A&E filed a suit to stop rival network Reelz from airing “On Patrol: Live,” which is hosted by NewsNation’s Dan Abrams, and it contends is a blatant ripoff of its show, “Live PD” (h/t Variety).
Both shows feature live footage from police ride-along as Abrams served as host for both programs, and the same company produces both. A&E opted to cancel “Live PD” — one of its top-rated shows — in June 2020, at the peak of protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Reelz launched its version of the show last month. In the lawsuit, A&E claims that “On Patrol: Live” replicates nearly every element of its own show’s format, down to specific slogans. The Reelz show also airs “Live PD” in its old time slot.
A&E also stated that Abrams promoted the new show by saying,” ‘Live PD’ is coming back.”
The complaint says that A&E stopped production of new episodes amid the George Floyd protests, which it anoints “that critical time in our nation’s history.”
“AETN, however, has never relinquished or assigned its rights to create episodes of ‘Live PD’ nor has it authorized anyone else to prepare derivative programs based upon ‘Live PD’ except as works made-for-hire,” the complaint states.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
