‘Forensic Files’ True-Crime Series Catalog Is Acquired By Content Partners

Dade Hayes
·2 min read
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The entire 400-episode catalog of true-crime unscripted series Forensic Files has been acquired by Content Partners.

Originally called Medical Detectives, the series ran for 14 seasons on TLC, Court TV and TruTV and repeats are still available on Warner Bros Discovery’s HLN. A revived version, Forensic Files II, has aired since 2020, first on HLN and now on Investigation Discovery. Since debuting in the wake of the O.J. Simpson trial, the show has helped popularize forensic investigation, a cornerstone of unscripted programming as well as scripted mainstays like the CSI franchise. CSI is partly owned by Content Partners.

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Founded in 2005, Content Partners is an investment fund and asset management company that acquires the cash flows from intellectual property in film, television, music and other corners of media and entertainment. Among the entities under its control is Revolution Studios as well as film titles like Black Swan and 13 Going on 30. The company has ownership rights or interests in over 500 films, around 3,000 hours of television content, and a film title library with collective global box office revenue exceeding $33 billion.

The Forensic Files acquisition gives Content Partners rights to 400 episodes, as well as international distribution rights to Forensic Files II. Under a newly extended agreement, FilmRise will continue to handle international linear TV rights as well as worldwide digital rights for the original show.

“Forensic Files is the pioneer of true crime television, captivating audiences for nearly three decades.
Premiering at a time when advancements in forensic DNA analysis were gaining traction in the news and high-profile cases, the show paved the way for media programs that educate and entertain audiences nationwide,” said John Mass, Content Partners President.

Steve Kram, Content Partners Co-Founder and CEO, added his thanks to Paul Dowling, the creator and executive producer of Forensic Files. “Dowling’s vision has triumphed the test of time, solidifying Forensic Files as a testament to unparalleled success and creative brilliance,” Kram said.

Dowling, who is president of Medstar Television, which produces and owns the series, said his sole ownership of the series gave him “the responsibility to place Forensic Files with a great company. The show’s historic run and impact on the genre demonstrates its iconic qualities as one of TV’s most beloved documentary series, and with the expertise and industry acumen of the Content Partners team, and the cutting-edge distribution strategy of FilmRise, we know Forensic Files will continue in good hands.”

MedStar is repped by Richard Hofstetter and Mara Canner of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz. Content
Partners is repped by Latham & Watkins.

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