Langley Productions was founded in 1989 as Barbour/Langley Productions by John Langley and his former partner Malcolm Barbour. A pioneer of non-fiction television, the Santa Monica based company is committed to authentic storytelling with a distinct point of view. In addition to COPS, Langley has produced several other successful non-fiction series, primarily in the crime space.
With the establishment of Langley Films in 1991, the company expanded its portfolio to feature films, with eight films produced under the banner.
Currently, Langley Productions has both unscripted and scripted projects in development for multiple broadcast and digital platforms. The company remains privately owned, headed by President Morgan Langley.
Executive Team
President / Executive Producer
President / Executive Producer
Morgan Langley
Morgan Langley is the President of Langley Productions and Executive Producer of “COPS” and the “Jail” franchise. As President, he oversees all strategic direction, creative development and operational functions for the company. He also serves as Partner for sister company Langley Television Distribution, which was established in 2021 to directly distribute the company’s content.
Morgan began his entertainment career as a writer, before creating and producing the company’s JAIL franchise in 2007. He is the eldest son of company founder John Langley.
In his spare time, Morgan is an avid off-road racer, having won the 2018 SCORE Baja 1000 (Class 1).
Partner / Executive Producer
Partner / Executive Producer
Greg Meidel
Greg Meidel is an entertainment industry veteran who has served in top executive positions at major studios including Twentieth Television, CBS/Paramount and Universal Television. Throughout his long career, he has been responsible for the development, production and distribution of a diverse slate of shows ranging from creative powerhouses such as “The Simpsons,”” This is Us” and the “Law & Order” franchise, to syndication juggernauts including “Entertainment Tonight,” “Dr. Phil” and “Judge Judy.” As a Partner for Langley Television Distribution, Greg oversees distribution of owned and acquired content in all media. He also serves as an Executive Producer for COPS.
Outside of work, Greg can be found golfing, skiing or playing tennis with his wife and two children.
Founder
Founder
John Langley (1943-2021)
John Langley was a writer, producer and director and has been called “the Godfather of reality television” based on the early success of COPS. The series, produced using documentary style hand-held cinema verite filming and editing techniques, was considered innovative in popular media at the time and was credited with influencing the look of content including commercials and scripted television throughout the 1990s. A pioneer in non-fiction television, John and Malcolm initially produced a series of live specials featuring Geraldo Rivera, which ultimately became the inspiration for COPS.
Following Malcolm’s retirement, John launched Langley Films in 1991 to produce mid-budget independent features for theatrical and television release. In 1997, he directed “Dog Watch” featuring Sam Elliot, Esai Morales and Paul Sorvino.
In retirement, John developed a passion for off-road racing and in 2017, he won the 50th Baja 1000 in his class (Trophy Truck Special). He passed away in 2021 while racing in Ensenada. (At the time, he was in the lead.)