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Entertainment • TV Series

Reno 911!

Reno 911! is an American mockumentary sitcom created by Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver for Comedy Central.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Reno 911! is an American mockumentary sitcom created by Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver for Comedy Central. It parodies police reality television, especially Cops, by following the fictional and inept Washoe County Sheriff’s Department in Reno, Nevada. The series is known for its improvised style and ensemble cast of comedy performers.

Premise

Reno 911! follows a group of poorly equipped and frequently incompetent sheriff’s deputies patrolling Reno, Nevada. The show presents their work in a faux-documentary style that mimics real police reality programs.

Production and format

The series was created by Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver. It is known for its mockumentary presentation, single-camera style, and heavy use of improvisation.

Broadcast history

Reno 911! originally aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2009. It later returned with a revival in 2020.

Cast and characters

The ensemble includes Thomas Lennon as Lt. Jim Dangle, along with other recurring officers played by comedians such as Kerri Kenney-Silver, Cedric Yarbrough, Niecy Nash, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Carlos Alazraqui, and Mary Birdsong.

Key facts

  • Reno 911! is a parody of police reality shows, especially Cops.
  • It uses a mockumentary format and a largely improvised comedic style.
  • The main characters are members of the fictional Washoe County Sheriff's Department.
  • The original run aired on Comedy Central from 2003 to 2009.
  • The series was revived in 2020.

Frequently asked questions

What is Reno 911! about?
It is a comedy series about the fictional Washoe County Sheriff’s Department in Reno, Nevada, portrayed as incompetent and chaotic.
Is Reno 911! a real documentary?
No. It is a scripted mockumentary that parodies reality policing shows.
Who created Reno 911!?
It was created by Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver.
What show is Reno 911! parodying?
It primarily parodies Cops and similar police reality programs.
When did Reno 911! first air?
The series first aired in 2003.
Was Reno 911! revived?
Yes. After its original Comedy Central run ended in 2009, it returned in a revival in 2020.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reno_911!
    Supports: Series creators, mockumentary premise, parody of Cops, fictional Reno Sheriff's Department, original Comedy Central run.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0370194/
    Supports: Series format, premiere year, genre, and premise.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/show/reno-911/umc.cmc.2rdstb39pdei1qagmw54amg3u
    Supports: Single-camera mockumentary style, setting, and main characters.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/reno-911-
    Supports: Partially unscripted comedy premise and original premiere date.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70142411
    Supports: Creators, cast, and premise.
  6. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/reno-911/1000300889/
    Supports: Original run, season count, parody premise, and character descriptions.