US Court TV launches in UK via Sky

US-based Katz Networks-owned Court TV has launched in the UK via Sky Television.

The channel provides viewers with a live window into real-life US courtrooms, from the opening proceedings all the way through to the verdict. Daytime trial coverage in the US will air in primetime in the UK given the time difference.

As proceedings unfold, Court TV’s on-air team of anchors, legal correspondents and veteran journalists will offer daily insight and analysis, joined by US attorneys, investigators and experts who provide legal views, opinion, discussion and debate.

Court TV also plans to include content explaining the differences between the two country’s legal systems, including why cameras are allowed in courtrooms in the US but not in the UK.

Upcoming prolific US trials that Court TV has plans to cover and air both in the US and the UK include the death of George Floyd, the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, the R Kelly sex abuse trial and the case of the “doomsday cult mom.”

Court TV also airs original series’, including Judgment With Ashleigh Banfield, which takes viewers on a deep dive into the most provocative and talked-about trials and cases of all-time.

“There’s been nothing like Court TV in the United Kingdom until now,” said Jonathan Katz, president and CEO of Katz Networks, which is part of The E.W. Scripps Company. “American crime dramas have long been a staple on television worldwide, including the UK, while global consumer interest in the real-life drama of true-crime programming has skyrocketed, with American reality crime content as the most-watched.

“Court TV is the only network covering these cases and these events live, as they happen, from start to finish. We anticipate viewers in the UK will embrace having a front-row seat to American criminal justice.”

Further distribution agreements for Court TV following the UK deal are expected to be announced.