Reality TV series ‘Cops’ filming for first time in Hazleton over the next 8 weeks

As the beginning of each episode of “Cops,” it states that it’s “filmed on location with the men and women of law enforcement,” and for the next eight weeks, that location will be Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

According to a press release sent from Mayor Jeff Cusat’s office, the show’s production team will be filming eight episode segments with Hazleton’s Finest that will air on Spike either later this year or early next year. “Three segments are shown in every 30-minute episode, with three cities showcased in each program,” it states, noting that this will be the first time that “Cops” has filmed in Hazleton.

Currently filming its 29th season, the documentary series is one of the longest-running television programs in the United States and the second longest-running show on Fox, premiering on Saturday, March 11, 1989 and producing over 950 episodes. “Cops” is now broadcast by Spike, with repeats from earlier seasons syndicated to other networks, including truTV and G4.

The “Cops” Facebook page adds further details on the show:

One of the first (and only) true unscripted reality shows, it follows the activities of police officers by embedding camera crews with police units. The show’s formula follows the Cinéma vérité convention, with no narration or scripted dialog, depending entirely on the commentary of the officers and on the actions of the people with whom they come into contact. The show has followed officers in 140 different cities in the United States, and also has been shot in Hong Kong, London, and the former Soviet Union. Each episode is approximately 22 minutes in length and typically consists of three segments, with each segment being one or two self-contained police incidents. The show is well-known for its theme song, “Bad Boys,” performed by reggae group Inner Circle.