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Save Detroit 187 - Do Not Cancel the Best Cop Show on TV

Posted 16 months ago|36 comments|12,573 views
Do NOT Cancel Detroit 187
Written by
Save Detroit 187 - Best Cop Show On Television

If you have not watched the cop drama Detroit 187 then you are missing out. First, the writing on Detroit 187 is excellent. Although I dig cop shows, crime mysteries, psychological thrillers, and court room dramas, I get tired of the "us versus them" between the police and the suspect, as if part of that equation is not human. Detroit 187 puts a different feel to the whole thing. The writers tell the story, and through its narration, the show becomes more alive. This approach works favorably, sometimes making the good guy questionable, and the bad guy human. It's just more like real life. Second, the show is believable.

There is usually a spot during every episode where I am seriously impressed by the writers. The first time was when they found a young white guy dead by the river, a known cop spot, just not police. The officer remarked that the guy didn't look like a "junkie" and her partner said, THEY DON'T ALL LOOK ALIKE. I don't think I have ever heard that assessment on a police drama before.

Don't Cancel Detroit 187

I have seen internet rumors that Detroit 187 may get canceled. The reason is low numbers. On a Tuesday at 10pm, it has competition. The great thing about this show is that it's actually good television. Detroit 187 is not just about a cop crime drama. It's the story of Detroit. It's a story of racism. The ethnic diversity of the cast alone is phenomenal.

The show is too good to cancel. Change its time slot, if necessary, but don't cancel Detroit 187. It is so hard to get a good television show when it's a choice between "reality" television and Grey's Anatomy replicated through four different shows. Last summer, Rookie Blue was terrible. Private Practice took the wrong side of a debate about sterilization recovering addicts, and the Bachelor kept a woman with fangs (come on). Detroit 187 is a highlight show of the week. The character development is great and leaves the audience wondering and watching more. Fitch is a great character. The entire cast of Detroit 187 is phenomenal. The only shows I like are Sons of Anarchy, mixed martial arts fighting, and the Ultimate Fighter.

ABC - Listen to the Detroit 187 Fans

I hope that ABC will listen to this show's fans, read through fan buzz and see that it is liked. Maybe I am not the intended demographic, I don't know. Regardless, Detroit 187 deserves more episodes. Consider moving it to the summertime if it cannot compete. I am pretty sure that the fans of Detroit 187 are amicable to wherever it lands as long as it stays on the air. ABC needs to stop making carbon copies of Grey's Anatomy. Detroit 187 is the whole package. Keep it.

If you watch the show check it out. It's on Tuesday nights, 10 pm, ABC, and older episodes are online. Give it a shot. It will win you over even if you are not a crime show cop drama TV fan. The audience gets invested in the story, in the history, in Detroit. So leave it up. Let Detroit 187 stay on the air. I know if it cancels in favor of another soap then I'm an ex-ABC TV watcher. This show is actually good. Don't cancel it.

Save Detroit 187 - Do Not Cancel the Best Cop Show on TV

Come on ABC. This show is the LAST thing that is keeping me on as a fan. Even the ABC website is not user friendly.

Don't cancel Detroit 187.

http://abc.go.com/watch/detroit-1-8-7/SH...
UPDATE - 16 months ago
January 12 - Detroit 187 is nominated for Outstanding Drama Series for the 42nd NAACP Image Awards. Yes! The awards show is on March 4. If you are an NAACP member you can vote for Detroit 187. If you aren't a member then pass this info around the internet.

Email ABC about saving Detroit 187.

Tweet about the show and follow @Detroit187ABC or @TheD187 (Detroit 187 writer's room twitter).
UPDATE - 15 months ago
Detroit 187 fans need to contact ABC directly with a nice message to save Detroit 187. The latest Detroit 187 tweet says there are 3 episodes left then a "season finale." Not Series finale. There's hope.

Write ABC. Send a quick message through their contact page. Ask them to keep Detroit 187 on the air. Be nice.
http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us

Follow the Detroit 187 Twitter. Twitter is powerful. Get current updates there and pass on tweets by the show.
http://twitter.com/TheD187 (Detroit 187 writers room)
http://twitter.com/detroit187abc (Detroit 187 show info)
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COMMENTS
16 months ago: I read a review that said, Detroit cops don't use the term 187 and that it means the death of a police officer. Not true.

