How The TV Show COPS Bent The Truth

The video explores the history and impact of the reality TV show Cops, which shaped the genre and public perception of law enforcement. Originating from the 1980s writers' strike, Cops became a hit with its thrilling portrayal of police work, despite controversies over its accuracy and ethical practices. The show faced criticism for exaggerating crime rates and influencing public opinion. Legal issues arose from its production, including a fatal incident. Cops was eventually canceled in the US amid protests against police brutality but continues internationally.

What was one of the main reasons 'Cops' became a landmark in reality TV?

• Its high production costs

• Its focus on celebrity culture

• Its catchy theme song

• Its accurate portrayal of police work

What event in the late 1980s contributed to the rise of unscripted TV shows like 'Cops'?

• The introduction of cable TV

• The decline of network television

• The Writers Guild of America strike

• The popularity of sitcoms

Why did reality shows become a popular choice for TV networks?

• They required no writers at all

• They were cheaper to produce than scripted shows

• They were more popular than scripted shows

• They had higher viewership ratings

What criticism did Dan Taberski have about the show 'Cops'?

• It accurately depicted police work

• It showed too much of the mundane aspects of policing

• It presented a misleading view of crime and police work

• It focused too much on celebrity cases

According to research, what percentage of traffic stops on 'Cops' ended in an arrest?

• 2%

• 33%

• 50%

• 92%

How did 'Cops' influence public perception of police work?

• By portraying police work as thrilling and action-packed

• By highlighting police training programs

• By showing the mundane aspects of police work

• By focusing on community policing

What ethical concern was raised about the individuals featured on 'Cops'?

• They were often coerced into signing releases

• They were always paid for their appearances

• They were portrayed as heroes

• They were given scripts to follow

What event led to the cancellation of 'Cops' in the US in 2020?

• A new reality TV show replacing it

• Protests against police brutality

• A decline in viewership

• A change in network ownership

Despite its cancellation in the US, where did 'Cops' continue to be produced?

• In Asia

• In South America

• In the international market

• In Canada

How did 'Cops' return to the US audience after its cancellation?

• Through a podcast series

• As a movie adaptation

• Via a streaming service

• Through a new network