A+E Networks has come to a resolution in its dispute over the show “Live PD” with Big Fish Entertainment and Reelz, which is owned by Amazon. This settlement has led to a new multi-year licensing deal between A+E and Amazon for A+E programming.
The agreement between A+E and Amazon will see an expansion of their commercial relationship, allowing A+E Networks’ brands and content to reach a wider audience through Amazon’s Prime Video service. As a result of this agreement, the legal dispute between A+E and Big Fish Entertainment and Reelz regarding “Live PD” has been resolved.
“Live PD” was originally produced by Big Fish for A&E and became a popular show that spawned various spinoffs. However, A&E decided to pull the show in 2020 due to ongoing protests against police brutality and concerns about the coverage of police activity following the death of George Floyd.
Two years later, Big Fish announced that it would bring back the live police format of the show on Reelz under the new title “On Patrol: Live,” with Dan Abrams returning as the host.
A+E then filed a lawsuit to prevent Reelz from airing “On Patrol: Live,” claiming that it was a copy of “Live PD” and that A+E owned the intellectual property rights to the show.
As part of the settlement, Amazon and A+E have agreed to a new non-exclusive licensing deal that includes streaming content from A+E’s library, titles available for rent or purchase, A&E add-on subscriptions, and FAST Channels on Prime Video. This agreement extends the availability of A&E add-on subscriptions in the U.S. and Japan, as well as the licensing of A&E movies and series for rent or purchase in multiple territories.
The deal also includes an extension for existing A&E FAST Channels and the launch of additional channels in the U.S. This settlement comes after a previous ruling in favor of A+E, confirming their ownership of all rights to the “Live PD” series.
With the lawsuit now settled, “On Patrol: Live” will continue to air on Reelz, produced by Big Fish Entertainment subsidiary Half Moon Pictures. The show has been renewed through January 2025, with the possibility of further extensions.
Overall, this settlement marks a positive outcome for all parties involved and paves the way for continued collaboration between A+E Networks, Amazon, and Big Fish Entertainment.
