Reelz has given another 90-episode order to “On Patrol: Live,” which will keep the weekend franchise on the network through January 2025. The series, hosted and executive produced by Dan Abrams, has been a hit for the small cabler — as PvNew recently noted in its ranker of 2023’s top-rated broadcast and cable networks.
“Since picking up the series, which was essentially a revival of A&E’s canceled ‘Live PD,’ Reelz has seen its average ratings shoot up dramatically,” PvNew wrote last month. “In 2023, Reelz shot up 34% in total viewers — the most of any network in the top 50. But a hefty caveat: A+E Networks has been given the go-ahead to continue its quest to seek claims of copyright and trademark infringement against Reelz and producer Big Fish.”
Big Fish Entertainment subsidiaryHalf Moon Pictures produces “On Patrol: Live,” which airs Fridays and Saturdays on Reelz. The channel made a similar 90-episode pickup around this time last year.
“We are thrilled to renew the program for another year and to see viewers come together on Friday and Saturday nights as On Patrol: Live chronicles police on patrol in communities across America,” said Reelz CEO Stan E. Hubbard in a statement.
According to Reelz, the network has become the most-watched cable entertainment network in the 25-54 demos on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to midnight ET.
“On Patrol: Live” follows cameras embedded with police officers on patrol around the country. Abrams anchors with Sgt. Sean “Sticks” Larkin (ret.), Deputy Sheriff Curtis Wilson and others. The show is paired with “On Patrol: First Shift,” which features updates of past stories covered by the show.
Dan Cesareo, John Zito, Lucilla D’Agostino, Paul Gordon, Joe Venafro and Abrams exec produce the series.
“There would be no ‘OPL’ without #OPNation – more than just a dedicated audience interested in the work of law enforcement, these engaged viewers often reach out to help with the show’s ‘Missing’ and ‘BOLO’ (“Be on the Lookout”) segments and they make real contributions in aiding communities and families,” Abrams said in a statement. “It’s one of the most gratifying parts of working on ‘On Patrol: Live’ and we’re so glad the show will continue.”
“Live PD” was taken off of A&E in 2020 in the wake of protests following the murder of George Floyd. Producers reworked the series and took it to Reelz (leading to the A+E suit), where “On Patrol: Live” premiered in July 2022.
