After several tumultuous years following her involvement in the college admissions scandal, Lori Loughlin is making her long-anticipated return to television with the gritty new cop drama, On Call. This show is not just another scripted police procedural; it offers something distinctly different. Set to premiere on January 9, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video, the series follows police officers on patrol, showcasing their real-world experiences rather than artificially constructed crime stories.
Playing the role of Lieutenant Bishop, Loughlin trades her sweet, beloved Aunt Becky persona for the steely character of a police officer who rarely smiles. According to Loughlin, the challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone was invigorated by the show's acclaimed producer, Dick Wolf. "I was so flattered to be offered a role that's so different from the other roles I’ve played," she revealed during her conversation with Yahoo Entertainment. For her, the role presents not just the opportunity to act, but the chance to explore the ‘stronger, stoic, tougher side’ of her character, thanks to guidance from co-star and director Eriq La Salle.
Diving deep to prepare for her portrayal, Loughlin utilized extensive character development methods. La Salle helped her tapinto the role's demands, noting, "He was there to help me develop Bishop and pushed me to find the stronger, stoic, tougher side of her." This transformative experience is part of what makes Loughlin’s return to television all the more compelling, as she breaks away from the light-heartedness of her past roles.
But Lori Loughlin isn’t the only one venturing beyond their previous characters. Troian Bellasario, known for her role as Spencer Hastings on the popular series Pretty Little Liars, is taking on the part of Traci Harmon, who has weathered 12 years of police work and takes on the responsibilities of training new recruits. Bellasario shared her enthusiasm for the complex character, saying, "It’s amazing to get this role that's actually a bit older than me," referring to the rich layers her character embodies. Her dedication to the role impressed those around her, exemplifying her growth as both actress and person. "It’s all a testimony to her hard work and research," commented Brandon Larracuente, who plays her trainee.
On Call strives to break the mold of conventional police dramas through its innovative approach to storytelling. Unlike most shows, which typically present viewers with linear crime-solving narratives, this drama opts for a more immersive experience. The series utilizes bodycam and dashcam footage, allowing audiences to experience firsthand the unpredictable nature of police work. The style, described as documentary-like, aims to captivate viewers by putting them right alongside the officers as they navigate their day-to-day challenges. Bellasario stated, "It puts you right in the seat with us. Wherever we’re driving, you’re with us." This level of authenticity adds a compelling layer to Loughlin’s return, possibly reshaping public perception of her as she steps back onto the screen.
The production team dedicated considerable time to ride-alongs with actual police officers, immersing themselves within the police world to grasp the realities these characters would face on the job. Tim Walsh, co-creator of the series, said, "You have to understand what you’re getting involved in... You can’t make it up.” The focus isn't on thrill-seeking drama but on the day-to-day life and community facets of policing, which Walsh also mentions sets this series apart from standard police procedurals. He explained, "We don’t open with a crime then solve it by the end of the episode. We have no formula.”
This unique perspective on the police procedural genre not only enhances Loughlin’s career comeback but invites viewers to experience the complexity of police work without preconceived notions or stereotypes. It taps directly onto the heart of modern issues within law enforcement today, potentially empowering Loughlin as she navigates her way through her career post-scandal.
Given the challenges and hopeful resurgence Loughlin is experiencing, On Call promises to deliver engaging entertainment fresh with authenticity. With its January 9 premiere approaching, anticipation is building not just for Loughlin’s performance but for the significant conversations it aims to incite about law enforcement and community interaction.
