Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are two classic game shows that will never die. They attract millions of viewers daily, but they could become part of the streaming revolution.
What This Could Mean
According to a report from The New York Times, Sony Pictures Entertainment has begun soliciting bids for both game shows. The production company wants to move both programs to streaming. Currently, both shows air on traditional television during the primetime slot. According to Nielsen, they attract seven million viewers per night.
However, Jeopardy! has beaten out WoF in the ratings. That’s because a new contestant named Drew Gains has garnered attention. However, Sony wants to broaden its audience. They noticed that other broadcast shows, like WWE Raw, have found success with streaming. Keith Le Goy, the chairman of Sony’s television division, explained the reason for this move.
“The world is changing around us,” Le Goy said. “Consumption on streaming is now overtaking consumption of other forms of delivery of television. Big iconic franchises, like the N.F.L., the N.B.A., and W.W.E., are moving over.” Because of this, Sony would be able to acquire the official streaming rights for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune in September 2025. The agreement could last for three years. This means that fans will be able to stream new episodes the day after they air on traditional television.
READ THIS: The real reason why Sony signed Ryan Seacrest for Wheel of Fortune.
How To Watch
The report doesn’t specify whether viewers will be able to stream all past and present episodes of both game shows. It looks like it only applies to new episodes. Sony is currently negotiating with multiple streaming companies. An agreement could be reached as soon as April. This has been on Sony’s radar for some time now. “We want to make sure that these shows are as relevant as they are now — or more — 40 years from now,” Ravi Ahuja, chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said last month.
Currently, old episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune air on The Game Show Network. Fans could also watch the classic episodes of Jeopardy! with the late host Alex Trebek on Pluto. New episodes of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Jeopardy! are available to stream on Hulu. Meanwhile, Prime Video is the exclusive platform for Pop Culture Jeopardy! This change could have both game shows available to stream on at least one or two platforms.
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