Culver City-based Sony said it would send new episodes directly to television stations, escalating the contract dispute with CBS. Paramount-owned CBS said it would go to court to try to block Sony's action.

Sony Pictures TV aims to take over full distribution of “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” as early as next week the studio battles CBS in a lawsuit over their longstanding partnership on the syndicated game show stalwarts.

The studio says it will take over distribution of the two popular game shows next week and amends an earlier lawsuit in the matter.

Sony Pictures Television, which produces syndicated TV game shows "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!", told distributor CBS Studios on Monday that it is taking back global distribution of the programs because of alleged contract violations by CBS.