After last year’s backlash to live police shows like the long-running COPS and A&E’s Live PD in the wake of the George Floyd police killing led to both shows being pulled from the air, Fox announced Monday morning that they’re bringing COPS back.
The series, which first began on the flagship Fox network in 1989, has been greenlit for its 33rd season on the Fox Nation streaming service with a premiere date of October 1.
The first four episodes of the new season will drop on October 1, with new episodes airing on Friday nights. According to Fox, the new package will include 15 episodes from season 32, which aired on Paramount Network.
As part of the new launch, Fox Nation will offer all first responders — including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics — a one-year free subscription to the service beginning Monday, September 13.
Fox Nation says they will donate $5 to Answer the Call on behalf of every new subscriber, with a maximum donation of $50,000 during the week of September 13-20. Answer The Call is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial support to the families of New York City first responders killed in the line of duty.
“COPS is one of the most iconic brands on television with an incredibly passionate fan base,” said Jason Klarman, president of the subscription streaming service. “We wanted to show our appreciation to all first responders by combining the launch with a free one-year subscription to give back in a small way to those who place their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”
The series was canceled by Paramount Network in the summer of 2020 in the wake of the Minneapolis Police killing of George Floyd and other police violence across the nation. A similar police reality series, Live PD, was canceled by A&E during the same time period.
Fox Nation is also launching four other first responder-themed programs beginning this week including:
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911: On Scene - A ride-along show that goes behind the scenes with firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics from different agencies across the country as they embark on their dangerous jobs of saving lives.
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When Seconds Count - A special hosted by Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner that showcases footage of various rescues caught on tape, featuring the actual rescuers and the victims involved, telling the emotional stories behind each video.
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Protect and Serve - A show hosted by Fox News contributor and former homicide detective Ted Williams that spotlights good deeds and the heroic and impactful interactions that police officers often perform in the communities they serve.
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Answer The Call - A special focusing on the charity of the same name and looking at the children of fallen first responders as they recount stories of their loved ones who died in service and discuss how the charity has helped them following the tragedy of 9/11.
Fox Nation is a subscription-based streaming service featuring thousands of hours of content including daily short-form conservative opinion programming and lifestyle shows along with historic documentaries and investigative series. The service costs $5.99 a month or $64.99 a year. Fox Nation is available on iOS and Android devices as well as Apple TV, Web, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Xbox One, Comcast Xfinity, and Cox Contour platforms.