Columbia Tri-Star Television - Definition and Overview

SPT logo

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is a TV distribution company in the United States. Previously known as Screen Gems, Columbia Pictures Television, and Columbia TriStar Television (after merging with TriStar Television), the name was changed to reflect the Sony brand in 2002.

Shows distributed by SPT

NOTE: Not all these shows were originally produced by this unit.

• Days of Our Lives (1965-present) (in conjunction with Corday Productions)
• All in the Family (1971-1979) (acquired from Norman Lear)
• Maude (1972-1978) (acquired from Norman Lear)
• The Young and the Restless (1973-present) (in conjunction with Bell-Phillip Television and Corday Productions)
• The Jeffersons (1975-1985) (acquired from Norman Lear)
• What's Happening!! (1976-1979) (distribution only)
• Soap (1977-1981) (distribution only)
• Diff'rent Strokes (1978-1986) (acquired from Norman Lear)
• Benson (1979-1986) (distribution only)
• The Facts of Life (1979-1988) (acquired from Norman Lear)
• Wheel of Fortune (1983-present) (acquired from Merv Griffin)
• Jeopardy! (1984-present) (acquired from Merv Griffin)
• Punky Brewster (1984-1988) (US distribution only)
• Thomas and Friends (1984-present)
• Designing Women (1986-1993)
• Married... with Children (1987-1997)
• Shining Time Station (1989-1997)
• Seinfeld (1989-1998)
• Mad About You (1992-1999)
• The Nanny (1993-1999)
• Party of Five (1994-2000)
• The King of Queens (1998-present)
• Dilbert (1999-2000)
• The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer (2004-present)
• Joan of Arcadia (2005-present)