Alaska State Troopers (National Geographic Channel)

ALASKA STATE TROOPERS follows the well-known law-enforcement reality show model, sending camera crews to ride along with the police as they try to maintain order, this time in America’s northernmost state. The show sometimes seems to have a bit less violent crime than other, similar, shows set in the Lower 48, but there’s a lot more alcohol ... and more than a few moose.

Shows in this genre sometimes seem to run together, with a standard mix of fights, drunks, drug arrests, and suspects resisting arrest. Yes, Alaska State Troopers has all of this, but the series still manages to differentiate itself. First, there’s plenty of snow; the winter cold is essentially an extra character in the state and is often a factor as the troopers respond to each incident. Then there are the guns. When cops in other states see a gun, they're instantly on alert; in Alaska, where hunting is a favorite pastime and guns are common, the troopers hardly bat an eye when questioning armed suspects.

Then there are the moose. Several scenes show the troopers investigating massive moose carcasses -- and expressing remorse that illegal hunters have left so much meat to rot. And, finally, there’s the liquor. Almost every call involves drinking, whether it’s a drunk driver, a drunken bar fight, a drunk friend causing a scene, or other alcohol-fueled mishaps. Alcohol is a common ingredient in most shows like this, but it seems to be much more of a factor in Alaska. Maybe it’s the editing, but it does help the show create its own identity in an increasingly crowded niche.