John Langley, the man responsible for creating the long-time television series “Cops,” has died during an off-road race in Mexico, according to NBC News.
Family spokeswoman Pam Golum announced that the 78-year-old died in Baja, Mexico, after suffering an apparent heart attack Saturday while participating in a Coast to Coast Ensenada-San Felipe 250 off-road race.
His documentary reality television program “Cops” became one of the first reality series on the air when it debuted in 1989. The show, which became famous for following police officers, ran for 32 seasons. (RELATED: The Legendary TV Show ‘Cops’ Has Been Canceled)
John Langley, Co-creator of Cops, and Henry Schleiff, Court TV Chairman and CEO, share a laugh at the Court TV celebration of it’s 10th anniversary at American Park inside Battery Park in New York City.
Recognized by its popular theme song “Bad Boys,” Langley’s show was picked up by The Paramount Network in 2013 after Fox Network canceled its original run. In its early years, “Cops” received four Emmy nominations in the outstanding informational series category. Langley was also honored by the National Association of Television Program Executives in 2013, according to Variety.
The show was ultimately canceled in 2020 during protests over the killing of George Floyd for what was considered a pro-police perspective, according to NBC News. (RELATED: Derek Chauvin Sentenced To 22 And A Half Years In Death Of George Floyd)
Aside from “Cops,” which Langley co-produced with his son, Morgan, he also produced several other ventures, including the 2009 film “Brooklyn’s Finest” and non-fiction series. In 2011, Langley received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Deadline reported.
Langley is survived by his son and the overseer of Langley Productions, Morgan; his other son, Zak; two daughters, Sara and Jennifer; seven grandchildren; and his wife, Maggie, according to NBC.