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Cops 1989

Status
Returning Series
First Aired
March 11, 1989
Last Aired
June 26, 2026
Format
37 seasons · 1,283 eps
Total Runtime
~641.5 hours (30 min/ep)
Essential Runtime
~640.8 hours (skips filler)
Highest Rated Episode
S1E1 "Broward County, FL 1" (★ 10/10)
Created By
John Langley, Malcolm Barbour
Networks
FOX, Spike, Paramount Network
Where to Stream
fuboTV, YouTube TV
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 6.6/10 from 188 votes TV-14 Reality 37 seasons · 1283 eps Returning Series
Community & Your Rating
★ 6.6/10
Where to watch: The Roku ChannelAmazon Prime Video Free with AdsPlexPluto TVfuboTVYouTube TVApple TV StoreAmazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsAmazon Video
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Quick answer

What is Cops?

Cops is an American documentary television series that follows real-life law enforcement officers from various regions and departments across the United States. The show features camera crews accompanying police officers, constables, and sheriff's deputies during patrols and other police activities as they perform their daily duties.

Type
TV series
Year
1989
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
1,283
Runtime
30 minutes
First aired
Mar 11, 1989
Last aired
Jun 26, 2026
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
FOX, Spike, Paramount Network, Fox Nation
Genres
Reality
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 6.6/10 from 188 votes
Format
37 seasons · 1,283 episodes
Episode runtime
~30 minutes
Status
Returning Series
Networks
FOX, Spike, Paramount Network, Fox Nation
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Stream

fuboTVYouTube TV

With ads

The Roku Channel

Buy

Apple TV Store
Check current availability in United States ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

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Overview

Cops is an American documentary television series that follows real-life law enforcement officers from various regions and departments across the United States. The show features camera crews accompanying police officers, constables, and sheriff's deputies during patrols and other police activities as they perform their daily duties. Created by John Langley and Malcolm Barbour, the series premiered on the Fox network on March 11, 1989. It is produced by Langley Productions and has become one of the longest-running television programs in the United States. The series originally aired on Fox for many years before moving to other platforms, including Fox Nation, where new episodes are streamed. As of 2025, the show continues to air, currently in its 37th season. The program’s format involves following officers with nothing but cameras to capture their actions as they serve and protect the public.

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Should you watch it?

“Real police work captured raw and unfiltered.”

Reasons to watch
  • Unfiltered look at police work
  • Long-running cultural touchstone
  • Varied regional perspectives
Keep in mind
  • Repetitive format over time
  • Ethical concerns about filming arrests

You're curious about real law enforcement in action.

Suitable for mature audiences due to potential violence and adult situations.

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Ask anything about Cops — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Cops worth watching?

Cast

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

Time Saved 0.8h Skipping 1 filler episode
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Mytharc (103): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (955): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (1): Standalone / filler
You've watched 0 of 1058 essential episodes, about 529 hours left.
Season 1 · 16 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 32 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 42 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 47 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 46 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 53 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 44 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 43 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 37 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 40 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 41 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 37 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Season 21 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 21 guide & lore primer →
Season 22 · 36 episodes Open the complete Season 22 guide & lore primer →
Season 23 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 23 guide & lore primer →
Season 24 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 24 guide & lore primer →
Season 25 · 16 episodes Open the complete Season 25 guide & lore primer →
Season 26 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 26 guide & lore primer →
Season 27 · 34 episodes Open the complete Season 27 guide & lore primer →
Season 28 · 33 episodes Open the complete Season 28 guide & lore primer →
Season 29 · 33 episodes Open the complete Season 29 guide & lore primer →
Season 30 · 33 episodes Open the complete Season 30 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Is Cops based on real events?

Yes, it features actual police officers and real incidents captured on camera.

Where can I watch full episodes?

Full episodes are available on the official COPS YouTube channel and Fox Nation.

Who created the show?

The series was created by John Langley and Malcolm Barbour.

When did Cops first air?

It premiered on March 11, 1989, on the Fox network.

How long has the show been running?

The series is currently in its 37th season, making it one of the longest-running programs in the US.

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