Sony and CBS Reach Settlement Over Distribution of Iconic Game Shows
Sony Pictures Television and CBS have resolved their long-standing legal dispute concerning the distribution rights of the popular game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. The two companies announced on October 13, 2023, that they reached a mutually beneficial agreement, allowing CBS to continue distributing the shows in the United States for an additional two and a half years, through the 2027-2028 television season.
“This settlement marks an amicable resolution,” the companies stated in their joint announcement. “We look forward to working together to continue bringing these beloved shows to audiences and stations around the world.” While the financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the resolution comes after a year of intense negotiations and litigation.
The conflict began when Sony terminated its distribution agreement with CBS, subsequently filing a breach-of-contract lawsuit. Sony alleged that CBS had entered into unauthorized licensing deals regarding the shows and claimed that the network had paid itself a commission from those deals. Additionally, Sony accused CBS, which is owned by Paramount, of budget cuts that hampered its ability to support the two iconic programs.
CBS, however, maintained that it had the legal rights to distribute both shows, asserting that Sony’s claims were unfounded and rooted in dissatisfaction with an agreement established decades ago. CBS has historically received up to 40% of the fees paid by television stations to air the shows. The network assumed distribution responsibilities when it acquired King World Productions in 1999, a company that had secured distribution agreements with the shows’ original producer, Merv Griffin Enterprises, in the early 1980s.
As part of this recent settlement, CBS will manage all advertising sales for both shows until the end of the 2029-2030 television season. After the current television season concludes in mid-2026, Sony will take over marketing, promotions, and affiliate relations for the programs. The studio will also handle brand integration campaigns, which have become increasingly lucrative in recent years.
Another significant aspect of the resolution is that Sony will acquire international distribution rights starting December 2023. This transfer aligns with Sony’s broader strategy to capitalize on the enduring popularity of both game shows, which continue to draw strong ratings despite the rise of streaming platforms.
The resolution between Sony and CBS not only ends a contentious chapter in the distribution of these beloved shows but also ensures their continued presence on television screens across America and beyond. Both companies expressed optimism about their future collaborations, aiming to sustain the legacy of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! for years to come.