The 187 is from the CA Penal Code, section 187. It's mainly used in CA, but has become a slang word for murder, both on television and in the streets.

--
I'm happy to see that the show is nominated for an NAACP award. I think that's the best compliment they can get. Detroit 187's writing makes me want to learn screenwriting, to get behind the reasons I am hooked into the show, how the writers transition, etc. It's a great show for young screenwriters to examine and if it makes your heart pump then maybe you should pursue your dream of writing.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
16 months ago: This is a good show which requires the viewer to pay attention. Almost every line spoken is a clue to the outcome.
The TV audience, unfortunately, may prefer other programs which are less demanding on its attention span.
You are right, OP, its cancellation would be a CRIME.
16 months ago: I like those "Cross Hairs" in the picture. Is Sarah Palin a contributing producer?
16 months ago: ha ha, she'd probably like the show if she watched it.

100% honest - I did not even notice it as that...what an irony.
16 months ago: Actually, a pretty good example of a harmless picture having a deeper meaning (obviously now w/all that's happened).

But, still, I think the photo search I did was with the word "police" and it returned that, which I cropped and wrote on. Didn't add the cross hairs though.

Let's see... I am not saying subliminally that I want anyone from Detroit 187 harmed. I want them all healthy and renewed for a new season!
LuVGUDDRAMAS
LuVGUDDRAMAS
Fontana, CA
15 months ago: Anyone remember Hillstreet Blues? Great show and different show, from the start. Slotted on Saturday nights, to start with. Maybe a combination, of word of mouth plus someone willing to hang in there with it plus change to Thursday? nights equalled getting it the attention it deserved. Would it now? God and the t.v. gods and only know.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
15 months ago: Feb 1. Look at all the new characters gradually being introduced into the show. They're good and funny and adding a lot to it!
15 months ago: hey, wasn't your name used last night!!!?

They are adding great characters and building a theme w/Fitch and his son, who we still haven't seen yet. And, also w/the guy who threatened Fitch - he was brought into the story line, which tells me they're setting it up for more episodes.

There's a new Detroit 187 on March 1.

Hey, folks if you really love the show like I do then make an effort to send a Tweet to the addresses listed. They get them. And, with Twitter, you never know what can happen. But, we know the show rocks, so tell the writers too. Maybe if ABC sees that we care then they'll keep giving us new episodes.
15 months ago:

as usual the networks cancel the good shows. Det 187 is a great show & should be given a better chance The great writing, acting & story line is exceptional. Don't cancel it !!!!
Marine Paladin
Marine Paladin
Dearborn, MI
15 months ago: I sound like a broken record, I have repeated myself over and over on 187's FB, Here is a major problem, dumb **** ABC does not promote the show...when was the last time, seriously, you had the tv on, and there was a commercial for 187? ...think about it, I'll wait. When I was at the Wrap party with the cast and production crew, this film editor from LA told me people in LA never even heard of 187, its ABC's fault. and since I was on set filming until episode 18, the final one, it gets only better so we need to spread the word since ABC doesnt.

Semper Fi,
Jeff
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
15 months ago: Most fans know it's a quality show. Maybe it can be picked up by another network since it has already been replaced by ABC. How about PBS along with whodunits like MI-5 or Sherlock Holmes. Some people were complaining about not having enough action (not me). But that's the TV mentality out there - like Homer Simpson, thinking gives them a headache.
15 months ago: Did they really replace it?

Really? More action? The best shows don't need to show the action, the killing, etc., because the story spells it out. I actually don't have any negatives that come to mind w/Detroit 187. Other than its potential cancellation.

I've been encouraged by the newer characters because it feels like they're developing the characters deeper and laying tracks for new sub-plots.

If ABC is stupid enough to actually discontinue the show then I hope that someone who works for another network sees that there are very real Detroit 187 fans. I hope that the screenwriters don't just look at the distorted ratings because my TV is on Detroit 187 every time it's on.

