By now, we can probably all agree that there is nothing to watch on TV on Friday nights. In fact, it’s usually the place shows go to die. Now, thanks to A&E’s “Live PD,” which has dominated the Friday night cable ratings, this is no longer the case. So, why is this lesser known show killing it in the Friday night TV ratings? Here are a few possibilities.
1. Finally, a reality show that is actually REAL.
We all know that reality TV is heavily scripted. This is definitely not the case with “Live PD.” Thanks to the show, we’ve got up close and personal with everything from (lots of) drug abuse to domestic violence, car accidents, and more. We’ve seen relatives fight with each other, as well as people damage others’ property and watched more than one person swear they are sober, only to fail a sobriety test miserably.
2. It’s shown in real time.
Unlike other police shows, such as “The First 48” and “Cops,” “Live PD” is shown in real time, though with a short delay and with cuts back to the analysts who offer insight into what’s happening. It’s similar to watching a live football, baseball, or basketball game. We never know what will happen next, which keeps many people on the edge of their seats.
3. There is plenty of drama.
Even though we might not like to admit it, most of us love a little bit of drama, especially when we aren’t actually involved. Fortunately, tuning into an episode of “Live PD” ensures we’ll be exposed to plenty of drama. Who could possibly forget the man in Richland County who led cops on a high speed chase before flipping his car, getting out, and resisting arrest while holding his 1-year-old?
4. It’s a great example of what not to do.
How many times has one of the cops on “Live PD” pull someone over for a minor offense only to look them up and find out they have an outstanding warrant? Thanks to “Live PD,” we now know how important it is to have working taillights and a current tag, always use your blinker, and wear a seat belt, especially if we just happen to have a warrant out for us.
5. It gives us an up close and personal look at the life of a cop.
With so many negative stories about cops often in the news, “Live PD” reminds us that there are plenty of good cops out there who put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform. We’ve watched as suspects have berated and taunted officers, held our breaths as cops have walked up to cars with no inkling of what is waiting for them, and watched as officers have confronted suspects holding a gun. On one episode, we watched two officers from the Tulsa Police Department Gang Unit chase and pin down a suspect, only to have the suspect reach for a gun. After a few tense minutes, the officers had control, but waiting to see what could happen likely left more than one viewer on the edge of their seat.
If you haven’t yet caught an episode of A&E’s “Live PD,” it’s time to tune in and see what all the fuss is about.
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