A new, free, over-the-air TV network called “Busted” has launched, bringing reality-based crime programming to around 90% of the country. The network, from Free TV Networks, debuted at 6 a.m. Eastern Time (3 a.m. Pacific Time).
Here’s the Lowdown: “Busted” features reruns of popular shows like “Cops Reloaded,” “World’s Wildest Police Videos,” “Jail,” “Court Cam,” “Bounty Tank,” “Neighborhood Wars,” and “Customer Wars.” It’s available for free via broadcast television stations, targeting viewers who use antennas.
What This Means Now: This provides another free viewing option for those who have cut the cord with cable. Free TV Networks is banking on the continued growth of antenna usage combined with streaming services.
The Bigger Picture: “Busted” joins three other networks operated by Free TV Networks: Outlaw (Westerns), The365 (Black-focused programming), and Defy (unscripted reality). Free TV Networks is a joint venture between Gray Media, Lionsgate, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), launched in late 2023. This signals a continued investment in free, ad-supported broadcast television, despite the rise of streaming.
