Cops

"Cops" is a reality television show that airs on Fox. The stars of the show are real-life cops who put their lives at risk fighting crime on the streets. The opening theme song, appropriately titled "Bad Boys" by Circle K, starts out with a video montage of some of the most exciting moments of the show. To add to the excitement level of the show, viewers can hear real-life dispatch calls on the CB as the police officer travels to a different crime scene. On the way, police officers take the opportunity to talk about their life and what they like about their job.

Each episode is a unique adventure in a new American city, documenting a wide range of strange occurrences and scenarios. One segment might capture a domestic violence call, in which a wife has been beaten by her angry husband who has been drinking all night. Another segment may follow the case of an old lady whose house was just robbed.

One aspect that makes the show so unique is its spontaneity. The plot of the story can change in a split second; a routine traffic stop can turn into a high speed chase down a dark alley. The police officers who are being filmed don't have any more inside information than the viewers at home and this truly creates a very interactive experience.

While the show explores some serious topics and real life socioeconomic issues, there are some heartfelt and comical moments that sheds new light on the character of law enforcement. For example, in one episode police officers might respond to the scene of a pig running rampant in the middle of a freeway while another program may narrate the capture of a python snake roaming through a citizen's backyard. These moments of comic relief give viewers a glance at the nobler side of law enforcement.

Since the first episode aired in 1989 in Florida, the show remains one of the only few reality programs that has truly revolutionized television. Its no-holds-barred approach to depicting reality at all costs make this program a favorite among viewers from all types of backgrounds and will continue to make a mark on TV history when it comes back on the air in January 2013.