We recently reported that, while FOX wasn’t cancelling Cops, the network was drastically cutting back on the number of episodes that will air this year. Due to sports programming, Cops won’t be seen for the remainder of 2012.
TV Guide recently spoke to Cops executive producer John Langley about the news. He said that the reality show is expected to return in January 2013 with 16-20 new episodes ready to go for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.
Langley notes, “The good news is we’re renewed for our 25th year. That’s our silver anniversary, a rarity in TV. I don’t expect too many shows to reach that landmark.”
He also noted that, “If FOX doesn’t re-order us after the 25th season, we’ll find another home, I’m pretty certain. We’ve got an audience and will always have an audience no matter what happens. We’ve become an iconic program with guaranteed ratings. We usually win our time slot, so somebody will want us.”
Cops’ longtime companion on FOX Saturday nights, America’s Most Wanted, was dropped by the network as a regular series and Lifetime ended up picking it up. It’s performed well for the cable channel and was recently renewed for another season. FOX has been airing quarterly AMW specials but the fourth and final one will air this weekend. That will end FOX’s association with the John Walsh series.
Langley added that Cops will have a prominent place in the upcoming FOX anniversary special and has a special place in the network’s history.
He said, “Cops at one time was a linchpin for FOX, certainly,” he says. “It was a network builder. I think we made a major contribution to the early history of FOX, along with America’s Most Wanted, The Simpsons and some shows that followed. People forget that back in the day when Cops first aired, FOX was stumbling. They did a radical revamp of programming and allowed for things that were daring.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of the long-running TV series? Would you follow it to another channel or is it time for Cops to end?
COPS has become boring over the years. The stories are much weaker then they used to be. Doesnt matter if it moves to another network unless they hire a new staff.
best and only program worth watching. Miss it so much. Cant wait to see the new year
i had to buy a more expesive TV package just to watch COPS reruns on G4tv and trutv, it really is one of the best shows on TV.
I have been watching Cops for as long as I can remember. A wonderful show. My wife is not happy about no more shows this year. Gives people a chance to see what being a Cop is like and it’s all true! No fake hype like most shows on Tru TV. I know, I did a ride-a-long when I was young. Had a domestic call and it was scary! Where ever Cops goes my wife and I will follow.
It will take an act of God to stop me from watching COPS! Where they go I will follow. Saturday night with COPS and wings is a favorite tradition! If fox doesn’t want them, I’ll go somewhere else for them. Not having ANY new episodes till January sucks though.
COPS has been a Saturday Night institution for me since 1995 (when I was 8 and was allowed to watch shows over Rated G), I always made time to watch COPS when the episodes aired on Saturday Nights. FOX is getting more stupider with the placement of the programs and sporting events it aired, I don’t mind a NASCAR Saturday Night since I am a NASCAR fan myself, but Baseball? Air that on a Saturday afternoon and NOT on SEVERAL consecutive Saturday Nights preempting COPS. I hope Langley pulls COPS off of FOX and puts the show on Tru TV,… Read more »
In my opinion if Fox cancels Cops it is suicide. It is the only show on their line up that I consistently watch. It is one of the only reality series that should be considered “reality.” There are enough singing, dancing, and other insignificant “reality” shows.
What’s with Fox programmers? It is an American tradition on Saturday nights. It is such a marvelous way to see how people in other American cities live, and what those cities look like.
Saturday nights feel strange now. Even if I it was playing in the background (like during a lame episode), it gave me a sense of comfort. Withdrawls have set in. Don’t know if I can make it until January 2013. Oh well, I guess Les Gold dealing out his own “form of justice” on Hardcore Pawn reruns will have to do for now.
COPS is always fresh, a reality television superstar. It’s great to watch whether you’re staying in or before heading out to party. One of the best shows available on TV today, IMO.
My sister Yvonne loves this show and is so upset that it’s not on. She says Saturdays aren’t the same. Please put Cops back on so she will stop crying. Lol
i am so tired of not being able to see cops on saturday night.the only tv show that i watch on sat.if it ever is cancelled,i will follow it to the new channel.best show ever.
We LOVE COPS and have watched it since day one! We’ll follow it wherever it goes! I’m shocked and angry that FOX won’t air it until January!
I’ll follow COPS no matter where it ends up.
I’m so fed up with FOX not airing the best show on TV.
It’s a shame we won’t see a new episode until JANUARY 2013!!!!!!!!!!! CRAZY!!!!!!!
Can’t YOU Cancel FOX and go to another network?
Saturday nights is not the same 🙁
I will follow COPS, just like I followed AMW !
awesome. i love this show!
I will follow Cops, that is my show!!!!!!!!!!