(A&E)
It’s not often that a channel will cancel its highest-rated series. Less than a month ago, A&E was touting the Live PD TV show’s great ratings. Today, the cable channel cancelled the series — at least for now.
Debuting in October 2016, Live PD provides a unique look at the policing of America. The series follows diverse police departments from across the country in real-time as they patrol their communities. Using dash cams along with fixed rig and handheld cameras, the series captures the work of urban and rural police forces on a typical Friday and Saturday night.
Host Dan Abrams and commentators Tom Morris Jr. and Sergeant Sean “Sticks” Larkin offer insights into what audiences are seeing in real-time, bouncing between the featured police departments and offering an inside look at each live episode.
In early May, Live PD was picked up for 160 additional episodes and was scheduled to air its 300th episode on Saturday, June 6th.
On Friday, June 5th, It was announced the series had been pulled off the air for the weekend. “Out of respect for the families of George Floyd and others who have lost their lives, in consultation with the departments we follow, and in consideration for the safety of all involved, we have made the decision not to broadcast Live PD this weekend,” A&E said in a statement.
— Live PD on A&E (@OfficialLivePD) June 1, 2020
Now, the series has been cancelled though it seems as though the door may be left open for the show’s return at some point. The decision came from both A&E and MGM’s Big Fish Entertainment, which produces the show. “This is a critical time in our nation’s history and we have made the decision to cease production on Live PD,” the network said in a statement to Deadline. “Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them. And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments.”
Cancelling the program was likely an unpleasant decision for both parties due to the loss of revenue. Airing for three hours on both Friday and Saturday nights, Live PD was a big draw for A&E in the ratings. According to the cable channel, the program was the top-rated show on regular cable for those nights in 2019 and the numbers have gotten even better since the pandemic has caused live sports games to be suspended.
Last night, host Abrams had reassured fans that the show would return.
To all of you asking whether #LivePD coming back. . .The answer is yes. All of us associated with the show are as committed to it as ever. We are still discussing some specifics but I want to assure the #LivePDNation that we are not abandoning you.
— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 10, 2020
And to be clear as I have said on my @SXMPOTUS show, you can both support the important and impactful peaceful protests and support the overwhelming majority of police officers doing the noble and difficult work they do every day.
— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 10, 2020
Today, Abrams communicated that the series would not return after all.
Shocked & beyond disappointed about this. To the loyal #LivePDNation please know I, we, did everything we could to fight for you, and for our continuing effort at transparency in policing. I was convinced the show would go on. . More to come. . .https://t.co/WWh7fDrig2
— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 11, 2020
I am hoping that this continues with @TomMorrisJr1 https://t.co/7GxeXNZYP6
— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 11, 2020
I am going to finally go to sleep but I just want to say one more thing to the #LivePDNation. Thank you for making this so much more than a tv show. You created a huge community of kind, caring people with whom I hope to stay in touch with in this next chapter. More tomorrow. . .
— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 11, 2020
Cops, a long-running program on Paramount Network, has also been cancelled.
What do you think? Did you watch Live PD on A&E? Do you think that this series should return at some point?
We’ve watched this show from the first episode and looked forward to it each week. A&E and MGM Big Fish Entertainment should reconsider. The program showed viewers how life is out in the communities. To all that participated in the production – Thank you! I sincerely hope the show returns in some form. A& E just cancelled their most watched and most liked show. It was even fun to see individuals react so positively when they realized they were on Live PD. Such a shame.
We need this show not just to see people’s interaction with police but to keep the search for children on the run or abducted children updates so the LIVE PD Nation can help find and reunite them with there families! Let’s see how, with all the problems with the police and” Bad Guys”. How the interactions change! I’m sure there will be sweeping changes across our great nation! Let’s also take a good look at the many super officers that go above and beyond there job, helping and maybe after interacting with less fortunate people! You need to have a… Read more »
They purposefully mislead people to make you believe they are reuniting abducted children with their parents. All this is made for TV and public consumption and the public eats it up. They actually do the opposite by “reuniting” poor children with the very same people they need protection from. Check out the story of Maia Sykes and ask yourself why PD Live lied and said the mother and father were divorced when they weren’t ever married and lived in different states. Ask yourself why they didn’t mention that the mother had a protective order against the father for domestic violence… Read more »
I see the injustice based on what you’ve just said – but to me, it’s the court system that has failed those children, hmm?