I do not have network loyalty. ABC has turned into a soap opera drama station, bad drama, and there are at least 3 shows that mimic the Gray's Anatomy plot (which frankly doesn't work and since they got rid of the best Gray's characters the show isn't as good anyhow - the characters of George and Izzie were too important).

Heck, I would watch Detroit 187 on any station. Have you seen the new show Chicago Code on Fox? I was encouraged by the commercials, but not by the show or the acting.

Detroit 187 would be a great show for the FX Network. The do good shows. The Shield and Sons of Anarchy by Kurt Sutter. Justified. I'd love to see FX pick up ABC's mistake and turn in into an even better show.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
15 months ago: You're correct in your assessment of the situation. Yes, they are already promoing its replacement, due out in March. ABC has done what it can to destroy its ratings via lack of promotion and inconsistent scheduling.
As we both recognize, the acting is good, the characters are entertaining, the stories are engrossing. But here's the kicker - they require engagement! They don't spell things out for you. But I'm preaching to the choir here...
Re. action: the show is basically a whodunit ala Sherlock Holmes. The viewer must listen carefully to the dialog. It's not for people who have their TV on in the background, occasionally glancing at it for something interesting to see!
Paper Tiger
Paper Tiger
England
15 months ago: Morning Alex_

How, in gods name, do you get nearly 5000 hits on a single blog. That must be some show?
15 months ago: @Papertiger

It's a great show. You might be able to watch it online for free at abc.com - they have the last couple episodes of Detroit 187 for free.

I am very happy about the response to this post. It surprised me too! :)
15 months ago: PLEASE save Detroit 187!!!! It has amazing depth, and it is overall just an awesome show!! I look forward to Tuesday nights because of this show. The actors are all incredible, and I love the relationships between all the characters. PLEASE ABC, DON'T CANCEL THIS WONDERFUL SHOW!!! And to all the fans - we need to write to ABC and email them as well as write on websites like this to save Detroit 187!! I will be sooo disappointed if they cancel it. Please help!!
15 months ago: As a screenwriter [five of six scripts completed, but cannot get an agent, yet], I am very impressed by the writing on this series. Like most good writing, it is transparent. The viewer really feels like a part of the stories, and as if they were really happening, only twenty miles north of here.
It is so good to see Detroit used as a backdrop for this fine show.
Too many movies and almost all television shows are so dumbed down as to be excruciatingly unwatchable for anyone over the age (physical or mental) of about twelve.
This is the first "network" show I have watched, for more than five minutes, in more than ten years.
It is definitely made for thinking adults, and it would truly be criminal to cancel it.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
15 months ago: Good to know another screenwriter believes it's a good show. So why are the ratings bad - too subtle? Not enough "action"? Bad promotion? Viewer engagement is essential - maybe that's the problem.
BTW what genre are you involved in as a writer?
15 months ago: @50s kid and D

Interesting to know you're both screenwriters. Although I haven't written one, YET, I have ideas in mind and write other things besides "don't cancel the best show...."

Since I've started studying the shows I like and dislike from a creative point of view, it's changed the way that I watch anything. When a show like Detroit 187 or Sons of Anarchy has me in the first scene I want to know what their hook was and why it worked. The reverse is true, too.

I agree that Detroit 187 requires attention. I also think it got stuck in a bad time slot. I didn't notice the lack of action until it was mentioned here. I guess to me it seems like there's action.

CaribQueen63
CaribQueen63
Barrington, IL
15 months ago: PLEASE PLEASE save this show. I LOVE it!!!! BAD promotion. I don't think I saw any of the actors on the major nightly shows or morning shows. Please give it a CHANCE!!!!!
15 months ago: Here is a petition that I found about saving Detroit 187.

I thought it was interesting that they suggest watching it online so that the views will count. I'm not sure what the Nielsen ratings are or how people are chosen but this show is on at my house Tuesdays at 10pm.

Check out the petition. Sign it if you are comfortable doing so.
http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/detroi...

I like the idea of writing the show's sponsors.

