A&E Sues to Block ‘Live PD’ Revival ‘On Patrol: Live’ on Rival Network Reelz

variety.com:

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer A&E filed a lawsuit seeking to block rival network Reelz from airing “On Patrol: Live,” which it claims is a blatant ripoff of its own show, “Live PD.” Both shows feature live footage from police ride-alongs, both are hosted by Dan Abrams, and both are produced by the same company.

A&E canceled “Live PD” — one of its top-rated shows — in June 2020, at the height of protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Reelz debuted its version of the show last month. In the lawsuit, A&E argues that “On Patrol: Live” copies nearly every aspect of its own show’s format, down to specific catchphrases.

The Reelz show even occupies “Live PD’s” old time slot. A&E also noted that Abrams advertised the new show by saying that “‘Live PD’ is coming back.”For those who can’t get behind the paywall, the WSJ headline is “Live PD is coming back this summer as “On Patrol Live” @ReelzChannel.