TV Tango Search

Search

|              FREE: Ask a TV Expert
   TelevisionCakeAd

Cops

Cops

Cops_241x208
Photo Credit:  FOX
  • Premiered: 
    March 11, 1989
    (Click date to see TV listings for that day)

  • Network: Fox
  • Category: Series
  • Genre: Reality
  • Type: Live Action
  • Concept: 
  • Subject Matter: Police
  • Tags: cinema-verite

Buy This Show on DVD or Watch Online

  • Click a button to buy a DVD at Amazon
  • 20th Anniversary Edition
    • Amazon
  • Wildest Chases
    • Amazon
  • Click icon to watch or own full episodes
    Season 19
    Season 20
    Season 21
    Season 22
    Season 23

Plot Synopsis

This half-hour reality series follows real police officers in action in cities across the country. COPS has profiled law enforcement agencies in over 140 United States cities and has also filmed in Hong Kong, London, South America and Moscow. COPS returned for its 25th season on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8pm ET, and celebrated its 850th episode shortly afterwards, on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 8pm ET/PT. Switching from Fox to Spike for its 26th season, COPS returns on September 14, 2013 in its usual timeslot, Saturdays at 8pm ET, with a premiere episode that features ride alongs with law-enforcement officers in Stockton, CA, Sarasota County, FL and Amarillo, TX. On the day of the Season 26 premiere, Spike also aired a COPS marathon from Noon-Midnight ET/PT.

Season 27 of COPS premiered on Saturday, July 12, 2014 on Spike. In the 27th season opener, "Mohawked Cleaning Service," cops handle these cases: a feisty cyclist who gives a team of officers a bloody fight; a scared caregiver who attempts to evict an unwanted helper from her patient's house; a mysterious tinfoil which lands an unlicensed driver in hot water.

The 28th season of COPS premiered on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT on Spike TV, immediately following a five-hour marathon (3-8pm) of encore episodes. In the season opener, "Cats and Dogs," an armed trespasser uses a young dog as a shield; a woman under the influence goes on a rampage, tearing into homes and people; and a cat lady calls the cops when her neighbors get nosy.

On Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, Spike TV premiered the 29th season of COPS, immediately following a six-hour marathon (2-8pm) of encore episodes. In the season opener, "From Sixty to Zero," a motorcyclist gambles with his life during a high-speed chase. One lawbreaker will say anything to avoid being caught. A recent parolee blames Mom when the cops question him about his past.

Season 30 of COPS premiered on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 8pm ET/PT on Spike, as part of a 10-hour marathon (Noon-10pm). The season opener, "On the Dean's List," highlights a wanted man who makes a desperate decision after he flees on foot; an overprotective girlfriend who questions the cops and finds herself in cuffs; and a jealous man who loses more than his girlfriend after he picks a fight with her son.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, June 3, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT, Paramount Network premiered the 31st season of COPS, immediately following a four-hour marathon (6-10pm) of encore episodes. In the season opener, "Tracks of My Tears," officers keep the lid on a traffic stop that takes a turn for the worse. A paranoid uncle assaults his teenage nephew while searching for some lost items. A woman on probation freaks out when she finds out what's in her car.

Theme Song

  • Bad Boys - Inner Circle

Firsts, Lasts & Notable Notes

  • October 20, 1994: First time a network crew is allowed to follow NYPD officers.