiklis-role-call/?slide=0d40ba67-29f9-4314-9f68-08307211f637#0d40ba67-29f9-4314-9f68-08307211f637