Criminal-hunter lands series

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Duane "Dog" Chapman, pictured with his wife, Beth Smith, says his reality show is "the greatest thing I've ever had in my life." A&E 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Premiering Aug. 31, 10 p.m. EST and airing on Tuesdays (Hawai'i time slot yet to be announced) A&E

And starting Aug. 31 on the A&E network, a national audience will be tagging along for the hunt.

That's the premiere date for Duane "Dog" Chapman's reality series, with segments taped in Hawai'i and locations such as Las Vegas and Colorado, according to Beth Smith, Chapman's wife and business partner.

"We've finished 12 shows," said Smith, also in the show.

A&E spokeswoman Marlea Willis, in New York, said the station will monitor the show's following.

"We may add more (episodes), once we see how the public responds to the show." Willis said.

Chapman is excited about the series. "It's the greatest thing I've ever had in my life," he said. "It's all about a second chance — and to bring a positive note to law enforcement."

Chapman said Ozzy Osbourne, who was in the Islands last year, has completed the show's theme song.

Smith and Chapman are being promoted this summer during a Lynyrd Skynyrd tour. The band did cartoon images of the couple that "are plastered all over the tour bus," said Smith.

When the Hybrid Productions show launches, it will occupy a Tuesday night slot in prime time, with specifics to be announced. Two half-hour episodes will air back to back, Chapman said.

After the launch, each hour-long slot will include a premiere and a repeat of another show, and the series will run through Sept. 28, Willis said.

"Some of the shows have importance because of the (prevailing) ice problems," Smith said.

"What we hope the show will do is to pay the kind of attention (that) is necessary about these addicted people and show how effective the authorities can be."

Chapman, she said, "is an asset to the justice system and society because, effectively, there is no cost to taxpayers" in rustling up the lawbreakers.

He is best known for the capture of convicted rapist Andrew Luster, the Max Factor heir, last year in Mexico.

Chapman failed to receive forfeited bail money for his efforts, however.

"At my age (the early 50s), not getting paid is no big deal; there are other things more important in life, and I've been paid well in many other ways," he said, referring to the reality series.

The show will feature members of the Chapman family, which includes 12 children and Chapman's brother Tim.

"The work hours have been long, but it's really fun to share your life with other people," said Smith.

"Our hope and mission is that there will be a second season pickup," said Chapman.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.