Sony and CBS Locked in Legal Battle Over 'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel of Fortune' Distribution Rights

Sony Pictures Television and CBS, a Paramount-owned company, are embroiled in a legal dispute over the distribution of the hit game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. As Sony claims it will assume control of distribution starting February 10th, CBS has responded by filing for a temporary restraining order to prevent the takeover.

The legal tension dates back to October when Sony initiated a lawsuit against CBS. In its filing, Sony accused CBS of failing to sufficiently boost licensing revenues under their 35-year-old distribution deal. Sony highlighted that while CBS profited over $1 billion from the agreement, it had not shown enough commitment to expanding the shows' potential reach. Furthermore, Sony alleged that CBS earned more than $3.6 million from deals in Australia and New Zealand that did not deliver any benefits to Sony.

The conflict escalated on Monday when CBS issued a statement to its clients, refuting Sony’s assertions. The statement read: “Sony has no rights under the distribution agreements to terminate them, and CBS remains the distributor for the Series, notwithstanding any communications from Sony to the contrary.”

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that earlier attempts were made by Sony to purchase the rights from CBS. Reports suggest that Sony had offered a buyout amount “greater than nine figures,” but CBS declined the offer, setting the stage for the current standoff.

Despite producing both shows, Sony remains at odds with CBS over the scope of its authority in managing distribution. The two companies have been partners for decades, but the current disagreement underscores growing tensions over how to capitalize on long-running and lucrative television properties.

For Sony, the lawsuit marks an effort to regain control over distribution channels that it believes could deliver greater revenue if managed internally. Meanwhile, CBS maintains that it has adhered to the terms of the existing agreement and that Sony cannot unilaterally end their partnership without proper legal grounds.

As the court proceedings continue, questions remain about the potential impact on the shows' accessibility for audiences. Legal experts note that any changes in distribution will hinge on the court’s decision regarding the validity of Sony’s claims. If the dispute drags on, it could affect how quickly Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune viewers see any updates in programming distribution.

The legal wrangling between the two entertainment giants is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with industry observers closely watching for developments that could redefine long-term content partnerships.