America's Most Wanted

"America's Most Wanted" (AMW) has been the fastest-growing reality crime television show that has ever been aired. Its workers have been so clever and practical on catching fugitives, finding missing persons, and solving many problems. AMW has done such an excellent and superior job that no other organization could otherwise do.

I study Criminal Justice and this show helps me to learn more about "Justice" and how it actually works. "America's Most Wanted" MUST NOT end its airing. Let this show keep on airing, forever! And remember, you can make not just one difference, but you can make many differences.

America's Most Wanted began as a mid-season replacement in early 1988, and now, twenty-one years later, it shows no sign of slowing down. To date, more than one thousand fugitives profiled on the show have been caught (or, in some cases, found deceased).

It is interesting to note that John Walsh wasn't the only person who was approached about hosting AMW. A number of actors were also considered, including: Treat Williams and Theresa Saldana. True crime author/former detective Joseph Wambaugh was another candidate for the job. However, the studio wanted John Walsh, apparently because he had the credibility they were looking for; the 1981 abduction and murder of his son Adam turned him into an activist, which resulted in the passage of laws that required law enforcement agencies to become more involved in the search for missing persons.

Walsh was reluctant at first, but the case of a fugitive named David James Roberts finalized his decision to host the show. A few days after the AMW pilot aired in February 1988, Roberts, who murdered four people (including two small children) became the show's first capture. Walsh was admittedly nervous during the taping of the pilot, and it was evident.

I still remember the day in 1996 when Fox announced its decision to cancel America's Most Wanted. This surprise announcement prompted viewers (including myself), law enforcement agencies, politicians, and government officials to protest the decision. The public outcry resulted in the show returning to the air in November 1996, after being off the air for six weeks. The day AMW was reinstated was a great day.

The show airs on Saturday nights. Although we have reached the era where Saturday is generally one of the least watched nights for prime-time television, America's Most Wanted continues to be a durable and consistently watched television program.

I have found it more difficult to maintain respect for this show and what it seems to stand for. Since when is it necessary to post credit card information to participate in a meassage board. But after watching John Walsh and his show it seems to be more about him and his ego, than the over all good of the people they are supposed to be serving. As cruel as it sounds it is hard to respect a man who has made millions on his child's pain and suffering. What I once saw as a noble cause with people who seemed to be above reproach is just a bunch of phony baloney dribble. So buy a tee shirt or two and make a shallow schmuck rich. Good Day....

With garbage like so-called reality shows, Survivor, etc. which have absolutely no basis in reality, this is one show that truly deserves the title of a reality show, John Walsh has probably helped to solve more heinous crimes than any police detective in history. I don't watch AMW that often, mostly cuz where I live very little serious crime happens (I live in the boondocks), but I admire what Mr. Walsh is trying to accomplish, I think John Walsh deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his show, but I get the feeling that if he were to ever win such an honour he would donate the money to a charity that specializes in helping victims families cope with crimes that were thrust upon them by sick criminals.

I loved watching America's Most Wanted, it was very educational to see how things are done in finding criminals. Anytime we can get the criminals off the street is a good thing and anything that will help should not be stopped or hindered.

It also shows people all the different things to look for when meeting new people, weather it be a new neighbor, friend or co-worker. You just can't be too careful now a days with anyone, even family members or neighbors you thought you could trust.

Please make sure this show is never taken off the air for any reason because you will be doing this Country a disservice.