NATIONWIDE – Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday multi-year, co-exclusive licensing deals that will bring the popular syndicated game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune to streaming platforms Hulu (https://www.hulu.com/) and Peacock (https://www.peacocktv.com/) for next-day streaming.

Key Facts:

• Streaming Debut: Starting this September, in-season episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune will be available for national next-day streaming on Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and Peacock.
• Expanded Accessibility: This marks the first time that currently syndicated episodes of these iconic game shows will be available on major national streaming platforms, alongside access to library episodes.
• Strategic Partnership: Sony Pictures Television aims to broaden the reach of the shows to new audiences while providing existing fans with greater flexibility in how they watch their favorite programs.

This new streaming availability will begin with the launch of Jeopardy!’s 42nd season and Wheel of Fortune’s 43rd season in syndication.

What Does This Mean for Viewers?

For decades, viewers have primarily relied on traditional broadcast television to catch daily episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. This new agreement fundamentally shifts that dynamic, offering a convenience factor previously unavailable. Fans who miss an episode due to work, appointments, or simply preferring to stream content on their own schedule will now have immediate access the following day. This move reflects a broader industry trend of major studios and content creators seeking to expand their reach beyond linear television and cater to the growing number of cord-cutters and streaming-first audiences.

How Does This Impact the Shows’ Future?

The decision by Sony Pictures Television to bring these long-running game shows to streaming platforms is a strategic one, aimed at ensuring their continued relevance and expanding their viewership base. With a weekly audience of over 20 million viewers, Jeopardy! is currently in its 41st season, and Wheel of Fortune in its 42nd. Both shows are cultural staples, and this streaming deal is expected to introduce them to a new generation of viewers who may not regularly watch syndicated television. Will this increased accessibility lead to even higher ratings and renewed interest in the classic game show format?

What About the Ongoing Legal Dispute?

This streaming deal is separate from an ongoing legal dispute between Sony Pictures Television and CBS, which has historically handled the syndication distribution for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Sony claims CBS has failed to uphold its contract regarding the distribution of the shows in local markets and has entered into unauthorized overseas licensing deals. CBS has filed a countersuit. While the streaming agreement moves forward, the legal battle over linear TV syndication rights continues, raising questions about the future of how these shows are distributed on traditional broadcast networks.