Trending Now - NYPD Reality Show Set to Proceed After Legal Resolution
WHO:
New York City
Jordan McGraw, producer and son of TV personality Dr. Phil McGraw
McGraw Media, production company
Chip Babcock, lawyer for Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media
Mayor Zohran Mamdani
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams
Former Chief of Department John Chell
Former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry
WHAT:
New York City reached a settlement with Jordan McGraw on March 27th, 2026, regarding the reality show "Behind the Badge."
The city will retain editorial control over the show.
McGraw Media will provide “rough cuts” of episodes to the NYPD for review.
McGraw Media agreed to remove content deemed inaccurate, confidential, or compromising public safety.
The city sued McGraw Media in January 2026, claiming violations of an agreement for behind-the-scenes access.
The lawsuit stated that the show contained sensitive material, including unblurred faces of arrested individuals and discussions of encrypted police communications.
The city had a three-year contract with McGraw Media, signed in April 2025, for up to 17 episodes per year.
McGraw Media has already edited the first four episodes to the city's specifications.
WHERE:
New York City
Locations related to the NYPD and filming of the show
WHEN:
Settlement reached on March 27th, 2026
Lawsuit filed in January 2026
Contract signed in April 2025
City abandoned "Behind the Badge" late in 2025
Feedback on the fifth and sixth episodes expected by April 4th, 2026, and on the last three episodes by April 16th, 2026.
WHY:
The city expressed concerns about the quality and content of the show, leading to the lawsuit.
The city aimed to prevent "immediate and irreparable harm" to itself.
HOW:
The city and McGraw Media agreed to a collaborative effort to review rough cuts of nine episodes.
McGraw Media provided mostly unedited footage that included sensitive information, prompting the lawsuit.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 03:50 UTC)
New York City reached a settlement with Jordan McGraw on March 27, 2026, regarding the reality show "Behind the Badge," which had previously led to a lawsuit filed by the city in January over concerns about sensitive content. Under the agreement, the city will maintain editorial control, and McGraw Media will submit rough cuts of episodes for NYPD review, ensuring that any inaccurate or compromising material is removed. Feedback on the fifth and sixth episodes is expected by April 4, and on the final three episodes by April 16, as both parties work collaboratively to address the city's concerns.