Ep 3. Cops: Bad Boys, Bad Boys

In the third episode of Dark Side of the '90s season 2, titled "Cops: Bad Boys, Bad Boys," the show dives into the cultural phenomenon that was the television show "Cops." The series, which debuted in 1989, revolutionized the true crime genre and became one of the longest-running reality shows in American history.

The episode explores the impact that "Cops" had on law enforcement, pop culture, and society as a whole. The show's trademark theme song, "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle, became an anthem for police officers everywhere and the show's gritty, unfiltered portrayals of police work captured the attention of millions of viewers.

Through interviews with former police officers, experts, and cultural critics, the episode examines the ways in which "Cops" perpetuated harmful stereotypes of marginalized communities. The show's frequent focus on drug raids, car chases, and violent confrontations with suspects often portrayed black and brown people as criminal and violent, perpetuating harmful biases about race and crime.

The episode also examines the controversies that surrounded "Cops" over the years, including accusations of staging and police misconduct. The show's crews often rode alongside officers during their shifts and captured the intimate details of police work, but some argued that this one-sided portrayal of law enforcement was problematic and potentially dangerous.

Despite its controversies, "Cops" remained a cultural juggernaut for over three decades. The episode examines the impact that the show had on the true crime genre and its lasting legacy in American culture.

Overall, "Cops: Bad Boys, Bad Boys" offers a complex and nuanced look at the television show that defined a generation. The episode asks important questions about the intersection of police work, media representation, and cultural biases and offers insightful commentary on the impact of "Cops" on American society.