America's Most Wanted

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....

"AMERICA'S MOST WANTED," in my opinion, is a good news magazine show which has helped capture many dangerous criminals. I enjoy seeing John Walsh as the host. There are many reasons why I said that. Also, I had no idea that John Walsh lost his own son to violence until maybe a few years ago. If you ask me, it seems that many criminals seem to get set free on technicalities due to a lack of evidence or some other hole in a case. Still, I enjoy hearing about dangerous fugitives getting what they deserve. The only thing I don't like hearing about are when someone has been murdered or gone missing. Now, in conclusion, I hope this show never ends.

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.

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.