Paramount Network Cancels ‘Cops’

Paramount Network has abruptly canceled veteran police docuseries “Cops” in the wake of nationwide protests following the police-involved murder of George Floyd on May 25. Originally, the cable net pulled the veteran series from its line-up before officially canceling it.

Paramount Network’s forerunner, Spike TV,” picked up the half-hour series in 2013 after it concluded its 25-season run on Fox. The series began on Fox in March 1989, where it was eventually paired with “America’s Most Wanted.” “Cops” has been often criticized in the past for the one-sided perspective it offers on policing by embedding camera crews with cops as they pursue and arrest suspects.

“Cops” and other shows featuring real police on the streets, including A&E’s “Live PD,” have come under new scrutiny in the wake of Floyd’s death and subsequent national protests about police brutality, racism and mistreatment of black people.