Scripps Sells Court TV to Law&Crime Network

The E.W. Scripps Company reaches an agreement to sell its Court TV network to the true crime and legal content studio Law&Crime.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The E.W. Scripps Company has agreed to sell its Court TV network to Law&Crime, a multiplatform true crime and legal content studio created and led by ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams. Scripps relaunched Court TV in 2019 and the network has since covered high-profile trials like Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard and the case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Law&Crime, which was acquired by media creator holding company Jellysmack in 2023, plans to maintain Court TV as a distinct brand and channel focused on trial coverage.

Why it matters

The sale of Court TV to Law&Crime represents a strategic move by Scripps to unlock the value of the network as consumer behavior and interests continue to evolve. Law&Crime, with its existing library of crime and trial content and robust multiplatform reach, is seen as a natural fit to carry on the Court TV brand and tradition of providing viewers in-depth coverage of major legal proceedings.

The details

Scripps relaunched Court TV in May 2019 after acquiring the rights from Turner Broadcasting. Since then, the network has delivered viewers access to some of the most high-profile trials in recent years, including the defamation case between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, and the case against disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh. Law&Crime, which was acquired by Jellysmack in 2023, is a leading true-crime network producing premium crime and legal content across major platforms, including two FAST channels, multiple streaming partners, and a robust social media presence with 25 YouTube channels.

  • Scripps relaunched Court TV in May 2019 after acquiring the rights from Turner Broadcasting.
  • Law&Crime was acquired by Jellysmack in 2023.

The players

E.W. Scripps Company

A media company that owns and operates television and radio stations, as well as the Court TV network, which it relaunched in 2019.

Law&Crime

A multiplatform true crime and legal content studio created and led by ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams. It was acquired by media creator holding company Jellysmack in 2023.

Dan Abrams

The CEO of Law&Crime and the Chief Legal Analyst for ABC News.

Adam Symson

The president and CEO of the E.W. Scripps Company.

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What they’re saying

“This move 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, E.W. Scripps Company (lawandcrime.com)

“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, CEO, Law&Crime (lawandcrime.com)

What’s next

The financial details of the sale are not being disclosed.

The takeaway

The sale of Court TV to Law&Crime represents a strategic move by Scripps to capitalize on the evolving consumer demand for true crime and legal content, while allowing the distinctive Court TV brand to continue under the ownership of a company well-positioned to build on its legacy of in-depth trial coverage.