Spelling Television

Spelling Television. It was a major American television production company founded in 1986 by legendary producer Aaron Spelling as a successor to his earlier venture, Aaron Spelling Productions. Operating as the primary production arm of Spelling Entertainment, the studio became synonymous with a string of iconic, high-rated prime time dramas and soap operas that dominated network television for two decades. The company was a cornerstone of the ABC schedule throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, and its assets were ultimately integrated into CBS Studios following corporate mergers.

History

The company was established in 1986, reorganizing the prolific output of Aaron Spelling under the new corporate banner of Spelling Entertainment. This era saw an immensely fruitful partnership with the ABC network, often referred to as the "Must See TV" of its time, filling the network's lineup with numerous hits. In 1994, Spelling Entertainment was acquired by Blockbuster Entertainment, which was then part of the media conglomerate Viacom. This placed the studio under the same corporate umbrella as the CBS network. Following the 2000 merger of CBS and Viacom, its operations were gradually merged with those of other production units like Paramount Television and CBS Productions. The brand was officially retired in 2006 when its remaining operations were folded into the newly formed CBS Studios.

Notable productions

The studio's output defined a generation of television, specializing in glossy, character-driven serials. Its major hits for ABC included the long-running prime time soap opera Dynasty (which originated at the predecessor company but continued under the new banner), the iconic beach blanket drama Beverly Hills, 90210, the supernatural phenomenon Charmed, and the teen-focused mystery series 7th Heaven. Other signature series included the melodrama Melrose Place, the sitcom The Love Boat, and the fantasy drama Fantasy Island. The company also produced the critically acclaimed but controversial miniseries The Last Don and the popular mystery series Murder, She Wrote during its later seasons.

Business operations

As the core production entity of the publicly traded Spelling Entertainment, its operations were integral to the parent company's value. The studio maintained extensive production facilities, most notably Spelling's large complex on the Fox lot in Century City. Under Viacom ownership, its production activities were coordinated with other units like Paramount Network Television. The company was also active in television film production and first-run syndication, producing series such as Daytime talk show The Howie Mandel Show. Key executives included Spelling's longtime partner E. Duke Vincent, who served as president.

Legacy and impact

The company left an indelible mark on popular culture, creating archetypal characters and glamorous settings that became staples of American television. Series like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place under head writer Darren Star essentially created the modern teen drama and influenced countless successors, including The O.C. and Gossip Girl. Its business trajectory reflects the consolidation of the television industry in the 1990s and 2000s, as independent producers were absorbed into major media conglomerates. The integration of its library into CBS Studios ensured the enduring syndication and streaming life of its most popular titles. Aaron Spelling himself, through this company, earned a place in the Guinness World Records as history's most prolific television producer.

See also

* Aaron Spelling * Spelling Entertainment * Viacom * CBS Studios * Prime time soap opera

Category:American television production companies Category:Defunct television production companies of the United States