CBS and Sony End Legal Fight Over Jeopardy! and Wheel

A major legal dispute between two media giants has been resolved. Sony Pictures Television and CBS have settled their high-stakes court fight.

The conflict centered on the syndication rights for the popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. The settlement ends a year of litigation and establishes a clear path for the future distribution of these television institutions.

A Phased Transition for Iconic Game Shows

Under the new agreement, a phased transition plan is now in effect. Sony will gradually assume control of distribution for both shows.

Starting December 1, 2025, Sony will take over international distribution. This is a significant first step in the new arrangement.

For domestic viewers, the change will happen later. According to the joint statement, CBS Media Ventures will remain the exclusive U.S. distributor through the 2027-28 season. After that, Sony will take over the domestic syndication entirely.

New Roles for Marketing and Ad Sales

The settlement also reshuffles other key responsibilities. Marketing and affiliate relations for the shows will move to Sony after the current season ends.

Meanwhile, CBS will gain a larger role in another area. The company will exclusively handle all advertising sales for the programs through the 2029-30 season.

This compromise allows both companies to leverage their strengths. It ensures a smooth handover while maintaining stability for the beloved programs.

The resolution of this legal battle secures the future of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune for years to come. This settlement prevents further costly litigation and provides clarity for stations and fans worldwide, ensuring the continued distribution of these iconic game shows.

Info at your fingertips

What was the lawsuit between Sony and CBS about?

The legal dispute involved the syndication rights for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. Sony sued CBS, alleging contract breaches, and CBS countersued, leading to a year-long court battle.

When will Sony take over distributing the shows in the US?

Sony will become the domestic distributor after the 2027-28 season. CBS will continue to handle U.S. syndication until that time.

What changes for international viewers?

International distribution of both shows will transition to Sony starting December 1, 2025. This is the first major change under the settlement.

Who will sell advertising for the shows now?

CBS Media Ventures will exclusively lead all advertising sales through the 2029-30 season. This gives CBS an expanded role in the shows’ monetization.

Why did the two companies settle the case?

Both companies stated they reached an “amicable resolution” to avoid further litigation. The settlement allows them to continue working together on the beloved programs.

Trusted Sources

Information for this report was gathered from Reuters and Associated Press.