Sony Pictures Television
The television production, distribution and format business of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is the television production and distribution arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the motion-picture and television subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. Based at the Sony Pictures Studios complex in Culver City, California, SPT develops, finances, produces, distributes and licenses scripted and unscripted programming, television formats, game shows, children’s content, factual entertainment and digital video. It also operates or has operated production companies, television networks and channel businesses in numerous territories. The modern SPT identity was established on September 16, 2002, when Sony Pictures Entertainment renamed Columbia TriStar Television in the United States and created the Sony Pictures Television International identity for its international business. The company’s institutional history reaches back to Pioneer Telefilms, founded by Ralph Cohn in 1947 and acquired by Columbia Pictures in 1948. That business became Screen Gems, later Columbia Pictures Television, and subsequently merged with TriStar Television in 1994 to form Columbia TriStar Television. SPT therefore represents the latest corporate iteration of a television studio lineage associated with Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems. SPT’s activities have extended well beyond the production of individual series. Through international production operations and investments, it has participated in local television businesses in countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, Colombia, Sweden and China. Its portfolio has included scripted drama, comedy, reality, factual programming, children’s shows, entertainment formats and game shows. Acquisitions and partnerships have brought companies and intellectual property such as 2waytraffic, the international owner of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? format, Embassy Row, Left Bank Pictures, Playmaker Media, Silvergate Media and Bad Wolf into Sony’s production and distribution orbit. The company has also been active in television networks. At different times, Sony Pictures Television has owned or operated channels and services under brands including AXN, Animax, Sony Movie Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony One and related regional networks. During the late 2010s and early 2020s, Sony shifted emphasis toward content production, licensing and distribution rather than retaining a large portfolio of wholly owned channels. This led to the sale of several regional network groups, including Southeast Asian and Korean channels to KC Global Media, United Kingdom channels to Narrative Capital, and Central and Eastern European channels and streaming services to Antenna Group. SPT’s catalogue includes internationally distributed series such as Breaking Bad, The Blacklist, Community, Seinfeld and The Crown, although individual programs may involve external producers, broadcasters or platforms and are not necessarily wholly owned or produced by SPT in every territory. Its business model combines commissioned production, co-production, format licensing, library exploitation, international sales and local production. The company remains an active global television studio, while particular labels, investments and regional channel assets have changed through divestments, restructurings and new partnerships.
History
Sony Pictures Television’s corporate lineage begins with Pioneer Telefilms, founded by Ralph Cohn in 1947. Columbia Pictures acquired the company in 1948 and renamed it Screen Gems. The television operation was reincorporated as Columbia Pictures Television in 1974. TriStar Television, established in 1986 and relaunched in 1991, later merged with Columbia Pictures Television in February 1994 to create Columbia TriStar Television. On September 16, 2002, Sony Pictures Entertainment renamed its United States television studio Sony Pictures Television and used Sony Pictures Television International for its overseas business. SPT International expanded through local production ventures and acquisitions. It entered France through the 2004 acquisition of Starling, formed a Chinese joint venture called Huaso later that year, acquired a minority interest in British company Gogglebox Entertainment in 2008, and bought 2waytraffic, whose assets included the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? format. In 2009, SPT acquired Embassy Row and took a 50 percent stake in Colombian producer Teleset. It also unified its United States and international television operations under the SPT brand, making SPT International an in-name-only identity. The following years brought a series of international investments: Victory Television was formed in London in 2011; SPT acquired Dolphin Broadcast Services and a majority stake in Silver River Productions in 2012; Left Bank Pictures joined the portfolio in 2012; and Playmaker Media in Australia was acquired in 2014. SPT also acquired CSC Media Group and its channel assets in 2014, and bought the Dutch service Film1 from Liberty Global in 2015. Sony relaunched TriStar Television as a boutique production label in 2015. In 2016 it closed Victory Television while retaining international distribution rights to its programs. International expansion continued with investments in Swedish company Palladium Fiction, British scripted producer Eleventh Hour Films, and the acquisition of Funimation in 2017. Funimation was later brought into a broader Sony anime structure with Aniplex’s Madman Anime Group and Wakanim. SPT expanded its children’s and family portfolio with the 2019 acquisition of Silvergate Media, known for properties including Octonauts and Hilda. In 2020, the company acquired a majority stake in British drama producer Eleven Film, sold its French production business and Starling to Satisfaction Group while retaining an interest in that group, and divested several Asian channels to KC Global Media. These moves reflected a broader strategic shift away from owning large channel portfolios and toward producing, licensing and distributing content. The divestment program continued in 2021, when SPT sold UK channels to Narrative Capital and Central and Eastern European channels and OTT services to Antenna Group. SPT simultaneously invested in production, acquiring a majority stake in Welsh company Bad Wolf. In 2022, Banijay acquired SPT’s German television business, which became Noisy Pictures. In 2023, longtime production executive Ed Lammi announced his retirement after a career spanning the Columbia and Sony television eras. In 2024, SPT launched Hot Sauce Pictures in Belfast with Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson. The company continues to operate as Sony Pictures Entertainment’s global television studio, with production, formats, distribution, children’s content, nonfiction, music development and selected network activities.
