A private wrap party for the cast and crew of the new reality show "Armed & Famous," which premieres 8 p.m. tonight on CBS, will conclude their stay in Muncie.
The show's producer, Tom Forman, said most reality shows do their taping and editing in 10 weeks, but he and his crew worked hard and finished "Armed & Famous" after seven weeks of taping.
"We turned it around very quickly," Forman said. "CBS got very excited about the show and wanted to premiere the show sooner."
Muncie Police Chief Joe Winkle said he was happy with the effort the celebrities have put into training and work as reserve officers. Much of the department, however, were against the celebrity officers initially, he said.
"After they met the celebrities and saw how hard they worked, they were pleased," Winkle said.
Muncie citizens voiced their criticisms of the show in blogs and in articles in the Muncie Star Press throughout the past two months. Forman, however, said he thinks the citizens will be proud of the show and their hometown.
"I understand why people are nervous," he said. "I have the knowledge of knowing what show we are producing."
Ball State University junior Kristen Holden said she will watch the premiere as well as the whole season to see whether her friend who was pulled over by LaToya Jackson for speeding will be on the show. Holden said she is also excited that the show might bring some recognition to Muncie.
"I will support any positive production that will put Muncie on the map," she said.
Forman said the cast and crew would be filming and editing up until today. Then the cast, crew, police department, mayor and anyone who has helped with the production will watch the show in a private party.
Muncie turned out to be a great city to tape the show, Forman said. It's not only the "All-American" town, he said, but he had no idea that he would be working in a town with a university that has a great media program which provided him with interns.
"We've had a terrific relationship with Ball State University," Forman said.
He and the rest of the crew felt welcomed by the citizens, as well as the mayor and police department, he said.
"We lived like Muncie locals, and the people made us feel right at home," Forman said. "I will be proud to sit down with the citizens to watch the premiere."
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