Amazon Prime’s On Call Brings Gritty Police Drama to Long Beach

Amazon Prime Video has introduced a new police drama, On Call, set in the heart of Long Beach, California. Produced by the legendary Dick Wolf (Law & Order, Chicago P.D.), the series offers a fresh take on the genre by blending traditional cinematography with bodycam, dashcam, and cellphone footage for a documentary-style feel.

A Gritty Look at Long Beach Policing

Premiering on January 9, 2025, On Call follows veteran officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and rookie Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) as they respond to emergency calls throughout Long Beach. The eight-episode series captures the complexities of modern policing, incorporating real-world issues such as community tensions, officer dynamics, and personal struggles. Other cast members include Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop and Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman, with La Salle also serving as an executive producer and director for some episodes.

Filming and Local Connection

Unlike many crime dramas that use Long Beach as a stand-in for other cities, On Call fully embraces its setting. The show was filmed almost entirely in Long Beach, featuring well-known locations such as the Port of Long Beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach, and the Westside. The production team, including co-creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf (Dick Wolf’s son), conducted extensive ride-alongs with the Long Beach Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to ensure authenticity.

A Controversial Depiction of Long Beach

While On Call has been praised for its raw, high-intensity storytelling, some Long Beach residents and officials have expressed concern that the show presents a one-sided portrayal of their city. The series focuses heavily on crime, gang activity, and police confrontations, potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes about Long Beach rather than highlighting its diversity, economic growth, and vibrant culture.

Local activists argue that the show leans too heavily on dramatic, high-stakes policing encounters, sidelining community-oriented efforts that have helped improve relationships between officers and residents. Some fear that On Call could contribute to an outdated perception of Long Beach as a crime-ridden city rather than showcasing its ongoing revitalization.

Audience Reception and Future Prospects

Since its release, On Call has ranked among the top shows on Prime Video in the U.S. However, critical reception has been mixed. While Comic Book Resources praised its approach to avoiding overused police drama tropes, Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic gave the show average scores, with some critics noting that the half-hour format limited its storytelling depth.

Despite varied reviews, On Call has already sparked discussions about expanding the universe to include potential spin-offs focusing on paramedics or the Coast Guard, according to Dick Wolf.

Where to Watch

All eight episodes of On Call are now available for streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.