Prime Video’s New Cop Show is Divisively Good

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An almost unheard-of police thriller series has unexpectedly thrived on streaming platforms. Launched only last month, this crime drama
has drawn viewers in droves to watch the fresh interpretation of a commonly explored genre, as it delves into familiar tropes while focusing on a rookie and an experienced officer as they grapple with the ethical complexities of their roles while ensuring safety and upholding justice in Long Beach, California.

Developed by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, the series On Call made its debut on a streaming platform on January 9, following an initial run on IMDb TV. Spanning eight episodes, the first season features Troian Bellisario as Officer Traci Harmon and Brandon Larracuente as Officer Alex Diaz. The ensemble cast also includes Eriq LaSalle, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, and Lobo Sebastian. Currently ranking in the top 10 on the streaming service, you can read the official synopsis below.

On Call is an action-packed police procedural that takes us on a ride-along with the Long Beach Police Department. Following training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz, the show delves into the emotional complexities of the job and its impact on the human psyche. Throughout the series, Harmon will gain insights from a street-smart kid, while Diaz will discover that law enforcement isn’t always clear-cut – it often requires making difficult decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong.

‘On Call’ Has Proven Criminally Divisive Among Critics & Audiences

Since its debut last month and with its newfound streaming popularity, the show “On Call” has sparked intense debate among both critics and viewers. Critics were rather critical of this fresh take on police procedurals, giving it a mediocre rating of 53% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have shown immense appreciation, bestowing an incredibly high 91% score on the Popcornmeter. One critic who appreciated the series was Greg Archer from MovieWeb, who praised “On Call” as “A Thrilling and Heart-Racing Success.

Give “On Call” on Prime Video a try right now. It’s challenging not to get hooked on this captivating 30-minute crime series that you might want to watch back-to-back!

On the other side of the opinion spectrum, Aramide Tinubu from Variety found fault with the series for its methodology, stating, “Rather than providing an engaging perspective, the series becomes stressful and frequently feels mechanical. The audience is never given a break, making it difficult to find reasons to watch another episode.” Nandini Balial of RogerEbert.com also voiced criticism, describing On Call as unoriginal by saying, “On Call, to quote Miranda Priestly, lacks originality like flowers in springtime.” A similar sentiment was echoed by Thelma Adams from TheWrap, who concluded that the series isn’t captivating enough to stand out in a saturated market, stating, “These cops aren’t particularly bad, but they’re not compelling enough to make an impact in a crowded marketplace.

The reactions from viewers varied significantly. For instance, user Nico V granted a perfect five stars to the series “On Call” and praised it for offering a distinct viewpoint in an overcrowded market. Nico further appreciated the extensive use of body cam footage and found the portrayal of policing in Los Angeles County accurate. They expressed hope that the show would be renewed for more seasons to see if Alex turns into a good cop. Other viewers, such as Bill H and Flex C, also gave perfect scores, with Bill H describing it as an excellent series, appreciating its 30-minute length, great writing, and characters, and expressing hope for a second season. Flex C, on the other hand, admired the realistic action and political intrigue within the police department, urging the writers to pen 10 seasons of the series immediately.

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2025-03-14 15:01