A+E Networks, Amazon, and Big Fish Entertainment have announced a surprising end to their legal battle over the rights to the popular police docuseries “Live PD.” The settlement includes a multi-year licensing agreement between A+E and Amazon, bringing a trove of A+E programming to Prime Video.
The dispute began in 2020 when A+E pulled “Live PD” from its lineup amidst growing concerns about police brutality and the portrayal of law enforcement on television. Big Fish, the production company behind “Live PD,” later revived the show’s format on Reelz under the new title “On Patrol: Live.” A+E subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement, claiming ownership of the show’s intellectual property.
However, the companies have now reached an amicable resolution, according to a report from Variety.
“A+E Networks and Amazon have agreed to significantly expand their commercial relationship in a multi-year agreement that will amplify the reach of A+E Networks’ brands and content on Amazon’s Prime Video service,” the companies said in a joint statement. “In connection with that agreement, the legal dispute between A+E and Big Fish Entertainment and Reelz concerning ‘Live PD’ has been resolved.”
The new licensing deal grants Amazon access to a wide range of A+E content, including library titles, current series, and movies for rent and purchase. It also expands the availability of A+E add-on subscriptions and FAST channels on Prime Video.
This resolution allows “On Patrol: Live” to continue airing on Reelz, where it has been a ratings success. The show, featuring original “Live PD” host Dan Abrams, has already been renewed through January 2025.
The settlement marks a significant turn of events in a case that had been closely watched by the entertainment industry. Last year, a New York judge denied a motion to dismiss A+E’s copyright suit, ruling that the network held exclusive rights to “Live PD.”
With the legal battle now over, both A+E and Amazon stand to benefit from the expanded partnership, while viewers can continue to follow the action on “On Patrol: Live.”