America's Most Wanted

John Walsh is one of those rare individuals who has turned a horrifying personal tragedy into an unmatched strength. I cannot thank him enough for championing the rights of the victims of crimes in a society that seems to care more for the rights of the criminals. This is a man whose mission in life is to speak on the victim's behalf and put the scumbag criminals where they should be. IN JAIL WHERE THEY BELONG! Thank you so very much Mr. Walsh for fighting for those people who have been victimized by crime, and for giving a voice to those who have been silenced. With more people like John Walsh we can take back our streets and live together in peace. I would like to think that this man has given a very large sense of closure to the great many people who have been the victims of crime.

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....

I tuned into this show weekly for a number of years. As many have already stated, this show felt like an important one. It literally helped get criminals off the street! I think many of us felt like it was our duty to tune in; you never knew when you, yourself, might have information which could lead to a suspect's capture!

"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.