Again, if you want to save Detroit 187 let ABC hear from you.
http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us
Content Removed by 50s Kid
15 months ago: I am going to write to ABC and respectfully express my opinion that Detroit 187 should be continued.
I think there is a real hunger out there for good stories, with real character development.
To me, the non-stop action of many movies and television shows is a cheap substitute for actual creative writing, and it gets old in a hurry. Yes, I've seen a car explode. Yes, more than once. Really. Yes, I've heard fart jokes. Yes, I've seen shallow, soft porn videos, and their television derivatives. Boring and immature. Sexual tension does not have to be blatant to be interesting.
It seems that quality shows (and I don't mean those that are in the "snooty", or overly pretentious category) are not understood by the suits. They don't know what to do with them. Perhaps they have been surrounded by the low quality of dumb, dumber and dumbest programming for so long that they just find it easier to go with the flow, and not try to reach any higher than the lowest common denominator.
If ABC does not want to promote this show, they should at least recognize that it is a cut above most of what is out there, and give it time to develop a loyal following through word of mouth/text.
Unfortunately, as is the case in so many other aspects of today's society, the infamous "bottom line" philosophy overrules everything else. In movies, television and music, endless demographics studies are done, and the fad of the week always seems to win.
I know entertainment is a business, but this short-sightedness is not only coarsening culture everywhere; it is cheapening the product to the point where it is almost a joke, and one which fewer and fewer people are interested in.
This loss of viewers who want better entertainment then skews the demo studies, leading to a downward spiral in the quality of shows that are greenlighted for production, and considered for promotion and retention.
Younger people see this lower quality product and figure it is what they should expect. They increasingly see nothing of higher quality that can be used for purposes of comparison.
It is similar to the way that our domestic auto industry laughed and thumbed their noses at their customers, and concentrated on short-term profits for decades, while foreign competitors wisely took the long term approach and slowly improved their products. The Big Three are now playing catch-up, and I am not sure if they still really "get it". I will never drive anything not made by the Big Three, but it would be nice to get some respect.
Network television is fixated on the instant gratification of the last hour's ratings, rather than the longer term goal of creating and promoting really good programming, which would eventually end up having greater appeal, and generate higher advertising revenue, than the absolute garbage that is currently being presented to the viewer.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
14 months ago: Haha - you've hit on something which I've been aware of for years, that is the "suits" and art are like oil and water (yet there they are, in charge). They are like "accountants" whose total reality is in statistics. They might say "statistics ARE reality", not realizing their data is either flawed or a narrow "window" on reality. It's a lack of vision! Creative people don't view the world like this!
Lack of vision gives us good shows being canceled, really bad shows being canceled, and mediocre shows prospering (I know there are exceptions).
Hope this makes sense.
15 months ago: If you are interested in screenwriting, there are numerous books on the subject, but the one I found to be most helpful, so far, is: "Screenwriting Tricks of The Trade", by William Froug http://www.amazon.com/Screenwriting-Tric...
I try to write a story that I would like to see up on the screen (I actually "see" the movie, in my mind's eye, as I am writing it, which is fun), without walking out of the theater.
For example, I can not watch movies where I can guess the entire plot in the first five minutes; the characters are boringly predictable and one dimensional; events do not happen in a rational manner, etc.
I find many things in life interesting, and my scripts cover several genres. I do not like horror, though, as it always seems too depressing (and too much like my childhood, but that's another story).
My biggest inspiration was Rod Serling, and I used to watch The Twilight Zone every Friday night. I did not always care for his O'Henry endings, unless they were uplifting. Every thing I write has a positive ending, even if the story is filled with a lot of conflict. Otherwise, one might as well just watch the news…
I think everyone has a story in them, but most people give up way too easily.
To start, just throw everything you have, so far, down onto paper/the monitor. This will get it recorded before you forget any of it, and will help to clear your mind for newer ideas to form. After a while, your subconscious (the muse) will take over, and the story will start to flow. The characters, which you have created, will suddenly take on lives of their own, and help guide you in moving the plot along. When that happens, don't try to second guess them too much. They are now real.
Most of writing is re-writing, and I have read through each of my scripts about 50 times, during this tedious part of the process. I am now going through story number 1, which I had "finished" several years ago. I recently thought of a couple little enhancements, and this made me decide to re-read it from the beginning (again). Since this script is 288 pages long (it would have to be a television mini-series), this takes perseverance.
The way I personally do re-writing is that each time I read through, from beginning to end, fewer and fewer, and smaller and smaller, changes seem to need to be made. Eventually, zero changes seem to be required, and that is when you will know that the story is finished.
I would definitely invest in a dedicated screenwriting program. The time saved by the formatting features of these programs easily more than pay for the cost of the program, by streamlining the actual writing process, and letting you concentrate on the story, rather than constantly trying to remember what tab you set for the character, their dialogue, etc.
Avoid huge scams like "script doctors" and "script contests", and send your completed script directly to the U.S. Government copyright office, not through some third-party scammer.
Well, I didn't mean to get off topic and ramble on and on.
Hope that helps you get started.
14 months ago: I wish someone would tell abc not to cancel Detroit-187. It is one of the best shows on T.V. If enough of us speak up, maybe they won't cancel
14 months ago: There's still time to write in to ABC. I did it.

