Showtime

Two very different police officers end up sharing the spotlight when a new reality based TV cop show recruits them as an on screen duo. Det. Mitch Preston, a cool, methodical veteran, teams with Trey Sellars, a fast talking, high energy partner who lives for the cameras. The setup blurs the line between patrol work and entertainment as cameras roll, producers push storylines, and the public tunes in to watch. What begins as a satire of the reality TV boom quickly tests their professional instincts as they chase a real case under the glare of a studio audience. The clash of styles and egos creates chaos but also moments of wit and unexpected teamwork that keep the pace propulsive. Together they maneuver a gaudy television machine that feeds on sensationalism while trying to stay true to real police work.

Directed by Tom Dey and released in 2002, Showtime rests on an original screenplay by Keith Sharon along with Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, not adapted from any prior work. The production design leans into slick late night energy, and the cast borrows a few classic cop movie beats to puncture them with humor.

Box office figures show Showtime earned about 77.9 million dollars worldwide on an 85 million dollar budget, meaning the film did not recoup production costs and had a modest return for its studio. It performed better in some markets than others.

The film riffs on reality TV cliches and police procedure with a knowingly wink at show business, something fans remember for the playful meta touches. William Shatner appears as himself, a gag that lingers in the crowd pleasing moments.

Critical reception was mixed, with praise for De Niro and Murphy who play off each other well and provide energy amid familiar parody. The movie skewers media hype, celebrity culture, and police tropes while delivering brisk action and steady laughs. Some critics noted the uneven pacing but appreciated the late game banter between the two leads.