Sony takes over distribution rights for wheel of fortune and jeopardy!

In a recent ruling from a Los Angeles court, CBS lost the distribution rights to the iconic game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! which were confirmed to be produced by Sony. The conflict originated when Sony filed a complaint in October 2024, accusing CBS of breaching their contract by entering unauthorized licensing agreements while allegedly failing to maximize advertising revenue. The court deemed CBS's request for a preliminary injunction invalid, allowing Sony to begin distributing the shows and not required to provide episodes to CBS. CBS Media Ventures announced its intent to appeal, emphasizing that this was merely a preliminary ruling and expressing confidence in their potential to prevail at trial. The legal battle follows accusations against CBS for licensing the shows at below-market rates, executive layoffs that hindered distribution, and other alleged contract violations, creating a significant rift between the two companies over the handling of the beloved game shows. As of February 2025, Sony has taken on the distribution of both programs, signaling a new chapter in the storied history of these shows debuted in 1975.