Format

A legal battle between Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and Paramount over the distribution rights of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! has escalated, with a U.S. court imposing a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing Sony from reclaiming control of the iconic game shows.

Earlier this week, SPT informed CBS Studios of its decision to retake the licensing rights for both shows, citing a lawsuit it filed in October. Sony accused CBS of withholding owed payments from previous distribution agreements and breaching a 40-year contract by arranging unauthorized international licensing deals.

The syndication of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! is managed by CBS Studios in collaboration with Paramount Global Content Distribution (PGCD). In response to Sony’s move, Paramount requested a TRO from the Superior Court of California to prevent Sony from terminating PGCD’s distribution contract. The court ruled in Paramount’s favor, temporarily barring Sony from assuming distribution responsibilities.

The TRO will remain in effect until at least February 18, when Judge Kevin Brazile will hold a status conference to determine whether a permanent restraining order is warranted.

A spokesperson for PGCD expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling:“We’re pleased the court issued a temporary restraining order against Sony’s unlawful actions. We will continue to seamlessly license Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! as both completed shows and local formats to our licensing clients, as we have done for over 40 years.”

Sony, on the other hand, maintains that its actions are justified. In a statement, SPT emphasized:“Sony Pictures owns, controls, produces, and finances Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Due to CBS’s continued failure to fulfill its contractual obligations, SPT believes it has lawfully terminated its distribution agreements with CBS and has assumed all global distribution functions.”

Historical Context and Implications

Sony has controlled Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune since acquiring Merv Griffin Enterprises in 1994. The long-standing distribution arrangement dates back to 1983 when Griffin’s company struck a deal with King World Productions, which was later acquired by CBS in 1999.

The legal conflict, which began in October, intensified when Sony accused CBS of undercutting the value of the shows, diverting revenues for its own benefit, and engaging in unauthorized licensing. CBS countered with claims that Sony is attempting to bypass existing agreements and gain control of the properties without renegotiation.