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‘Days of our Lives’ Producer Files Lawsuit Against Sony Pictures Television
In a breach of contract and fraud complaint filed this morning, Corday Productions, the Producers of Days of our Lives, is seeking 20 million dollars in damages from its producing partner, Sony Pictures Television, as well as its Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems divisions, and to significantly take back control of the show.
In the 33-page court filed document this morning, Deadline.com noted some of the key points contained within. Corday Productions is alleging that Sony has treated the show unfairly skewed in favor of its Sony-owned daytime drama series, The Young and the Restless. The complaint indicates that, “While the domestic ratings for Days of Our Lives have remained largely constant, Sony’s distribution receipts have decreased by over 50%. This dramatic decline is directly attributable to a decision at the highest levels of Sony management to eliminate any competition to its own wholly-owned series The Young and The Restless also distributed by Sony.”
Sony Pictures Television distributes Days of our Lives in overseas territories, and in ancillary markets such as digital streaming. The DAYS suit alleges that Sony has failed to sell the show in key territories including: Great Britain, France, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Canada, France, Zambia, and South Africa.”
In the lawsuit, the producers also claim that Sony has stiffed them by forcing the production company, Corday Productions, to absorb budgetary deficits . The filing also claims that Sony is “imposing solely on Corday the burden of absorbing the multi-million dollar annual operating deficits due to an inadequate NBC license fee and mandating an inefficient, costly production schedule.”
The complaint filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, also alleges that Sony has provided Corday with inaccurate accounting and has failed to pay millions of dollars in profits.
Make sure to read more on the lawsuit click here.
So, what do you think about some of the key points that the Days of our Lives producers bring up in their lawsuit against Sony? Comment below.
I think the producers need to learn some basic geography/history: “… including Great Britain, Scotland, Wales…” A little redundant, much, LOL?
“sonniorsolita”…I just wanted to say how much I love your screen-name & how much I miss my all-time favorite show, GUIDING LIGHT.
–LujackLvr
What I think is that the last time there was a lawsuit filed against a daytime soap, it was a disaster. Does Prospect Park ring a bell? Hopefully DAYS doesn’t face the same fate as the AMC & OLTL revivals did because of this. Especially since it was just renewed for another year.
And who is writing Days right now? The guy who killed OLTL (and tried to kill General Hospital after that)
Ive been finding it very suspicious as of late that a show of days magnitude could operate on such a obvious shoestring budget. ..i mean most if not all scenes for example take place in 4-5 sets at any given time. The reused office set with the window in the corner is the most glaring. Pretty sad theres a lack of investment from the top. The acting and writing quality is firing on all cylinders but the show still looks budget.
I suspect that the network has always wanted to get rid of DOOL. That is the reason the network has made production so difficult.
True, this lawsuit confirms that Sony starved Days to feed Y&R.
I don’t believe the office is used nearly as much as the stone garden place that they come in one side and leave the other way.
When I was a youngster, I remember watching a Feed the Children program about starvation in Africa. One segment had a new mother of twins. She had to starve one baby in order to feed the other baby enough food to survive.
Sony is starving DAYS to feed Y&R.
It’s important to realize the soaps can’t survive on US viewership alone. They need overseas viewership, too.
Sony owns more of Y&R than DAYS. Sony distributes DAYS and Y&R to other countries for a percentage. Sony is able to keep most of the Y&R overseas money, but has to split the DAYS overseas money with Ken Corday, owner of DAYS.
Sony is squashing DAYS’ chances of making money (little of which goes to Sony) in order to distribute Y&R (and receive most of the money).
At the very least, DAYS and Sony should part ways, so DAYS can try to feed itself instead of allowing Sony to slowly starve DAYS to death.
The conflict of interest is too big to ignore and should be just cause to end the contract between DAYS and Sony.
I hate you, Sony!
SHUCKS ; this give me lots of pause for concern… along with that “no understanding” of how much SONY holds over Corday Production. AND what’s in it for NBC to air the show ? how much of commercial airtime is divided .
argh ! are we upsetting the apple cart as it were ?
is this the case of don’t bite the hand that feeds ?
