Dan Abrams: A Career in Legal Journalism, Media Entrepreneurship, and Authorship
Dan Abrams has established himself as a prominent figure in American media, blending a deep expertise in law with a keen instinct for broadcasting and business. From covering some of the most sensational trials of the late 20th century to building a digital media empire, Abrams has consistently operated at the intersection of the legal system and public information.
Key Facts
- Legal Expertise: Served as Chief Legal Correspondent for NBC News and Chief Legal Analyst for ABC News.
- Entrepreneurship: Founded several media ventures, including Law & Crime, Mediaite, and The Mary Sue.
- Authorship: Wrote multiple bestsellers, including Lincoln’s Last Trial and Man Down.
- Broadcasting: Hosted high-profile shows such as Live PD, Verdict with Dan Abrams, and Dan Abrams Live.
- Business Success: Sold Law & Crime to Jellysmack in 2023 for a reported $125 million.
Television and Broadcasting Career
Abrams began his professional journey at Court TV, where he gained early experience covering landmark legal events. His early reporting included the O. J. Simpson case, the assisted-suicide trials of Dr. Jack Kevorkian in Michigan, and the International Criminal Court based in the Netherlands.
In 1997, he transitioned to NBC News as a general assignment correspondent, eventually rising to the role of Chief Legal Correspondent. During his tenure at NBC, he hosted The Abrams Report starting in 2001 and later held a top managerial position at MSNBC. He eventually focused on his own programming, hosting Live with Dan Abrams, which was later rebranded as Verdict with Dan Abrams until August 2008.
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Abrams' career continued to evolve in 2011 when he joined ABC News as Chief Legal Analyst and a substitute anchor for Good Morning America. By 2013, he was named the network's Chief Legal Affairs Anchor and an anchor for Nightline. He returned to a freelance Chief Legal Analyst role in December 2014 to prioritize his growing business interests.
Reality and Specialized Programming
In 2016, Abrams expanded into reality television as the host of Live PD on A&E, a show featuring live coverage of police officers on duty. The program was canceled on June 10, 2020, following widespread protests against police brutality after the murder of George Floyd. He also co-hosted Grace vs. Abrams with Nancy Grace in 2018 and hosted Court Cam starting in 2019.
More recently, Abrams joined NewsNation in 2021 to host the nightly prime-time show Dan Abrams Live. While he announced in December 2024 that the show would end in February 2025, he intends to remain with the network. Additionally, in 2022, he became the host and executive producer of On Patrol: Live on Reelz.
Business Initiatives and Media Ventures
Beyond the screen, Abrams has been a prolific entrepreneur, launching various digital platforms to track media, celebrity news, and legal proceedings.
- Media and Gossip: In 2009, he founded Mediaite (media news) and Gossip Cop (celebrity gossip correction). Gossip Cop was later acquired by Gateway Blend in 2019.
- Sports and Culture: He launched SportsGrid in 2010, which was acquired by Anthem Media Group in 2013. In 2011, he started The Mary Sue, a site focused on women in geek culture, which was sold to GAMURS Group in 2021.
- Legal Media: In 2016, he started LawNewz, which evolved into Law & Crime in 2017. This network, which live-streams trials, was sold to Jellysmack in October 2023 for a reported $125 million.
- Lifestyle: In 2024, he launched Bottle Raiders (a spirits and drinks review site), which was rebranded as The Daily Pour in 2025.
Writing and Authorship
Abrams has authored several books, often focusing on the intersection of law and history. His 2010 book, Man Down, became a Washington Post bestseller. He later shifted toward historical legal analysis, producing a series of books on forgotten trials.
His work Lincoln’s Last Trial (2018) was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2018 Barondess/Lincoln Award. Other notable publications include Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense (2019), John Adams Under Fire (2020), Kennedy's Avenger (2021), and Alabama v. King (2022), which examines the trial that helped launch the Civil Rights Movement.
Hospitality Ventures
In addition to media and writing, Abrams has ventured into the restaurant industry. He co-owned The Lion in Greenwich Village and White Street in Tribeca alongside David Zinczenko. In 2025, he expanded his portfolio by launching Danny’s restaurant.
| Category | Key Venture/Role | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting | NBC & ABC News | Chief Legal Correspondent/Analyst |
| Business | Law & Crime | Sold to Jellysmack for $125 million (2023) |
| Literature | Lincoln’s Last Trial | New York Times Bestseller |
| Television | Live PD / On Patrol: Live | Police-focused reality programming |
| Hospitality | Danny’s | Launched in 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dan Abrams' most successful business venture?
While he has founded many sites, Law & Crime is among his most successful, having been sold to the startup Jellysmack for a reported $125 million in October 2023.
Which books has Dan Abrams written?
Abrams has written several books, including Man Down, Lincoln’s Last Trial, Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense, John Adams Under Fire, Kennedy's Avenger, and Alabama v. King.
Why was Live PD canceled?
Live PD was canceled on June 10, 2020, following protests against police brutality that occurred after the murder of George Floyd.
Is Dan Abrams still with NewsNation?
Yes. Although he announced that his show Dan Abrams Live would end in February 2025, he stated that he would remain with the network.
What other businesses has Dan Abrams started?
Abrams has launched various digital platforms including Mediaite, Gossip Cop, SportsGrid, The Mary Sue, and The Daily Pour (formerly Bottle Raiders).