Topic summary

CBS Reality

CBS Reality

CBS Reality was an international documentary and reality television brand owned by AMC Networks International and Paramount Networks EMEAA. It launched in 2000 as Reality TV then in 2006 as part of Zone channels rebrand the channel rebranded to Zone Reality and then between 2009 and 2012 the channel renamed to CBS Reality. In 2023 free-to-air UK version rebranded into True Crime. On 1 January 2026, CBS Reality ceased broadcasting worldwide.

In recent years, CBS Reality has significantly reduced its presence across Europe. The channel ceased broadcasting in selected countries, including Portugal (2022), the Netherlands (by 31 December 2023) and parts of Central and Eastern Europe (by 31 December 2023). In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the channel was rebranded as True Crime in November 2023 under the same ownership. Earlier rationalisation outside Europe also included the withdrawal of a Southeast Asia feed (then branded Zone Reality/Reality TV) that operated in the mid-2000s. By the end of 2025, CBS Reality stopped broadcasting in Romania, Poland, the Middle East and Africa.

Programming was centred on true crime and factual entertainment, including police-pursuit and custody series and courtroom shows; the schedule has featured U.S. imports from networks such as truTV/Court TV (Bait Car, Jail) alongside titles like Judge Judy and 48 Hours.