The original concept of the show came from showrunner/creator
Richard DiLello, who claimed that he'll create a hybrid format for the show that will combine elements of documentary (including newsreel footage and interviews) with drama. The project was soon pitched to
Lorimar Television, which was in turn pitched to the fast-growing
Fox Broadcasting Company. On May 14, 1990, the Fox Broadcasting Company announced that they would pick up the series for the new Friday night schedule, alongside reality program ''
America's Most Wanted'', which was shown at 8:00-9:00pm. Fox apparently had considerable confidence in this concept. When the initial version garnered low ratings and was put on hiatus, before its return the program was retooled into
DEA—Special Task Force, which placed more emphasis on the agents' personal lives and showed less graphic violence. The revamped show premiered in April 1991, but also failed to achieve significant ratings and the program was canceled for good in June 1991. ==Episodes==