- 2024
Hot Sauce Pictures is launched
[1]SPT establishes a Belfast production company with Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson.
- 2021
Bad Wolf investment and European channel sales
[1]SPT acquires a majority stake in Bad Wolf and sells UK and Central and Eastern European channel assets.
- 2020
Sony accelerates channel divestments
[1]SPT sells major Southeast Asian and Korean channel assets while emphasizing content licensing and production.
- 2017
Funimation acquisition closes
[1]Sony Pictures Television completes its acquisition of a controlling interest in Funimation.
- 2015
TriStar Television is relaunched
[1]TriStar Television returns as a boutique production label within Sony Pictures Television.
- 2009
International and domestic operations are unified
[1]Sony consolidates its television companies and joint ventures under the SPT brand.
- 2007
The Minisode Network launches
[1]SPT introduces a digital channel distributing short versions of library television programs through MySpace and later other online platforms.
- 2002
Sony Pictures Television launches
[1]Sony Pictures Entertainment renames its American television studio Sony Pictures Television and establishes the SPT International identity for overseas operations.
- 1994
Columbia TriStar Television is formed
[1]Columbia Pictures Television merges with TriStar Television.
- 1974
Columbia Pictures Television is established
[1]The television operation is reincorporated under the Columbia Pictures Television name.
Products and positioning
A global content studio combining television production, international distribution, format licensing and selective network operations.
Television production · 2002
Scripted television production
SPT develops and produces scripted series across drama, comedy and genre categories through its United States and international production operations. Its production ecosystem includes wholly owned labels, majority-owned companies, joint ventures and commissioned projects made with broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Content distribution · 2002
International television distribution
SPT licenses and distributes television programs, formats and library content across territories. Distribution may cover finished programs, remake rights, format rights and associated exploitation of Sony’s television catalogue.
Television production · 2002
Unscripted and factual entertainment
The business produces reality, factual, entertainment and competition programming for broadcasters and digital platforms. Its portfolio has included production companies and format businesses serving both American and international markets.
Television format · 2008
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
SPT acquired 2waytraffic in 2008, bringing the international format rights business for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? into its television portfolio. Local versions are produced by regional licensees and production partners.
Children’s television · 2019
Children’s and family programming
SPT develops, produces and distributes children’s and family content through its Kids activities and international production companies. The Silvergate Media acquisition added established children’s properties including Octonauts and Hilda to the wider Sony portfolio.
Broadcasting and television networks · 2002
Television networks and channels
SPT has operated and invested in entertainment, movie, anime and general-interest channels, including AXN, Animax and Sony-branded networks. Many regional channel assets were subsequently sold as the company prioritized content production and licensing.
Digital video · 2007
The Minisode Network
A short-form digital channel introduced in 2007, The Minisode Network presented condensed versions of older television programs, initially through MySpace and later through services including AOL TV and YouTube.
Controversies
2021
Actress files sexual harassment lawsuit involving The Young and the Restless production
Actress Briana Thomas filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Anthony Morina, CBS Studios, and Sony Pictures Television. She alleges that Morina sexually harassed her and that she was terminated after refusing his advances; these are allegations in the lawsuit, not findings established in the article.
Marketing campaigns
- 2007The Minisode Network digital distribution initiative
United States · Online
SPT promoted short-form versions of library programs through a dedicated digital channel and expanded availability from MySpace to additional online platforms.
Outcome. The initiative broadened online access to Sony’s television library, but the channel was later discontinued.
Brand decisions
2022
Sell Sony Pictures Television Germany to BanijayM&ABackground
SPT continued to streamline selected local operating businesses while concentrating on areas with stronger strategic fit.
Action taken
Sony agreed to sell its German television production company to Banijay; the transaction was completed in October 2022 and the business was renamed Noisy Pictures.
Aftermath
Banijay expanded its German production operations, while SPT exited direct ownership of the German unit.
2021
Acquire majority stake in Bad WolfM&ABackground
SPT sought to strengthen its UK scripted-production capabilities and international drama pipeline.
Action taken
Sony Pictures Television acquired a majority stake in Welsh production company Bad Wolf.
