It’s the end of an era for the longest-running TV series on FOX. After 24 seasons, the network has cancelled America’s Most Wanted. It’ll continue as a series of occasional FOX specials but, as you might expect, the show’s no-nonsense host isn’t taking the demotion lying down.
Debuting back in February 1988 on seven Fox-owned stations, America’s Most Wanted found immediate success. Within four days of its first broadcast, one of the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted was captured as a direct result. This made it clear to skeptics that the show could be a very effective tool for law enforcement agencies. A couple months later, the series debuted on the new FOX network and became its first hit.
The series was briefly cancelled in 1996 when the network opted to air sitcom repeats instead. Viewers and law enforcement officials voiced their upset and FOX reinstated the show. It didn’t hurt that the reruns weren’t performing particularly well.
Last March, the 1,000th installment of America’s Most Wanted aired live from the White House and Walsh and President Obama discussed the impact of the show and some of the administration’s crime-fighting initiatives. To date, more than 1,150 episodes have been produced. The official website touts that as many felons have been caught in part because of the show’s profiles.
The series has been one of the best-rated shows on Saturday nights for quite some time. Unfortunately, FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly said today that the ratings weren’t enough to justify the cost. He said, “It has been an important show for us historically but it’s no secret to John, we have not made money on the show in a quite awhile. It wasn’t particularly viable.”
FOX has been the only network to schedule original programming on Saturday nights and Reilly feels that it makes more sense to air repeats of its drama series in the 9pm timeslot.
Reilly noted that America’s Most Wanted will continue on the network however, as a series of quarterly two-hour specials.
The show is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and STF Productions. Reilly also said that Walsh is in talks with other divisions of News Corp (which owns FOX) about the possibility of continuing the weekly series on another outlet. MyNetworkTV seems like a possible choice. Reilly added, “I would not be at all surprised to see the show pop up somewhere else.”
What do you think? Are you disappointed that the series won’t be on FOX every week? Has the show made a difference?
Wondering where the rest of your shows stand? Check our FOX cancel/renew page.
Image courtesy FOX.
This is very disturbing. I’m so upset I love AMW and John Walsh. I am too upset and don’t know what else to say..
Have you people lost your minds. The show AMW has been a service to the communities. The same communities you claim to care about. It has been productive in catching Major Criminals that threaten the same communities you claim to care about. This shows it comes down to the bottom line. I guess you think we need more shows like Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy. The good guys etc. none of which I watch I watch. My wife and I did discover that most of the shows we watch are on Fow. Well, that to will change. You people care about… Read more »
This show is my reason for comming home on Saturday nights. My entire family watches this show religously. It assist in keeping the public interactive and vigalent. Shame on FOX they are so money hungry! I hate them.. they are predjudice anyway!
i think that there are other shows that they can cancel americas most wanted is one of the best on tv do you realize how many crimials will still be on the loose ,with a big sigh of relief while victims still hang in the balance for justice. this show goes after criminals all over the world, not just in the united states,and thats what makes the show one of the best on tv. i really hope that fox will reconcider there decision ,please don’t let green ink on paper (money) sway your decision. have a heart and find someway… Read more »
Shame on Fox. Taking off one of the few worthwhile shows on TV. If any other network picks up AMW I’m sure it will draw viewers from whatever is on Fox.
WRONG MOVE. what to put some crap show on with Sex and Drugs and Drinking. Give me a break… Where are your brains. I am so sick of watching sit coms and stuff I the other things I mentioned. Well so much for watching this channel anymore. They can go screw them selfs.
It is quite fitting that the series finale aired at the White House.
Many of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ criminals were right there!
i have been watching your show forever.It is the best resource for catching criminals.Law enforcement around the world turn to john walsh for help.what about all the people who have hope that if they turn to amw that they will get answers to their prayers.i hope you change your mind and keep his show on.when all else fails people turn to amw for answers.just john walsh’s passion alone makes you want to watch.please reconsider your decision
It will probably end up on some cable network, truTV maybe?
To cancel a show that led to the capture of over 1000 wanted felons is criminal in and of itself.
Some things you stick with because it’s the right thing to do. AMW is the right thing It may not be a show that brings in a profit, but it serves a greater purpose. It takes scumbags off the street who would otherwise continue to do harm. This show brings peace and closure to crime victims and their family. It is one of the few shows out there that actually provides a service to people and cares about them and potential future victims and justice. How costly can the show be when you use the same footage repeatedly? The powers… Read more »
Bad decision…what are you going to replace it with? ANOTHER night of American Idol?
Yes I watch it evertime it comes on and if i cant i record it so I can watch it. I am really bummed that this is happening!! I think this show brought in a lot of criminals!! This is the worst mistake!! Dont take the show off!
So a successul program on inding fugitives is not going to air. any more so my neibor could be a wanted merder And i wont know. Thanks a lot fox or risking my and all of americas life.
AMW is the only show I watch on FOX. I want another network to pick the show up. Fox is stupid for cancelling this show.