How the reggae song "Bad Boys" ended up as Cops' theme

Variety

The cancelation of Cops this week after 31 years begs the question: What's up with the theme song? The reggae group Inner Circle song "Bad Boys" failed to catch on when it was recorded for their 1987 album One Way. So they re-recorded the song for their 1989 album Identified, the same year Cops premiered. The song became wildly successful thanks to Cops. "The result of this long and circuitous road to worldwide familiarity is a song that has transcended its era and even its own genre," says Greg Casseus. "Between the TV show, the movie franchise and use in video games such as Grand Theft Auto, 'Bad Boys' is known to people across the globe, although you’re more likely to hear it at a frat party or sporting event than a reggae club or at sound system clash." ALSO: Eric Andre jokes about the Cops theme in his new Netflix special.