Dan Abrams’ Law & Crime Studio Buys Court TV
E.W. Scripps has sold Court TV to Law & Crime, a studio run by Dan Abrams, who relaunched the network in 2019. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Law & Crime has been under the ownership of Jellysmack since 2023, a holding company focusing on creator-led media.
Dan Abrams, a prominent TV legal analyst currently featured on ABC, is known for his work on the hit series Live PD for A&E and now hosts On Patrol: Live on Reelz. Law & Crime runs two FAST channels and 25 YouTube channels, including a flagship channel boasting 7 million subscribers.
In an official announcement, Abrams emphasized the intention to keep Court TV as its own distinct brand, stating that it will serve as the “hub for all trial content and coverage.” He reaffirmed the network’s commitment to offering viewers in-depth looks at significant legal trials.
Court TV made a name for itself with comprehensive coverage of high-profile legal cases, including the trials of O.J. Simpson and the Menendez brothers. More recently, under Scripps, the network reported on widely publicized cases such as Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard and the murders involving Alex Murdaugh and Derek Chauvin.
Historically, Court TV thrived during the 1990s and 2000s, leveraging relaxed courtroom camera rules in states like California. Off-air, the network served as a training ground for numerous industry executives working under CEO Henry Schleiff, who have since moved on to prominent positions in the field. Dan Abrams was also a reporter for Court TV in the 1990s.
E.W. Scripps acquired the intellectual property of Court TV from Turner Broadcasting and announced its return to the air in May 2019 as part of a broader multicast strategy.
Scripps CEO Adam Symson stated that selling Court TV aligns with the company’s strategy, which involves understanding consumer behavior and making strategic decisions that enhance their portfolio. “We identify where consumer behavior is headed, build and grow businesses that meet those evolving interests, and make strategic decisions about how we unlock their greatest value,” he said.
