Why Are There So Many Crime and Detective Shows on TV?
The phenomenon of crime and detective shows on television has been a constant since the beginning of the medium. As we look back to the early days of television in the late 1940s, it was western shows like Gunsmoke and Wyatt Earp that dominated airwaves, alongside a few cop shows and medical dramas. However, the landscape has drastically shifted over the decades, and today, the majority of popular series fall into the crime and detective genre. This raises the question: why are there so many of these shows on TV?
The Evolution of Television Content
Back when I was a kid, the primary genres were westerns and police dramas. Shows like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Big Valley, and Bonanza were staples. In contrast, today's television is dominated by crime and detective shows.
Modern Americans are less comfortable with shows featuring cowboys and Indians. Therefore, crime and detective shows are more in line with contemporary sensibilities. These shows allow viewers to identify with characters who are often law enforcement officers, making these stories more relatable.
Why People Love Cop Shows
People love cop shows because they offer simple and easy-to-follow story lines. These shows typically adhere to the basic journalistic principles of news writing—specifying the who, what, where, when, and how. Additionally, crime and detective shows offer a form of escapism. Viewers can appreciate strong action scenes without having to deal with real-world consequences.
Furthermore, conversations about the police and crime are universal. These shows provide a window into the lives of law enforcement officers, which many people can relate to, despite the fact that not all citizens interact with the police daily.
Popularity and Entertainment Value
The high popularity and viewer ratings of crime and detective shows cannot be ignored. To succeed in the entertainment industry, there must be a significant following and high ratings. If there were not, these shows would not be as frequent on television.
A significant factor is the drama involved in law enforcement. These shows capture the high stakes of the law, the lawless, and the victims. This element of drama appeals to a wide audience. For instance, reality shows like Cops and Live PD are successful because of the raw and dramatic footage they provide.
Perception vs. Reality
While these shows are entertaining, it's important to note that they are not always realistic. Take, for example, a series like Chicago PD. The actions of characters like Hank are unrealistic. In reality, a police officer like Hank would be fired and face criminal charges for his behavior. Viewers often confuse the fictional nature of these shows with reality, leading to unrealistic expectations and perceptions of law enforcement.
Due to the drama of the law, many Hollywood producers and writers feel that portraying the police in a positive light is strategically wise. In general, these shows tend to present the police in a favorable manner, and some even appear to be pro-police. This could be due to the fact that those who support the police outnumber those who oppose them, making it difficult for Hollywood to ignore this demographic.
Therefore, the prevalence of crime and detective shows on TV is not just a coincidence but a reflection of popular demand and viewer satisfaction. These shows offer a blend of entertainment, escapism, and a dose of reality that resonates with a wide audience.