The show features members of the Reno Sheriff's Department, videotaped in the course of their duties, sometimes addressing the camera directly as though being interviewed. The force has problems with racism, homophobia, unrequited attractions, promiscuity, passive-aggressive feuds, drug use, and other dysfunction that supply much of the show's humor. It has been nominated for and received various awards.
Only the basic plot elements of the show are scripted, with the dialog improvised, enhancing the illusion of reality. Further enhancing this illusion are hidden audio commentaries on the season three DVD in which the cast provides in-character commentary as the Reno deputies, insisting that the show's producers told them the videotaped footage was going to be used for a FOX documentary series titled Heroes on Patrol, that they have no control over what is shown, and that the show only seems to capture moments of incompetence.
Many of the main scenes are shot over the course of many hours, such in the briefing room. According to the DVD commentary in the season three, all morning briefing scenes for a season may be filmed on one 10 hour day with different basic plot elements to be used in different episodes.
On March 21, 2004, Comedy Central ran a special of the show titled Reno 911!: Off Duty.
The cut scenes in between plot are filmed in Reno, but the show itself is filmed around Southern California, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Carson Station in Carson, California, and around Sun Valley and North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. Most of the exterior prison shots of 'Washoe County State Penitentiary' are of Oregon State Correctional Institution, in Salem, Oregon.
The fourth season began on July 9, 2006 and comprises 14 episodes. Comedy Central aired the first seven in the fall of 2006 and the last seven in the spring 2007. Also in early 2007, a theatrical film based upon the series entitled Reno 911!: Miami was released in North America, featuring the complete TV series cast. The season four spring debut drew 1.3 million viewers during the week of March 26 to April 1, 2007.
On October 9, 2006, Comedy Central confirmed thirteen new episodes to make up Reno 911! season five. Production of Season Five started in January and wrapped up in April. Reno 911! season five is planned to debut summer of 2008.
On March 27, 2007, Superstation WGN, acquired the first three seasons of the half-hour comedy for a two year run. The syndicated Reno 911! is a part of their late night comedy block. Reruns will be syndicated to broadcast stations.
