“Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” are planning to stream in-season episodes for the first time ever, starting this September on Hulu, Peacock and Hulu on Disney+. Sony Pictures Television announced the multi-year, co-exclusive, national next-day streaming licensing deals on Tuesday.
As part of the deal, Sony said this is the first time that in-season syndicated episodes of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel” would be available on national streamers; library episodes of the shows will also be available.
“We are thrilled to bring America’s favorite game shows to an even wider audience on Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and Peacock,” said Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “’Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ are two of the most successful game shows in television history and we look forward to giving fans the best possible streaming access to our shows this fall.”
According to Sony, the streaming will begin as “Jeopardy” hits Season 42 and “Wheel” marks Season 43 in syndication.
News comes as Sony and CBS continue to battle over their longstanding partnership on the two high-rated syndicated game shows. For decades, Sony produced the series (having acquired original producer Merv Griffin’s production company) while CBS was the syndication distributor (having acquired original distribber King World).
Last year, Sony filed a lawsuit alleging that CBS owes Sony from past deals; CBS countersued in November. In February, Sony told CBS that it was taking over distributing the show, but CBS fought the move.
In April, a judge allowed Sony to take over distribution of the shows, but most recently last week, the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Second Appellate District, granted CBS’s writ of supersedeas, meaning CBS remains the current distributor of both shows — and that the April order is stayed for the entirety of CBS’ appeal.
As for the streaming deal, Sony added in its release, “These deals will expand ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’s’ reach to a new generation of viewers while ensuring that existing fans can enjoy their favorite shows with greater accessibility, deepening the fandom overall for these formidable franchises.”