Television is the window into different lives for many viewers. Sitcoms, dramas and reality shows give audiences the chance to experience an adventure they would not otherwise have the opportunity to. Recently, AFBA did an article called "5 of television's most popular shows based on military life." However, first responders get a good amount of airtime as well. In the following shows, television viewers are taken along for ambulance rides, police chases and fire rescues.
1. "Chicago Fire"
This weekly drama is a whirlwind mixture of the professional and personal lives of a Chicago fire squad. The show follows fictional firefighters Matthew Casey and Kelly Severide as they work to keep the Windy City safe. "Chicago Fire" is currently in its fourth season.
2. "Sirens"
This show is another one that takes audiences through the streets of Chicago. However, instead of experiencing them through the eyes of a fire crew, the viewers get a comical look into the experiences of a ragtag bunch of emergency medical technicians. The show's humorous approach to the odd day-to-day calls ambulance workers receive was enough to get it renewed for another season. "Sirens" is currently entertaining audiences in its second season.
3. "Rescue Me"
For seven seasons, Denis Leary wowed viewers with his performance as Tommy Gavin. Though the show is peppered with Leary's dry humor, "Rescue Me" tackles some very serious issues that firefighters face. Tommy must overcome alcoholism, work to bond with his estranged family all while maintaining his composure at the head of his fire crew.
4. "CHiPs"
Originally airing on September 15, 1977, this police procedural was one of television's most popular show's of the time. For six seasons, "CHiPs" was known for its high speed car chases and light humor. Audiences tuned in to watch Officers Frank Llewellyn "Ponch" and Jon Baker as they patrolled the streets of Los Angeles. This show laid the groundwork for many police-based shows that came after it.
5. "Emergency"
Following the firefighters of Squad 51 and the medical staff of Rampart General Hospital, this show takes audiences through the processes of several different levels of first responders. From 1972 to 1980, "Emergency" was one of the entertainment industry's biggest hits.
Television is an entertainment medium. but it can also be used as a way for audiences to experience lives that are completely different from their own. The shows above allow people the opportunity to see what life is like for a first responder from the comfort of their own couches.