A&E Network is getting a lot more “Live PD.”
The channel announced on Wednesday that it has ordered 100 additional three-hour live episodes of the documentary series that is hosted by Dan Abrams with analysis by Tom Morris Jr.
Produced by Big Fish Entertainment, the show extends its run into 2018 and raises its total episode count to 142. New episodes will be seen on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.
“‘Live PD’ is emblematic of the type of groundbreaking nonfiction content A&E is committed to delivering to our viewers, and the outstanding success of the series has been a key contributor to the growth of the network at a time when the industry at large continues to experience viewership erosion,” said A&E head of programming Elaine Frontain Bryant in a statement.
“We are very pleased to continue our partnership with the team at Big Fish, our host Dan Abrams, our analyst Tom Morris Jr., our studio and field crew across the country, as well as the communities and law enforcement agencies who have opened their doors to our viewers for an unfettered glimpse of the policing of America,” she continued.
“Live PD,” which is the top unscripted crime series on cable, follows diverse police departments nationwide in real time as they patrol their neighborhoods. The series contributed to A&E experiencing its fourth consecutive month of growth in June among total viewers.
“The success of ‘Live PD’ is a testament to the incredible collaboration, dedication and boldness everyone involved has brought to the table,” said Big Fish entertainment president and founder Dan Cesareo. “We’re grateful to A&E for giving us the opportunity to continue to bring unprecedented access in policing to viewers in this way, and to the entire production team who go above and beyond to make each episode the ultimate ride-along.”
Cesareo, David Doss, George McTeague, Kara Kurcz and John Zito executive produce for Big Fish. Executive producers for A&E are Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Sean Gottlieb.
“Live PD” airs on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET on A&E.