CBS to Keep Rights to Distribute ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Jeopardy!’ For Now

An appeals court has temporarily blocked Sony from taking over distribution of syndicated game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune from CBS.

California’s Second Appellate District on Thursday paused a Los Angeles judge’s ruling last week denying CBS’s bid for a preliminary injunction, allowing the network to continue distributing the shows. That order is “stayed pending further order of this court,” a three-judge panel ruled.

Sony produces the two long-running shows, which are perennially among the most watched syndicated programs on broadcast TV. In February, Sony took over CBS’ role as a distributor after claiming that the network breached its contract by entering into unauthorized licensing agreements. CBS later filed for a restraining order seeking to keep the terms of the deal in place, which was granted.

But on Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution. CBS immediately appealed, which was granted.

At the heart of the lawsuit: allegations that CBS licensed the shows at below-market rates, failed to maximize advertising revenue and has overall rendered itself incapable of living up to its end of the agreement with Sony by implementing far-reaching layoffs that have allegedly decimated teams responsible for the shows’ distribution, marketing and advertising sales.

CBS declined to comment, while Sony didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.