The contact is at the end of the article. It's a simple contact form. Choose Detroit 187 from the drop down menu and ask them not to cancel it.

The fans have to speak up and tell them because their numbers don't represent the actual fan base that I've seen pop up online.

Don't miss it tonight - season finale. At least it didn't say "series finale" right...
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
14 months ago: Final episode is tonight Sunday Mar 20 at 10 PM. Many have spoken up to no avail.
I have wondered about its time slot - the lead-in show "V" which draws the sci-fi crowd (same as the fans of "Fringe"). Before that it was another comix-style sci-fi "no ordinary family". Different audiences? I can envision these viewers switching over to one of the sci-fi channels at 10 PM.
14 months ago: Hey, I saw this article that says that the Executive Producer is up for moving it if ABC doesn't renew for a 2nd season.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/03/08/d...

Yeah, I'm definitely NOT a sci-fi fan. No Ordinary Family was hard to watch after watching every episode of The Shield. It just seemed like a knock off of the show that kept saying, "save the cheerleader, save the world." (can't remember the name of it)

I hope tonight is not the last night we watch it. I'm sure some viewers might miss it just because they changed time slots. If the ratings are down for this show it's only because ABC has dragged it around so much. I've never seen a show moved, bumped, etc., so many times. Then they say "you didn't watch it..."
please...
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
14 months ago: Forgot to mention, our new Michigan Republican government doesn't like the tax subsidies given to the film industry. Sorry to be political, but that's the reality.
This in itself could very well kill the show, along with any others like it in the future.
14 months ago: Well, that season finale seemed to wrap things up. Not sure what I thought about it. I didn't think it was the best episode, but maybe that's because I was looking so hard for clues about a second season.
14 months ago: I felt the exact same way. Well put.
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
14 months ago: I liked the last episode, because Fitch's nemesis got his! -at the hand of Fitch himself. The previous episodes built a tension between the two, even though Stram wasn't there. It's like the old comeuppance of Shane's nemesis played by Jack Palance. Tormentor gets slapped down by the tormented - love it!
14 months ago: You can help save this show...
1. Go to "Keep Detroit 187 on ABC" on FB and Like the page, share with friends and ask them to Like. (10,000+)
2. Watch online at ABC or Hulu, iTunes or Amazon.com.
3. ABC: go to http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us and send email, or call 818-460-7477 to leave a phone comment.
4. Sign this petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/det187/ (11,000+) and this one http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/detroi...
detwahDJ
detwahDJ
Fennville, MI
13 months ago: I heard they will be running it in Australia. Let's keep tabs on how it plays there!
11 months ago: It's extremely disappointing that ABC cancelled Detroit 187.

When I saw that ABC is returning Rookie Blue, I just about puked. That show is a poorly written knockoff of Grey's Anatomy, but then again, which ABC show isn't?

Detroit 187 was filmed in Detroit, brought money to Detroit, and was just a damn good show.

Stupid, ABC.
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scfan
scfan
North Charleston, SC
4 months ago: I just saw a copy of season one wide screen on ebay that has Detective Fitch's ID tag and his badge being sold with it.

so cool. anyone know if another network will pict it up?

oh the ebay # is 330665142412

Happy New Year

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