The E.W. Scripps Company has finalized an agreement to sell its Court TV network to Law&Crime, the multiplatform true crime and legal content studio now under the ownership of media creator holding company Jellysmack. The transaction, announced on February 9, 2026, marks a significant shift for the long-standing Court TV brand, which Scripps had relaunched in May 2019 after securing the rights from Turner Broadcasting.
Court TV originally gained prominence in the 1990s as a pioneering cable channel dedicated to gavel-to-gavel trial coverage and crime-related programming. After its initial run ended and the channel evolved into truTV under different ownership, Scripps brought it back as an over-the-air digital broadcast network focused on live courtroom proceedings. In the years since the relaunch, the network provided extensive coverage of several high-profile legal cases that captured widespread public attention. These included the defamation trial involving actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, the murder trial of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh, and the proceedings against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. Through unfiltered access to courtroom footage, expert analysis, and daily updates, Court TV positioned itself as a key destination for viewers interested in the intersection of law, justice, and media.
Law&Crime, founded by ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams, has established itself as a prominent player in the true-crime space since its inception. The platform produces premium content centered on crime stories, legal developments, trials, and related commentary. After Jellysmack acquired Law&Crime in 2023, the network expanded its presence across digital platforms. It operates two free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, partners with various streaming services, and maintains a substantial social media footprint. This includes more than 25 YouTube channels, with the flagship channel boasting over seven million subscribers and delivering a mix of live trial streams, documentaries, and in-depth discussions. The digital-first approach has allowed Law&Crime to reach audiences beyond traditional television, capitalizing on the growing demand for on-demand and mobile viewing.
The sale aligns with Scripps’ strategy of adapting to changing media consumption patterns. The company has a history of building ventures that respond to audience interests and then making calculated moves to maximize value, either by retaining them or divesting to bolster financial flexibility. Court TV’s focus on live trial coverage complements Law&Crime’s broader library of crime and legal programming, creating opportunities for synergy while preserving the distinct identity of each brand. Under the new ownership, Court TV will continue as a standalone channel and brand, serving as the central hub for trial-specific content and coverage. This structure aims to maintain the network’s tradition of providing detailed, inside perspectives on significant courtroom events without merging it fully into the Law&Crime ecosystem, which will emphasize true-crime dramas and other narrative formats.
The deal includes a three-year distribution agreement that ensures Court TV remains available on basic cable through Scripps’ existing partnerships. Financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, though industry sources suggest the valuation falls below the approximately $125 million figure associated with Jellysmack’s earlier purchase of Law&Crime. The move reflects broader trends in the media industry, where legacy television assets face pressure from streaming and digital platforms that offer greater flexibility and audience engagement. What happens after the three-year deal is unknown, as many wonder if Law & Crime will want to keep two similar networks running, and if not, which one will be changed.
For Scripps, the divestiture supports efforts to strengthen its balance sheet amid an evolving landscape for broadcast and cable networks. For Law&Crime and Jellysmack, acquiring Court TV enhances their portfolio with a respected brand rooted in authentic trial coverage, potentially accelerating growth in streaming and digital distribution. As audiences increasingly seek specialized content on multiple screens, the combination positions both entities to deliver more comprehensive legal and true-crime programming in a competitive environment. The transition underscores how established media properties can find renewed relevance through partnerships with digitally native creators focused on niche, high-engagement genres.
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