Aftermath
Bad Wolf became part of SPT’s international production network while continuing to operate as a production company.
2020
Shift from channel ownership toward content licensingStrategyBackground
Sony reassessed its portfolio as television economics increasingly favored scalable content production, rights licensing and distribution rather than ownership of numerous regional channels.
Action taken
SPT sold several channel groups and continued investing in production companies and content rights.
Aftermath
The company divested Southeast Asian, Korean, UK and later Central and Eastern European network assets while maintaining a global television production and distribution focus.
2017
Acquire controlling interest in FunimationM&ABackground
Sony sought closer access to anime production, distribution and related Sony businesses, including Animax and Kids Station.
Action taken
SPT agreed to acquire a 95 percent controlling interest in Funimation for $143 million. The U.S. Department of Justice approved the transaction in August 2017, and closing occurred in October.
Aftermath
Funimation became part of Sony’s anime strategy and was later coordinated with Aniplex’s Madman Anime Group and Wakanim.
Transaction value. 143 million USD (2017 announced acquisition)
Recent events
Sony Pictures Television to acquire majority stake in Bad Wolf[4]
Reported:
Sony Pictures Television announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf. The deal also includes the Wolf Studios Wales soundstage facility and Bad Wolf's 30% stake in Bad Wolf America.
- Unconfirmed
Sony Pictures Television acquires majority stake in Bad Wolf[5]
Reported:
Sony Pictures Television officially bought Bad Wolf, taking a majority stake in the production company. The deal also included the Wolf Studios Wales facility and a minority stake in Bad Wolf America.
- Unconfirmed
Sony Pictures Television launches Fearless Food YouTube channel[6]
Sony Pictures Television launched the Fearless Food YouTube channel, featuring original episodes fronted by chef Kiran Jethwa.
Antenna Group agrees to acquire Sony Pictures Television's CEE portfolio[7]
Reported:
Antenna Group agreed with Sony Pictures Television to acquire the CEE AXN, Sony and Viasat pay-TV channels and on-demand services across 12 territories.
- Unconfirmed
Antenna Group acquires Sony Pictures Television channels in CEE[8]
Antenna Group acquired a portfolio of 22 pay TV channels and two OTT services across 12 Central and Eastern European territories from Sony Pictures Television.
Actress files sexual harassment lawsuit involving The Young and the Restless production[3]
Reported:
Actress Briana Thomas filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Anthony Morina, CBS Studios, and Sony Pictures Television. She alleges that Morina sexually harassed her and that she was terminated after refusing his advances; these are allegations in the lawsuit, not findings established in the article.
- Unconfirmed
Narrative acquires Sony's UK channels[9]
Narrative Capital acquired Sony Pictures Television's UK free-to-air channel portfolio, including seven channels and digital assets such as the POP AVoD service.
Sony Pictures Television secures global distribution rights to Who You Gonna Call?[10]
Reported:
Sony Pictures Television secured global distribution rights to the feature documentary Who You Gonna Call? in a deal with River Road Pictures.
- Unconfirmed
Satisfaction Group acquires SPT France businesses[11]
Satisfaction Group acquired 100% of SPT Production France and its sister production company Starling, taking over SPT’s non-scripted business in France. Financial details were not disclosed.
- Unconfirmed
HBO announces The Last of Us television adaptation[12]
HBO announced that Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann would adapt The Last of Us into a live-action television series, with Sony Pictures Television responsible for co-production.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources16 sources
- 1Sony Pictures Televisionen.wikipedia.org
- 2Sony Pictures Television official websitesonypicturestelevision.com
- 3Actress files sexual harassment lawsuit involving The Young and the Restless productiondailymail.com
- 4Sony Pictures Television将收购Bad Wolf多数股权screendaily.com
- 5Sony Pictures Television收购Bad Wolf多数股权radiotimes.com
- 6索尼影业电视推出《Fearless Food》YouTube 频道c21media.net
- 7Antenna Group 同意收购 Sony Pictures Television 的中东欧业务组合business-review.eu
- 8Antenna Group收购Sony Pictures Television在中东欧的频道c21media.net
- 9Narrative收购Sony在英国的频道组合c21media.net
- 10索尼影视电视获得纪录片《Who You Gonna Call?》全球发行权screendaily.com
- 11Satisfaction Group收购SPT法国业务c21media.net
- 12HBO宣布改编《最后生还者》电视剧donews.com
- 13All 4获得《宋飞正传》英国流媒体播放权variety.com
- 14索尼影视电视收购 Silvergate Mediaadvanced-television.com
- 15Sony Pictures Television收购Silvergate Mediadeadline.com
- 16维亚康姆获得《宋飞正传》独家有线电视版权geo.tv
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