CBS Television Studios

CBS Television Studios
Name	CBS Television Studios
Foundation	26 September 2006
Location	CBS Building, New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	David Stapf (President)
Parent	CBS Entertainment Group (Paramount Global)
Industry	Television production

Contents

History
Productions
Divisions and labels
Distribution
Leadership
See also

CBS Television Studios is a major American television production company that serves as the primary production arm of the CBS Entertainment Group, a division of Paramount Global. Established in 2006 through the consolidation of several legacy production entities, the studio is responsible for producing a vast array of scripted and unscripted programming for the CBS broadcast network, its in-house streaming service Paramount+, and external platforms. With a prolific output spanning iconic long-running series and new hits, it is a cornerstone of the American television industry and a key asset within the media conglomerate's portfolio.

History

The studio was formed on September 26, 2006, merging the production operations of CBS Productions and Spelling Television, the latter having been acquired by former parent Viacom in 1999. This reorganization under then-parent CBS Corporation aimed to streamline production following the split of Viacom and CBS. The new entity inherited a rich legacy from its predecessors, including the libraries of Desilu Productions and Paramount Television, which had produced classics like Star Trek: The Original Series and Cheers. Following the CBS–Viacom merger in 2019, which created Paramount Global, the studio was integrated into the broader Paramount Television Studios family, though it continues to operate as a distinct label focused on broadcast and streaming productions for its corporate siblings.

Productions

The studio is renowned for producing many of the most-watched and enduring series on American television. Its flagship productions for the CBS network include the ''NCIS'' franchise, The Amazing Race, Survivor, and the ''CSI'' franchise. It also produces successful series for other outlets, such as Dexter: New Blood for Showtime and streaming originals like Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight for Paramount+. The studio's output encompasses a wide range of genres, from procedural dramas and reality competition to late-night programming like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, maintaining a dominant presence in primetime ratings.

Divisions and labels

CBS Television Studios operates several specialized divisions and labels to develop content for diverse audiences and platforms. Key units include CBS Studios International, which handles global sales and co-productions, and CBS Eye Animation Productions, focused on animated series such as Star Trek: Lower Decks. The studio also manages the CBS News production of 60 Minutes and oversees the in-house production of daytime dramas like The Young and the Restless. Through strategic labels, it collaborates with high-profile creators and produces content for non-CBS networks, maintaining a flexible and expansive production ecosystem.

Distribution

Domestic and international distribution for the studio's vast library and new series is primarily managed by CBS Media Ventures (formerly CBS Television Distribution). This division handles broadcast syndication of off-network series like SEAL Team and first-run syndication of programs such as Entertainment Tonight. International sales and format licensing are conducted through CBS Studios International, which markets properties like Blue Bloods and Hawaii Five-0 worldwide. Additionally, streaming rights for many series are held by Paramount+ and licensed to other platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Leadership

The studio has been led by President David Stapf since its inception in 2006, overseeing all creative and business operations. Stapf reports to George Cheeks, President and CEO of the CBS Entertainment Group. Key creative executives under Stapf have included heads of development and current programming who have shepherded hits from Chuck Lorre and Michelle King. The leadership operates under the broader corporate structure of Paramount Global, with oversight from executives like Bob Bakish and the board of directors.