Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television (commonly known as MGM Television and later MGM/UA Television among other names) is an American television production/distribution company launched in 1955 and a subsidiary of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc.
From 2005–2006, MGM's programs were distributed by Sony Pictures Television (as a result from a Sony-led consortium buying MGM). Since May 31, 2006, MGM Television has resumed sole production and distribution of its programs on television and rejoined the first-run syndication marke.
History[]
In 1955, MGM launched Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television with its first program, The MGM Parade. After closing its distribution offices and selling the syndication rights for its library to United Artist, MGM TV started the MGM Family Network on 145 stations.[1][2][2]
1980s−1990s[]
After a merger with United Artists in 1981, the company was renamed MGM/UA Television. It was temporarily bought by Ted Turner in 1986, but returned ownership after 74 days due to a crushing debt. Turner kept the television shows from before May 1986, including Gilligan's Island and its animated spin-offs. The acquisition of Turner Broadcasting System by Time Warner in 1996, resulting in a new name of MGM/UA Television Productions
Between 1987 and 1997, the company underwent several more acquisitions and name changes as other companies were formed for various purposes. One of those name changes brought back MGM Television.
2000s−present[]
In 2005, the company became MGM Worldwide Television Distribution after being purchased by a consortium which included Sony and Providence Equity Partners. The following year, MGM dropped Sony as its and home entertainment distributor and shifted distribution to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, accompanied by relaunching its TV production/distribution arm.
MGM Television operates three networks, two are co-owned and operated by other companies: ThisTV, Epix and MGM HD.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- As of 2014, MGM Television has known to air early New Line Cinema releases before the latter is owned by Warner Bros.
Films[]
As of November 2013, MGM Television has made only one movie. In 1983, they released I Want to Live!, a TV movie remake of the 1958 film by United Artists, starring Lindsay Wagner and Martin Balsam.