After a decade-long hiatus, the popular reality television series, Alaska State Troopers, is making a comeback, thanks to A&E Network. Originally broadcast on National Geographic, the show is set to premiere its ninth season on January 7th, offering viewers a renewed glimpse into the challenging lives of law enforcement officers in the Alaskan wilderness.
The series, renowned for its Cops-style format, shadows the Alaska State Troopers as they patrol vast stretches of land in Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley. Their duties extend to serving over 230 remote villages, many of which are accessible only by boat or aircraft. This unique environment presents significant logistical and operational challenges for the troopers, making for compelling and often unpredictable television.
The show’s initial run spanned from 2009 to 2015 on National Geographic. However, the Alaska Department of Public Safety decided to discontinue the program. In a communication to staff, a spokesperson for the troopers explained that the decision to end the production after five years with PSG Films was not a reflection of the production company’s work quality. Instead, the department cited a desire to focus solely on public safety duties without external distractions.
Notably, the state did not receive direct financial compensation for allowing the film crew to document the troopers’ activities. The show, however, benefited from state subsidies. The return of Alaska State Troopers marks another instance of A&E reviving previously cancelled programs.
A&E’s track record includes the successful reboot of Duck Dynasty. Duck Dynasty: The Revival, a sequel series to the original, has garnered considerable attention for the network. While its ratings haven’t quite reached the heights of the original Duck Dynasty, which peaked at 11.8 million viewers in 2013, it remains a popular offering.
Besides Alaska State Troopers and Duck Dynasty: The Revival, A&E’s programming slate features a diverse range of reality and documentary-style shows, including The First 48, 60 Days In, Intervention, Storage Wars, and WWE’s LFG.
Previously, A&E’s flagship show was Live PD, a program that followed police officers in real-time using bodycam footage. However, the network abruptly cancelled Live PD in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, a move that coincided with Paramount’s cancellation of Cops. Both cancellations were seen as responses to heightened scrutiny of law enforcement practices and portrayals in the media.
Interestingly, both Live PD and Cops found new homes after their initial cancellations. Live PD was revived on Reelz as On Patrol: Live, while Fox Nation picked up Cops. This demonstrates a continued audience interest in these types of law enforcement-focused reality programs.
The revival of Alaska State Troopers raises questions about the enduring appeal of such shows and the factors that contribute to their success. Several elements likely play a role:
The Unique Setting: Alaska’s vast wilderness and remote communities provide a backdrop unlike any other, offering viewers a glimpse into a world far removed from urban life. The challenges faced by the troopers in this environment are inherently compelling.
The Human Element: The show focuses on the personal stories and professional duties of the troopers, highlighting their dedication to serving and protecting the communities they serve. This human connection resonates with viewers.
The Unpredictability of Reality: As a reality show, Alaska State Troopers captures real-life events as they unfold, offering a raw and unfiltered look at law enforcement in action. This element of unpredictability keeps viewers engaged.
The return of Alaska State Troopers to A&E promises to deliver another season of captivating stories from the Alaskan frontier, appealing to both longtime fans and new viewers alike. It remains to be seen whether the revived series will recapture the popularity of its original run, but the unique setting and compelling subject matter suggest a strong potential for success.