The long-running reality series “Cops” has been permanently canceled after 31 years and 33 seasons. The decision follows mounting public outcry and protests against police brutality, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death. The Paramount Network confirmed the show’s cancellation, stating, “Cops is not on the Paramount Network and we don’t have any current or future plans for it to return,” according to a spokesperson from the network.
First premiering in 1989, “Cops” aired over 1,100 episodes, originally on Fox before transitioning to Spike TV, which later became the Paramount Network in 2013. After Floyd’s death on May 25, the network pulled the show from its lineup, and it has not returned since.
The series has faced criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes. A 1994 study indicated that viewers of “Cops” were more likely to associate violent crime with people of color compared to white individuals. Further analyses in 2004 highlighted the racial bias in the show’s portrayal of law enforcement as a struggle between white officers and non-white criminals. Co-creators, Alex and Jamie Reynolds, consistently denied these claims, asserting their intention to represent a diverse array of individuals in both law enforcement and criminal roles.
Civil rights organization Color of Change, a long-time adversary of “Cops”, applauded the cancellation, with Vice President Morgan Fields stating, “For over 30 years, Cops has misinformed the public and normalized injustice.” Fields emphasized that crime-focused programming fosters acceptance of over-policing and excessive force, undermining necessary reform efforts. Furthermore, she urged for the cancellation of similar programs like A&E’s “Live PD,” which has been under scrutiny for its comparable format.
With A&E recently announcing the renewal of “Live PD” for an additional 160 episodes, the pressure for reform and accountability continues to grow. Fields called upon networks to take decisive action, insisting that in a time when the mantra “Black Lives Matter” resonates widely, companies must align their practices with their proclaimed values.
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In summary, “Cops” has been canceled after a lengthy run, highlighting significant societal concerns regarding representation and policing. This cancellation reflects a broader movement advocating for changes within the media and law enforcement.