Dog the Bounty Hunter (2004-2009)

Duane Chapman in Dog the Bounty Hunter. (Photo: AETN)

Starring: Duane Chapman, Leland Chapman, Duane Lee Chapman

A&E's Dog the Bounty Hunter adopted a fascinating docudrama approach for a weekly reality series centered around real-life bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman. Headquartered in the Hawaiian Islands, the series followed Dog and his family (or, as they were known professionally, the staff of Da Kine Bail Bonds) as they relentlessly tracked down fugitives and other missing persons for a price. Although Chapman was tough as nails and grimly uncompromising on the job, he was also shown to be a warm and loving family man, fiercely protective of his wife, his daughter, and his two sons, and ever concerned for their wellbeing. Even so, the other Chapmans proved to be worthy of their heritage, fulfilling their assignments with swift, almost intimidating professionalism. Also seen from time to time were fellow bounty hunters Justin Bihag and Beth Smith; and, for a change of pace, the Dog team was shown on location jaunts to such stateside locales as Denver and L.A. Originating as a segment of the A&E series Take This Job..., and equipped with a theme song performed by no less than Ozzy Osbourne, Dog the Bounty Hunter made its series debut on August 31, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide