Fox, Dick Wolf team for live factual

Broadcast network Fox has become the latest US channel to dip its toe into live factual content, teaming up with Law & Order creator Dick Wolf for a new show in the trendy genre.

Dick Wolf

Emmy-winning executive producer Wolf and Red Arrow-owned 44 Blue Productions are working on First Responders Live, which is due to premiere on Wednesday June 12.

Hosted by former CBS News and Good Morning America journalist Josh Elliott, the series will give viewers a close-up look at the emergency responders answering calls from Americans in trouble.

Firefighters, police officers and ambulance staff will all feature in the weekly show, which will embed cameras with teams in multiple cities. Elliott will provide live analysis and commentary, with help from a team of experts, as the show follows the action first-hand.

Rob Wade, president of alternative entertainment and specials at Fox Entertainment, said: “With the success of our drama 9-1-1, viewers have a strong appetite for stories based in this world. Watching real first responders spring into action as they answer these calls will be a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat journey for viewers each week.”

Wolf added: “I have always been fascinated by the brave work of first responders, who face life-and-death decisions on a daily basis. First Responders Live will give viewers a front-row seat to paramedic, fire and police calls, and they will see the challenges of every type of emergency. It is truly the real-life version of Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med.”

Wolf, co-creator of the Chicago franchise, will exec produce alongside Rasha Drachkovitch and Tom Thayer.

The commission is the latest in a space that has become buzzy since US cablenet A&E Network enjoyed a breakout ratings success with Live PD, which it now airs for three hours each Friday and Saturday night embedded with police forces around the US.

Live factual has proved an effective way for embattled cablenets to target fragmented and delayed viewing with a style of programming as yet unavailable to the all-conquering streamers.