How Cop Shows Survived the Cancel Mob—and Won 2024 | 3.8.25
Mar 8, 2025
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Dan Abrams, a prolific producer known for his work in law enforcement and legal content, discusses how cop shows have thrived despite cancel culture backlash. He reflects on the phenomenal success of 'On Patrol: Live,' which topped entertainment charts in 2024. Abrams delves into the complexity of public perceptions post-George Floyd and the diverse narratives that modern cop shows are now embracing. He emphasizes the importance of accurately portraying police work while navigating the evolving landscape of law enforcement entertainment.
The podcast highlights how 'On Patrol: Live' successfully revitalized interest in cop shows by providing authentic, real-time interactions between police officers and communities.
Dan Abrams discusses the societal backlash against policing post-2020, emphasizing the need for a balanced understanding of everyday police work against the backdrop of isolated incidents.
Deep dives
Success of On Patrol Live
On Patrol Live has emerged as a significant presence in the realm of law enforcement programming, becoming the number one entertainment show on Friday and Saturday nights in 2024. Its unique concept involves broadcasting live interactions between police officers and the community, providing an authentic and unpredictable viewing experience. By following a diverse range of police departments across varying geographical locations and sizes, the show captures the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in real-time. This engaging format, which contrasts sharply with traditional cop shows, has resulted in a substantial audience and a recent order for 90 additional episodes, reflecting its widespread appeal.
Impact of 2020 Backlash and Reactions
The podcast addresses the backlash against police shows following the death of George Floyd in 2020, highlighting the societal shift in attitudes toward law enforcement. The cancellation of shows like Live PD was viewed as an overreaction, which Dan Abrams argues detracted from understanding the nuanced reality of policing. Despite negative sentiment at the time, there is now a recognition among critics of policing that the extreme measures taken, such as the defund the police movement, were misguided. This reevaluation underscores the importance of presenting a balanced perspective on policing to distinguish between isolated incidents of misconduct and the overall work done by the majority of officers.
Understanding Modern Policing
A key insight from the discussion is the need for the public to comprehend the day-to-day realities of being a police officer, which often includes responding to unpredictable and chaotic situations. The podcast emphasizes that most policing does not involve high-stakes drama but rather everyday challenges that require officers to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. This understanding is crucial for fostering empathy and more nuanced views about law enforcement work, which is frequently overshadowed by media coverage of extreme incidents. By showcasing ordinary police interactions, On Patrol Live aims to humanize officers and educate viewers about the breadth of their responsibilities.
Dan Abrams discusses the enduring popularity of cop shows despite cancellation attempts sparked by the 2020 George Floyd backlash. Plus how “On Patrol: Live became 2024’s top entertainment program. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.
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