Sony Sues CBS Over Jeopardy! & Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are two very popular game shows, and now, uncertainty strikes because Sony is allegedly suing CBS. However, if you think this will end the career of Ryan Seacrest, you’d probably be wrong. Read on for more information.

Wheel Of Fortune & Jeopardy! Bosses Accused 

Right now, Ryan Seacrest seems to be the flavor of the year with Sony and with CBS. If you don’t know, Sony produces the two shows and CBS distributes them. With Jeopardy! high in the ratings, and Ryan punching WoF ratings through the roof, Sony wants their full share of the takings. 

According to Closer Weekly, basically, Sony is allegedly accusing CBS of not paying them their fair share of the earnings from Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! Sony, two years into producing the game shows, wants every dollar that they feel entitled to. And, that makes economic sense for them. But it could be a messy lawsuit.

CBS Kept Money They Should Have Shared?

A source told the outlet that the allegations about the money from Jeopardy! and the other game show are at the center of a row between the big bosses. The source claimed:

The reality is that CBS has been egregiously undercutting the value of these shows in favor of its own self-interest and in violation of its contractual obligations. 

Furthermore, “Sony Pictures Television are not happy with having the two highest-rated shows in syndication with Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune and they are opting to be super aggressive with their longtime distribution partners at CBS over how exactly these shows are being monetized.”

Paying Commission From Wheel of Fortune Unfairly?

The problem that Sony has is that allegedly, CBS network didn’t pay them for money earned from the syndication in Australia and New Zealand. So, it seemed that they hadn’t gotten authorization to do that. To make matters worse, allegedly, the bosses of the two game shows’ distribution didn’t charge enough for syndicating the popular game shows. And, they paid themselves a commission.

Furthermore, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune could have earned more money, and Sony alleged that advertising could have brought in much more profit. Especially with Ryan Seacrest doing so well as the WoF host. Allegedly, Sony is fuming as the Australian and New Zealand income that they should get isn’t happening. And CBS, it is claimed, won’t hand it over. 

Ryan Seacrest Will Benefit

Ryan Seacrest landed himself a two-year contract. Well, Sony thinks that they should extend that because hey, right now, he’s gold for the network. As for the other employees, time will tell how it all falls out. But one thing seems certain, lawsuits at the top levels will make things awkward for everyone working for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.

What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments below, and come back here often for all your television news and updates.