7 Little Johnstons is a TLC show about the Little People family of the Johnstons. It documents their daily life. Fans of the show love its adorable family moments. The show has been on the TV screen since January 2015.
Though the show is quiet and drama-free, its production might be different. In fact, there are reports of two production companies fighting over the show since 2016. The production companies have also involved the law in their fight. Read the article to know all about this law feud.
7 Little Johnstons: LMNO & Discovery Fight In The Court For Show’s Production
Since June of 2016, LMNO and Discovery have had an ongoing lawsuit. It involves two TLC shows, 7 Little Johnstons and The Little Couple. The fight began when Disney sent LMNO termination notices on June 17, 2016. The latter responded on June 22, 2016, by accusing Disney of unfair competition, copyright infringement, and trademark infringement. The accusation also includes a breach of contract.
LMNO explained that Discovery had used the termination notice as a “smokescreen” to “steal The Little Couple.” According to LMNO, Discovery wanted to “produce the show behind LMNO’s back.” In 2015, the network claimed that Disney had used a fraudulent accountant to “enrich itself at LMNO’s expense.”
According to LMNO’s complaint, Discovery needed to pay $2,640,000 to the former for breach of contract. This was the same time when 7 Little Johnstons had already begun filming season 2. According to In Touch’s report and court documents, Discovery had already paid $2,007,952.90 of the sum. It was the cost of production for the company producing the show.
Disney had responded to LMNO’s complaint by suing them for fraud. Then, in 2016, Disney filed a writ of possession for season 2 footage of the show. It asked the federal Judge to order LMNO to turn over the footage they held as “Ransom.” But LMNO just responded that Disney did not sign any contract for season 2 and did not pay the agreed amount.
7 Little Johnstons: Judge’s Decision For The Footage
Judge Steve Kim had denied Disney’s request in October 2016. Sources reported that the Judge and court could not “without necessarily adjudicating claims and defenses.” Then, in December 2016, the Judge advised LMNO to give Disney the footage. He advised LMNO that the court might give Disney the production rights.
The whole drama might have turned out highly anti-climactic. Judges and the court decided to dismiss the case “without prejudice.” The case ended on July 21, 2020. According to the court documents that some sources say, the court gave the final decision “in light of the parties’ Notice of Settlement.”
So, neither of the parties got what they wanted. But there was good news for the 7 Little Johnstons fans as they could still see season 2. As of now, the show is gearing up for its newest season. Keep coming back to TV Season & Spoilers for all the latest 7 Little Johnstons news.