Some of his early work that he was seen in includes Hill Street Blues, First Blood (1982), and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). These roles however were small and while they helped him build his craft as an actor, they were not the reason he became a recognizable face on television.
He got his breakout role in NYPD Blue. In 1993, Caruso was cast as Detective John Kelly in the hit television show NYPD Blue. The show gained a lot of success, which earned him widespread recognition and adoration, as well as a nod from the Golden Globes.

While David Caruso’s time on the show was short-lived, as he left one season due to reports of a dispute over his salary and creative control, it was definitely memorable. His decision was chastised by many people and is considered a negative turning point for his professional life.
After he left NYPD Blue, he tried to venture out into acting in films but was not too successful. He appeared in the films Movies like Jade (1995) and Kiss of Death (1995), both of which did not do much in terms of commercial success.