Sony Pictures Television and CBS have finally settled their year-long legal dispute concerning the distribution rights of the iconic syndicated game shows, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. This resolution marks a significant turning point in the relationship between the two media giants.
As part of the settlement, Sony will gradually take over various distribution functions for both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. The transition will begin with international markets on December 1, 2025. CBS will remain the distributor of the shows within the United States until the end of the 2027-28 season. Following this period, Sony will assume full control over domestic distribution. However, CBS Media Ventures will play an integral role in advertising sales, retaining that responsibility exclusively until the 2029-30 season.
In a joint statement, representatives from both companies indicated their satisfaction with the outcome. “We have reached an amicable resolution regarding the syndicated distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune,” they said. “We look forward to working together to continue bringing these beloved shows to audiences and stations around the world.”
The legal dispute began in October 2024 when Sony filed a lawsuit claiming CBS had breached its distribution contract for the two shows, accusing the network of failing to honor terms of the domestic deal and entering unauthorized agreements for international distribution. CBS swiftly countersued, asserting that Sony was attempting to exploit the court case to take control of the shows prematurely.
In February 2025, tensions escalated when Sony informed CBS of its intention to take over syndication, prompting CBS to seek a temporary restraining order. Following a ruling from L.A. Superior Court in April that initially favored Sony, an appeals court stayed that decision shortly thereafter.
Following the settlement, CBS Media Ventures communicated the resolution details to its domestic and international distribution partners, reinforcing their ongoing partnership with Sony to ensure the beloved game shows remain accessible to audiences worldwide. The cooperative spirit emerging from this settlement offers hope for the future of these iconic television programs, promising a seamless transition in leadership while maintaining the quality and reach that fans have come to love.