The film received generally negative reviews, with critics lamenting its lackluster humor and poor attempt to satirize the buddy cop genre.

Two LAPD cops, Detective Mitch Preston and Officer Trey Sellars, both from the Central Division, are paired for a reality police show and run into real trouble with a crime lord.

Mitch shoots a news camera after a failed confrontation with local drug dealer Lazy Boy, who escapes by using a custom-built gun.

It is quickly revealed that the show's producers have little interest in filming an actual police officer's existence; they build a mini-movie set in the middle of the station, and replace Mitch's nondescript personal car with a Humvee, while Trey drives a C5 Corvette.

They also hire William Shatner (who once played T. J. Hooker) to give both men tips on how to act; while Trey is eager to learn, Mitch is merely annoyed.

However, Mitch's good humor evaporates when he finds that, in his absence, the Showtime producers have drastically remodeled his house and given him a retired K-9 dog as a pet.

In the wake of the disaster, the police chief pulls the plug on the show, suspends Mitch from duty and demotes Trey back to patrol.

From And Inspired By The Motion Picture Showtime, a soundtrack album composed of thirteen songs, was released on March 19, 2002 through MCA Records.

It features contributions from Shaggy, Alias Project, Babyface, Bounty Killer, Brian & Tony Gold, Gordon Dukes, Howzing, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Latrelle, Marsha Morrison, Prince Mydas, Rayvon, Rik Rok, Rude, Sean Paul and T.O.K.