A&E ratings drop nearly 50 percent following 'Live PD' cancellation

close

Video

Dan Abrams addresses 'Live PD' cancellation

'Live PD' canceled amid police protests, unrest; former host Dan Abrams reacts.

A&E Network appears to have lost a substantial amount of its viewership following the cancellation of its hit show "Live PD" following protests against racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that average primetime ratings dropped 49 percent from this time last year, which at the time was four percent higher than in 2018, according to Nielsen data.

"Live PD" was A&E's most-watched program until last month amid the  cultural shift that has taken place ever since Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Paramount Television similarly canceled the long-running reality show "Cops."

'LIVE PD' HOST CLASHES WITH CNN ANCHOR WHO CLAIMS SHOW LACKED 'SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY'

“Out of respect for the families of George Floyd and others who have lost their lives, in consultation with the departments we follow, and in consideration for the safety of all involved, we have made the decision not to broadcast ‘Live PD’ this weekend,” A&E said at the time.

Courtesy A+E Networks

Dan Abrams, who was formerly the host and executive producer of the program, expressed his shock about the cancellation after previously expressing confidence that "Live PD" would remain on-air.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"Live PD" has aired on A&E since 2016. It's the No. 1 series on cable on Fridays and Saturdays, according to Variety.

Fox News' Melissa Roberto contributed to this report.