truTV

TruTV (stylized as truTV) is an American basic cable channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The channel primarily broadcasts comedy, docusoaps, and reality shows.

The channel was originally launched in 1991 as Court TV, a network that focused on crime-themed programs such as true crime documentary series, legal dramas, and coverage of prominent criminal cases. The channel was initially a joint venture between Time Warner, American Lawyer Media, Cablevision, and NBC, with Liberty Media later joining the venture as well.

By 2005, Liberty Media and Time Warner had purchased ALM, Cablevision and NBC’s stakes in Court TV. Time Warner subsequently bought out Liberty’s share in 2006 for $735 million, and brought the channel under its Turner Broadcasting subsidiary. In 2008, the channel relaunched as TruTV, changing its focus to action-oriented docusoaps and “caught on camera” programs, which it marketed as “actuality” television. The channel continued to carry legal coverage during the daytime hours under the title In Session, but this was phased out by September 2013.

In 2011, the channel began to add occasional sports broadcasts from Turner Sports, primarily the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In October 2014, TruTV pivoted its format to focus more on comedy-based reality series, such as Impractical Jokers.