‘Live PD’ Rebooted Into New Series?

Live PD is making a comeback. The A&E docuseries is being rebooted into a new show. Yet, it will feel the same since it’ll still be hosted by Dan Abrams. The producers behind the original series are reviving the show for a live format on Reelz. Read on to learn more about the reboot.

Why was Live PD canceled?

Live PD was canceled at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. A&E canceled the highest-rating show on basic cable. This came amid the nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. At the time, the series was under investigation following a report that it filmed an incident between police and a 40-year-old black man who died during a traffic stop.

At first, A&E decided to put the show on hiatus following the protests. Live PD was already on an extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the safety of the crew and police officers. Then the network pulled the show from its lineup. Fans were upset about the news.

Dan Abrams was positive about the show’s return

Dan Abrams was just as shocked as the rest of Live PD Nation. He admitted that he had no idea that the network planned to cancel the series. Abrams spoke with producers about bringing the show back or changing the format. The host argued that it was important to keep the show on the air, even in lieu of the latest protests.

Yet, the decision was ultimately made by A&E, which is jointly owned by Disney, the Hearst Corporation, and MGM’s Big Fish Entertainment, which produces the series. The cancelation came just a month after the network renewed the show for another 160 episodes.

During the time, Live PD aired on Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. It was the highest-rated show and top ad-supported show on network cable. The series got a boost during the coronavirus pandemic. It helped fill a gap when other live televised shows were on a halt. Abrams remained hopeful about the show’s return.

Live PD revival on Reelz

After its shocking cancellation in 2020, the producers of Live PD are looking to air the series on Reelz. However, it will be rebooted under the new name, On Patrol: Live. According to Variety, the new docuseries will premiere sometime this summer. The show made the announcement on Wednesday, June 8.

Big Fish Entertainment will produce the new series on behalf of Half Moon Pictures. Dan Abrams will host the new series as well. Tulsa Police Sargeant Sean “Sticks” Larkin and South Carolina Deputy Sheriff Curtis Wilson will also be joining him on the panel.

“Law enforcement is front and center in the national discussion, and our hope is that showing the work of police officers in live format will provide viewers with direct access to the work they do,” Abrams said. “I’m thrilled our team is finally back together and excited that Reelz has committed to making this show front and center on their network.”

Let me also thank the #livepdnation for your patience. I never thought it would take two years, but we did it!

— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 8, 2022

However, moving from A&E to Reelz is a loss for both the show and the network. A&E will lose out on big ratings, while most viewers don’t have Reelz. The network became known for its low-budget celebrity documentaries and biopics. However, it wants to move in a new direction. On Patrol: Live will address concerns with the show’s controversial subject matter and how it plans to move forward.

And if you don’t get @ReelzChannel this is the time to tell your provider you need it to watch the show! https://t.co/1MmKunxoyp

— Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 8, 2022

What are your thoughts on the Live PD reboot? Do you plan to watch it? Sound off below in the comment section.

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