21 Jump Street

It is hard to believe that this show debuted on the FOX network.

Once upon a time the idea of a forth network was laughable mostly by the executives of ABC, NBC, and CBS, and did not thought FOX would make it.

This was a time when other ventures seeking more alternatives failed like the USFL, so FOX’s chances were slim.

Cable TV was now a staple in every household, as deregulation of television and radio were beginning to impact media outlets evolving into today’s fragmented demographics.

However, FOX pitch was simple and very effective aimed to the younger generation of the time by developing “edgy” content (still do) that pushed the line of what was “acceptable” or “decent” for network television.

FOX continued to struggle until their biggest gamble paid off, for they outbid and outspent CBS to get NFL football and a few years later did the same to get MLB baseball.

The gamble changed their fortunes as they became one of the premier networks in the US, and no longer the renegade 4^th network.

The sweet irony is that the same renegade network that brought us “The Simpsons” (1989- ), “Married with Children” (1987-1997), and “In Living Color” (1990-1994) are the same folks that brought us FOX News in another gamble that gave a voice and a home to conservative pundits that changed the format of cable and news forever for good or bad—time will tell as the others had followed their format to appeal to the fragmented tribal demographics of today.

21 Jump Street (1987-1991) was one of many shows produced in Vancouver and British Columbia, Canada.

Many shows produced there became very popular and some became iconic like one about some files that seems to be still looking for the “truth that is out there”(hint is you must). This show also was filmed in British Columbia before moving to Los Angeles to appease one of the stars’ threats to leave the show.

The show inspired a short-lived spinoff called “Booker” (1989-1990), named after a popular character in the show’s 2nd and 3rd seasons, and staring Richard Greco.

Unfortunately the show also was remade recently in not one, but two horrendous movies that completely changed the theme of the show for the sake of a few (more like yawns!) laughs. (I refused to add links to these celuloid waste).

The show’s cast was young and unknown at the time, and included Johnny Deep, Steven Williams (The Leftovers, 2014-2017; Stargate SG-1, 1997-2007; The X-Files, 1993-2018) , Holly Robinson-Peete (wife of former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete) (Howard the Duck, 1986) and the only cast member to appear in the entire show.

Rounding up the cast were Peter (Stargate Universe, 2009-2011; Stargate SG-1, 1997-2007; Solarbabies, 1986 ) and Michael DeLuise (Stargate SG-1, 1997-2007; NYPD Blue, 1993-2005) and sons of comedy legends Dom DeLuise and Carol Arthur. Peter later became a television director for other shows like Stargate Universe (7 episodes), Stargate: Atlantis (6 episodes), Stargate: SG-1 (56 episodes), and Silk Stalkings (2 episodes)

The show was about a special unit of the metropolitan police (Canada) who recruits young-looking police officers to work undercover in high schools.

It was the 80’s, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the death of Communism (sort of) and the birth of Perestroika, Cable TV’s ascendance as the dominant media platform, as MTV, CNN, and ESPN (to mention a few) became iconic brands and the standards of broadcasting. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) and other interests groups against drugs, or teen smoking, or teen pregnancy were becoming political players by campaigning on media and influencing policy in Washington.

Suburbia was becoming influential in politics because they had wealth and numbers to influence politicians. They wanted results fast, and in some cases creative and extreme policies were approved with mixed results. Although these are still existing issues in the school system, positions had evolved and policies had shifted towards decriminalizing drug use. However the show takes place during the middle years of “The War on Drugs”, so every government resource was available to rid society of the “evils” drugs and alcohol addiction among teens. Law enforcement mandate was to investigate, prosecute and incarcerate youths and adults alike to curtail the social epidemic that was “destroying” America.

The show lasted 5 seasons, and the departure of Deep and most of the original cast probably contributed to the end of the show, a trend that affects other good shows when they outlive their relevance and popularity.

Still, watching the show after so many years (about 30 years) brought some memories of a place and a time long gone with usual good memories and bad memories but that is life…

Next: It was Time for a Big Decision.