Violence has always been a part of television, from the crime drama The Untouchables from the 1950s to the crime dramas of today, including NYPD Blue, The Sopranos, and The Shield. However, the type of violence shown is dramatically different from the 1950s, including more bloodshed, murders, and other violent crimes than ever before. Along with the discussion of violent television shows, major world events including the settlement of the west and the televised coverage of the Vietnam War and their affect on American culture are discussed.