Scripps Sells Court TV to Jellysmack's Law&Crime Network

The deal values Court TV at less than $125 million as the network's new owner plans to keep it as a distinct brand.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The E.W. Scripps Co. has sold the Court TV network to Law&Crime, the true-crime and legal content studio led by Dan Abrams that is now owned by media creator holding company Jellysmack. The deal values Court TV at less than $125 million, and Abrams plans to keep Court TV as a distinct brand separate from Law&Crime.

Why it matters

The sale of Court TV marks a shift in the true-crime and legal content landscape, as the network transitions to new ownership under Jellysmack's Law&Crime. This move aligns with broader industry trends of consolidation and the growing demand for immersive, gavel-to-gavel trial coverage.

The details

Scripps relaunched Court TV in May 2019 after acquiring the rights from Turner Broadcasting. Under Scripps, Court TV has covered high-profile trials such as Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard, Alex Murdaugh, and the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Law&Crime, founded by Dan Abrams in 2015, produces and distributes true-crime and legal content across multiple platforms, including two free, ad-supported TV (FAST) channels and a strong social media presence.

  • Scripps relaunched Court TV in May 2019.
  • Jellysmack acquired Law&Crime in 2023.

The players

E.W. Scripps Co.

A media company that previously owned and operated the Court TV network.

Law&Crime

A multiplatform true-crime and legal content studio founded and led by Dan Abrams, now owned by media creator holding company Jellysmack.

Dan Abrams

The founder and CEO of Law&Crime, who started his career at Court TV before becoming ABC News' chief legal analyst.

Jellysmack

A media creator holding company that acquired Law&Crime in 2023.

Derek Chauvin

A Minneapolis police officer whose trial was covered by Court TV.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is no better partner than Law&Crime to continue the distinctive Court TV brand and network. I began my career at Court TV, and we look forward to continuing its important tradition of giving viewers an inside look at some of the most fascinating and important trials. Court TV will become our hub for all trial content and coverage as its own standalone channel and brand.”

— Dan Abrams, Founder and CEO, Law&Crime (Variety)

“The Court TV brand we've built is a natural complement to Law&Crime's existing library of crime and trial coverage. This sale is consistent with the way Scripps has operated for nearly a century and a half: 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 – whether in our portfolio or through exits that strengthen our balance sheet and position us for the future.”

— Adam Symson, President and CEO, Scripps (Variety)

What’s next

Law&Crime plans to keep Court TV as a distinct brand and channel, continuing its tradition of providing in-depth trial coverage to viewers.

The takeaway

The sale of Court TV to Jellysmack's Law&Crime network reflects the growing demand for immersive true-crime and legal content, as well as the ongoing consolidation in the media industry. The move positions Law&Crime to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leading provider of gavel-to-gavel trial coverage.