It's time to put away the cameras and walk away from the front line as the long-running police reality show Police Ten 7 has been cancelled by TVNZ.
The show which was recently renamed to Ten 7 Aotearoa will end in April after 20 years on New Zealand screens. The show provided exclusive and unprecedented access to New Zealand Police on the job.
The show previously came under fire over allegations of racism after then-mayoral candidate Efeso Collins said the show "feeds on racial stereotypes", following the allegations TVNZ announced a new iteration of the show with "a refreshed look at policing in New Zealand".
Almost one thousand crimes, including serious assaults and homicides, have been resolved thanks to information from viewers.
However, TVNZ said the show has failed to garner enough ratings to continue.
"The topical nature of this content means it’s only available on digital platforms after the initial broadcast for a short time, making it difficult to sustain the viewership needed across both broadcast and digital as more of our audience migrates online," TVNZ’s Director of Content Cate Slater told 1 News.
The show has become part of New Zealand's pop culture history with several iconic scenes from the show highly quoted, including the words of then-Sergeant Guy Baldwin: “… always blow on the pie."
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming said "It’s part of New Zealand television history and, as one of the most frequently viewed shows, it’s served as a vital investigative tool.
"We’re incredibly proud that the programme was fronted by our very own Police officers. But successful policing is not done in isolation; it requires the trust and support of the public.
"Thank you to our loyal viewers and to everyone who helped hold serious offenders to account."
The show has been presented by the iconic voice and presence of retired Detective Inspector Graham Bell before he left the show and Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Lemoto took over presenter duties in 2014.
Current host Detective Senior Sergeant Lemoto said he loved his time hosting Ten 7.
"As a detective, it’s been a privilege to meet with many victims and their whānau and work alongside investigators doing their utmost to find those responsible for the serious or high-priority crimes featured in our appeals.
"While sad to see 'Ten 7' go, I’m looking forward to being part of the remaining three episodes to celebrate its history and all we’ve achieved for our communities."
After 20 years on screens and 750 episodes, the show will wrap up with a special celebration of 20 years of 'Ten 7 — which will run on TVNZ from 13 April.
