Content Partners Acquires Full Forensic Files Catalog

Content Partners has picked up the entire catalog of Forensic Files, including 400 episodes spanning 14 seasons, from producer and owner Medstar Television.

Content Partners has also acquired the international distribution rights to Forensic Files II. FilmRise will continue to handle the worldwide digital rights to Forensic Files and, through a newly extended deal, will also now handle the international linear television rights.

Forensic Files originally aired from 1996 to 2011 on TLC and is currently on the CNN-owned basic cable network HLN. It features real cases and interviews with scientists and forensic experts to show how forensic science is applied when solving crimes and mysterious accidents. Forensic Files II debuted in 2020.

“Forensic Files is the pioneer of true-crime television, captivating audiences for nearly three decades,” said John Mass, president of Content Partners. “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. We’re proud to add the Forensic Files catalog to our library, serving as a real-world companion to our CSI franchise and trailblazer of the true-crime genre.”

“We’d like to thank Paul Dowling for masterminding the incredible success of Forensic Files, a series that has proven its lasting power over 30 remarkable years,” said Steve Kram, co-founder and CEO of Content Partners. “Forensic Files not only made a home for itself at HLN but has also become a global phenomenon, gracing television screens in households around the world. Dowling’s vision has triumphed the test of time, solidifying Forensic Files as a testament to unparalleled success and creative brilliance.”

Paul Dowling, creator of Forensic Files and president of Medstar Television, added, “We’re delighted to see Forensic Files enter the next phase with Content Partners. It’s so rare that a creator/producer owns a series outright. I had 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.”