Origins of Court TV Shows

The roots of court television shows can be traced back to the mid-1930s, originating from radio dramas rather than television itself. During the Great Depression, people craved distractions and entertainment, prompting the production of dramatized courtroom reenactments. These early broadcasts often depicted sensational cases, like the widely publicized Lindbergh kidnapping trial, which captivated the public's attention and made them yearn for more courtroom-centric shows. Thus, the genre began, providing audiences with a unique mix of entertainment and faux legal proceedings.