According to an article from The Hollywood Reporter, judge has issued a temporary restraining order in favor of CBS in a litigation battle of ownership with Sony Television. Judge Kevin C. Brazile recently gave CBS a temporary restraining order refraining Sony Television’s access to distributing popular game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. You can read all about this brewing feud in a previous mxdwn article. Sony Television currently wants distribution rights to both shows, ending a 40-plus-year partnership with CBS.
A CBS Media Ventures spokesperson spoke about the incident saying, “We’re pleased the court issued a temporary restraining order against Sony’s unlawful actions,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. The spokesperson added CBS will continue its regular schedule of distributing Wheel of Fortune like they have been doing for over 40 years. The classic game show where contestants spin a wheel to win money is loved by many as well as Jeopardy.
Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are some of the most popular game shows in the United States and have been in a battle since October 2024 after Sony sued CBS. The company had allegedly been inappropriately using the show’s profits and value for selfish reasons per The Hollywood Reporter. Since the judge issued the restraining order against Sony, the company proceeded to distribute the two game shows, handling duties such as operating ad sales, marketing, and providing episodes to local stations.
The Hollywood Reporter states that CBS then reported a countersuit against Sony saying that the company allegedly attempted to win distribution rights to Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune for free — and used the court to leave the contract between the two companies. There has been no evidence to come forward about this. Since the restraining order is temporary, there is no exact date on when the court will resume with a final decision.