Lifetime Television® courtesy Theresa Black
Lifetime has picked up John Walsh’s pioneering series America’s Most Wanted, television’s top crime-fighting show that will return for its 25th season later this year.
The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager of Lifetime Networks.
Hosted and executive produced by Walsh, America’s Most Wanted has become one of the most important programs on television, having played a major role in the capture of more than 1,100 fugitives in the U.S. and 30 countries, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List, and rescue of 61 children and missing persons since its launch in 1988.
Aside from its landmark status in the annals of television as a leader in using the medium to apprehend the world’s most dangerous criminals, the series also has shaped legislation and the national dialogue on crime fighting, and received numerous honors for its work. This month at the Creative Arts Emmy® Awards, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will present Walsh with the prestigious Governors Award, which “salutes an individual, company or organization that has made a substantial impact and demonstrated the extraordinary use of television.”
“America’s Most Wanted is a seminal program that provides a very valuable service to both viewers and law enforcement agencies,” said Dubuc. “For more than two decades John Walsh has been leading the fight against crime and it’s an honor to partner with him on bringing back this important show.”
“I’ve always believed there was something very special about America’s Most Wanted and that there should be a home for it on television, and I couldn’t be happier to now be able bring it back on Lifetime,” said Walsh. “We’ve often been called the court of last resort…now we are back in the game and ready to saddle up for another season to get justice for victims and put dangerous criminals behind bars.”