Cancel the show as they purposefully misrepresent the facts and have placed children’s lives in danger by “reuniting” them with the same people accused of abusing them. With all the children in the world who are really abducted, why would PD Live purposefully misrepresent the facts and leave out information so that they can garner views. This show has put children in danger and destroyed people’s lives. CANCEL it now.
This is ********, love the program, what will be next?? 48 hours, live rescue, i will make a list of shows i am offended by
So sad to see these outlets bow to the mob. Live PD was the best show on tv and did a ton of good for everyone. Insane how these media companies over-react to current events
Absolutely Live PD should return!! The only thing I watch on A&E is Live PD. I may as well cancel my cable. How is this in any way going to help the situation! You should run 3 – 4 days a week. It shows the human side of Policing in this country. The Officers were Great ambassador’s of the profession! I just don’t understand?!
This is going to look like there is something to hide from.
Totally ridiculous decision to cancel Live PD as well as COPS. Nothing but pandering to a vocal and violent small proportion of the population. Shame on AE and Paramount. I guess they showed their true colors.
I totally agree, I will be canceling A&E , had it added just to watch LIVE PD .
Hello, This show had police harassing people for little things like a rear third brake light out, standing against a building by themselves, all to give the camera crew something to record. Detroit was part of a cop show for like one week, before the cops being recorded blasted into a house and shot a little girl.
Yes! They are frauds!!!
Exactly! They do not represent the truth and only post stories for viewership while destroying peoples lives. CANCELLED!
Sad that they’ve caved out of fear. This show brought so much more than just police coverage to viewers. It showed the human side of the officers, the risks that they face every single day, the unfortunate reality of what our civilization has come to. Instead of canceling, A&E could’ve used the show as a platform to build support for our men/women in blue. They could’ve found a way to tweak the show for the positive, instead of bowing out amidst fear. Now people are calling for the cancelation of children’s shows such as Paw Patrol on Nickelodeon that feature… Read more »
We stand behind all Police officers and watching Live PDs
I was born and raised a American and find it so upsetting that people can now voice their opinion on what is best for all people to watch. I agree that it was unforgetable what some bad cops did to Mr George Floyd, but to take away TV shows is unthinkable. Why not just turn you TV off or change the channel. That is what the button is used for. Again out of respect for the family of Mr Floyd it was the proper thing to do while his funeral was going on but to cancel Live PD all together… Read more »
As a follower of the A & E Network family I am deeply disgusted with your companies decision. In my view the shows you canceled show just what our law enforcement agencies have to deal with on an on going basis. It also shows the positive that law enforcement brings to many incidents. Your company is weak minded and weak willed and no longer has any place on my channel guide and therefor all channels relating to your company have been blocked. If there is any justice in this the A & E Network family will find it’s ongoing ratings… Read more »
So, will the “Big 3” be canceling every show that deals with police/law enforcement? Goodbye NCIS! Goodbye 911! Time for some quality “programming” to obfuscate reality. Really poor knee-jerk reaction from A&E. This is why dialogue and discourse are disappearing in the US – you are not allowed to have a contrary opinion anymore.
What’s next? The Rookie? Chicago P.D.?
Where do you draw the line?!
Not happy to see such a good show being cancelled. What a poor decision.
Unnecessary over reaction.
What next, banning of the word Cop from the network?
The decision of incredibly weak minds.
That show is not based in truth. They create a story for entertainment that has REAL consequences on people’s lives. CANCEL them forever. This is the day of reckoning.