#090: May 13, 2019

After the success of Missing Richard Simmons and Surviving Y2K (one of our favourite podcasts of 2018), you’d think Dan Taberski might be running out of ideas. NOPE!

He’s back for part three, this time taking on an absolute institution of American television: COPS. You might know the theme song, and the gist of the story — police officers running down perps while cameramen sprint to keep up. But there’s a lot you probably don’t know… stuff that might make your stomach turn.

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You might not know, for example, that COPS is the longest running reality TV show in history, having started some 30 years ago right after the Reagan years. That’s important, because the show was heavily influenced by the government’s crackdown on drug users. Drug crimes represent far more of the show’s content than they do the actual share of arrests in America, which has led many to question the content and its influence on the public’s perception of drugs and of policing.

And that’s just one episode. Throughout the season, Running from COPS will completely break down and analyze a show that has quietly captivated audiences for three decades. Ready for your ride-along?

Have a listen and let us know what you think.

Stephen and EvanYour Podcast Delivery crew

“I believe it is wrong to present as entertainment the actions of people who may be having the worst day of their lives..”

- Episode 1: The One-Celled Amoeba