TUCSON, Ariz. — As the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie enters its second month, the Pima County Sheriff's Office finds itself under an intense national spotlight, not just from the high-profile disappearance but also from a new A&E television series that offers an inside look at the department's daily operations.
The 10-episode limited series, titled Desert Law, premiered in early January and grants viewers elite access to one of the largest sheriff's departments in America. Filming for the first and second seasons took place during the spring and summer of 2025, capturing the routines of patrol deputies, night detectives, and the DUI unit as they handle incidents across Pima County. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sheriff Chris Nanos, though not appearing on camera, collaborated closely with producers to facilitate the shoots.
The timing of the show's rollout coincides with the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's vanishing, which authorities are treating as an apparent kidnapping. Guthrie, the mother of NBC's Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026. Deputies were seen assembling at the residence on February 6, 2026, as part of the intensified search efforts.
The most recent episode, "Weapons Found," which aired on Wednesday, follows deputies patrolling amid Arizona's relatively permissive gun laws. The episode's description highlights responses to tense situations, including an incident where a pistol was drawn during a supermarket altercation and a suspected armed home invasion. Such scenes underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region, where firearms are commonplace.
While the Pima County Sheriff's Office and A&E did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital, the series has amplified public interest in the department at a critical juncture. The office is working in tandem with the FBI to locate Nancy Guthrie, whose case has garnered widespread media attention due to her daughter's prominence.
Savannah Guthrie, in an emotional video posted to social media on Sunday, made a direct appeal to her mother's possible abductors. "I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe," she said. "And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is. It's never too late. And you're not lost or alone. We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late."
"I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe. And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is. It's never too late. And you're not lost or alone," Savannah Guthrie said. "We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late."
The disappearance has prompted investigators to explore various leads, including theories that have surfaced in related coverage. One law enforcement source described a potential burglary angle in the case as "ridiculously rare," suggesting skepticism about that scenario. Additionally, advanced video equipment spotted at Guthrie's home has drawn scrutiny from experts analyzing its possible role in the events of that morning.
Another intriguing detail emerged regarding a $10 Walmart gun holster that could aid in identifying a suspect, according to reports tied to the investigation. Deputies have been speaking publicly outside Guthrie's home, updating the community on the joint efforts with federal agents. The Catalina Foothills neighborhood, known for its upscale residences, has become a focal point for volunteers and law enforcement alike.
The Desert Law series provides broader context on the sheriff's office, which serves a vast area encompassing urban Tucson and expansive desert regions. Episodes depict deputies navigating everything from routine traffic stops to high-stakes pursuits, offering a glimpse into the resource strains and decision-making processes in one of Arizona's key law enforcement agencies.
Sheriff Nanos, a veteran of the department, has overseen operations during a period of increased visibility. His coordination with the production team reflects an effort to humanize the work of his deputies, even as the Guthrie case tests their capabilities. The collaboration, detailed in The Hollywood Reporter, involved scheduling around active calls to ensure safety and authenticity.
Public reaction to the series has been mixed, with some praising the unfiltered portrayal of police work and others questioning the ethics of reality TV amid serious crimes. In the wake of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the show has inadvertently drawn more eyes to the department's role in the search, potentially boosting tips from viewers.
Background on the Guthrie family adds emotional depth to the story. An undated photo provided by NBC shows Savannah Guthrie with her mother, highlighting their close bond. Nancy, at 84, was living independently in Tucson when she vanished, prompting immediate concern from loved ones and authorities.
The investigation remains active, with no confirmed breakthroughs reported as of yet. Officials have urged the public to come forward with any information, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the probe. The FBI's involvement signals the case's gravity, as agents bring additional resources to comb through evidence and digital trails.
Looking ahead, the remaining episodes of Desert Law may further intersect with the Guthrie search, depending on ongoing developments. For now, the series serves as a double-edged sword for the Pima County Sheriff's Office—elevating its profile while underscoring the unresolved mystery at its doorstep. As Savannah Guthrie's plea echoes, hope persists among investigators and the family alike, with the community watching closely for resolution.
The broader implications extend to how media portrayals influence public perception of law enforcement during crises. In Arizona, where gun rights and border security often dominate discussions, the show's focus on armed responses resonates with ongoing debates. Yet, at its core, the narrative returns to one woman's unexplained absence and the tireless efforts to bring her home.