The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is gaining widespread attention with the premiere of a new television series called “Desert Law,” which follows the department’s daily operations amidst the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.
“Desert Law,” which aired on A&E in early January, provides viewers with an inside look at one of the largest sheriff’s departments in America, showcasing the work of Arizona deputies. The show, filmed over two seasons in 2025, captures the day-to-day activities of patrol deputies, night detectives, and members of the DUI unit as they respond to incidents across the county.
Although Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos does not appear in the series, he collaborated closely with producers to facilitate the filming process. The most recent episode highlights the challenges of policing in Arizona, a state known for having some of the loosest gun laws in the country.
One episode featured Deputy Pool arresting an alleged DUI speeder with children in the car, showcasing the intense desert conditions in which the deputies operate. The show’s debut coincides with the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy was last seen on January 31, and despite the discovery of DNA evidence and footage of the alleged kidnapper, no suspects have been identified in the case, which is now in its third week. Authorities have ruled out members of the Guthrie family as potential suspects in the investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and A&E have not yet responded to requests for comment on the show or the ongoing investigation. The series provides viewers with a glimpse into the demanding and unpredictable world of law enforcement in the Arizona desert, where the fight for order never ends.
