Ever seen any of the UM/AMW "copycat" shows? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Kane · 08-20-2008, 08:31 PM

When a TV show, movie, or some other product becomes successful enough, it often results in the creation of copycats. During the late 1980s, Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted became so successful that similar shows were soon put on the air.

There are two that come to mind: Missing/ Reward and Crimestoppers 800. Unlike UM and AMW, however, neither of those shows aired in primetime. Instead, they were both shown in first-run syndication. Crimestoppers 800 ran from 1989 to 1991, while Missing/Reward (which was hosted by Stacy Keach) ran from 1989 to 1992. Each show was a half-hour long. (I know there were other UM/AMW clones which I haven't mentioned, but I would certainly welcome any posts on them.)

Chances are good that a number of you have seen either of those shows. If so, what did you think of them? If you liked them, do you ever miss those shows?

I saw both shows, and while neither could hold a candle to either UM or AMW, they were both good "copycat" shows from my viewpoint. However, of all the UM/AMW clones, I considered Crimestoppers 800 to have been generally more promising. While the reenactments looked a bit cheap, the show's success in catching some fugitives made up for that.

crystaldawn · 08-21-2008, 08:40 AM

Yes I used to watch Missing/Reward and at the time and enjoyed it. I was pretty young when it aired and don't remember much about it though. I would love to be able to get a few and watch them again but in my inquiries haven't found anyone who has any recorded. I don't remember the Crimestoppers 800 one but it sounds pretty interesting.

08-20-2008, 08:31 PM	#1
Kane Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 07, 2001 Location: MA, United States Posts: 3,367	Ever seen any of the UM/AMW "copycat" shows? When a TV show, movie, or some other product becomes successful enough, it often results in the creation of copycats. During the late 1980s, Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted became so successful that similar shows were soon put on the air. There are two that come to mind: Missing/ Reward and Crimestoppers 800. Unlike UM and AMW, however, neither of those shows aired in primetime. Instead, they were both shown in first-run syndication. Crimestoppers 800 ran from 1989 to 1991, while Missing/Reward (which was hosted by Stacy Keach) ran from 1989 to 1992. Each show was a half-hour long. (I know there were other UM/AMW clones which I haven't mentioned, but I would certainly welcome any posts on them.) Chances are good that a number of you have seen either of those shows. If so, what did you think of them? If you liked them, do you ever miss those shows? I saw both shows, and while neither could hold a candle to either UM or AMW, they were both good "copycat" shows from my viewpoint. However, of all the UM/AMW clones, I considered Crimestoppers 800 to have been generally more promising. While the reenactments looked a bit cheap, the show's success in catching some fugitives made up for that.

08-21-2008, 08:40 AM	#2
crystaldawn Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 17, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,261	Yes I used to watch Missing/Reward and at the time and enjoyed it. I was pretty young when it aired and don't remember much about it though. I would love to be able to get a few and watch them again but in my inquiries haven't found anyone who has any recorded. I don't remember the Crimestoppers 800 one but it sounds pretty interesting.