WHICH , along w/James R. post below : is my first thought… “oh no, we could be cancelled”
as I’ve long posted… BUILD BUILD BUILD (like CBS ) around your serial… make that daytime block attract viewership AND higher commercial revenue
I can feel the dread rising …
I can only hope that TPTB just leave well enough alone… and surmise that , tho not a profit margin it once was.. is still a mainstay @NBC daytime arena.. because without a serial in its lineup… will only spiral that much quicker.
okay .. whatever… HELP ?!?!
keeping the faith…
I can only imagine that @DAYS is a part of a whole legion of entertainment, and is merely another asset on their balance sheet… and that if @SONY was truly going under AND had to trim the budget that much… how much back and forth happens each year when it’s renew time?
A big amen to this!
hi, again; was needing to vent … scared for my show, PLUS
having read the full article: I am so hoping ??? @DAYS can find another distributor
TAKEN from article : “…While the domestic ratings for Days of Our Lives have remained largely constant, Sony’s distribution receipts have decreased by over 50%,” the 33-page complaint asserts as it seeks of damages of over $20 million and significantly taking back control of the show.”
for me the OPERATIVE word: “…and significantly taking back control of the show”
I am so hoping this
DAYS would be an asset for any corporate balance sheet to offer along with any and all other package deals.
I hesitate to wonder just what the bottom lines are. seeing as how in our lifetime we had upwards of 15 shows at one time or another… AND looking for another conglomerate… COME ON SONY !!! WHAT GIVES ? AND/OR where is OUR proctor and gamble… General electric …
daytime is continually retooled with… looking at all the talk shows and cooking shows… @DAYS has shown an incredible , for DAYS , an indelible respectable increase in viewership… absolute !
okay I like long winded when I have the passion
LOL Salute !
Impeccable comment, 4ever!! And, your analogy made me do a double-take– Love, love, love the line, “Sony is starving DAYS to feed Y&R.”— eye-opener!!❤️
You’re absolutely right. Days deserves to be awarded every dollar of that 20 million.
Something bad is going to come out of this and while I don’t feel good admitting this, I am thinking only one word: cancellation.
Yep. If they don’t win the suit, DAYS is history.
Sounds reasonable. I do think if they get 100% of something, they’ll promote that over something they only get 50% of.
Very true Momo.
Not sure how this will turn out but hopefully Days isn’t hurt in some way in the end…it is now the only soap i faithfully watch…i plan to stop watching GH once the Ryan story ends!!!
Days is the only soap I watch now also Jimh. None of the other soaps interest me, so if Days is done I’m done with daytime soaps. And that’s very sad. I pray it doesn’t come to that!
Isn’t the only soap with any overseas distribution to speak of B&B? And that has a lot to do with its 30 minute runtime.
Is Corday saying it’s Sony’s mandate to film 6 months in advance?
It must be on Sony, there’s an article on Daytime Confidential from two years ago that says NBC demands that Days is filmed more recent and not months in advance.
Well if Sony is taking profits from Days and investing them into Y&R they have a right to peeved– but whether a big corp like Sony cares– not likely. My feeling is if Corday wins, Days will lose, if Sony wins, Days will lose. When P&G went out of the soap production business it left a big gap– if Sony pulls out its partnership with the Cordays- I don’t know if there will be another large company willing to take up the mantle of soap production, when the genre and daytime television is it’s dying days. My feeling, NBC won’t step in as producer– so this makes me nervous.
I’ve been riding the @DAYS wave of resurge AND top tier
this has put the angst back in… “OUR” show is still being celebrated !
I do know that I’ve read in SOD… that @DAYS was pulled from parts of Canada AND France… not certain of all the specific… outside of low viewership.
taken from article: “…”In the annals of Hollywood television, it is difficult to identify a distributor more guilty of blatant conflict of interest, deceit, perfidy, and abuse of market power. The only effective remedies are massive compensatory and punitive damages and immediate termination Sony’s exclusive, perpetual distribution agreement,” says Corday Productions. ”
LAST SENTENCE : “…and immediate termination Sony’s exclusive, perpetual distribution agreement,” says Corday Productions ”
it seems Corday Productions isn’t willing to work with SONY ? AND now what? that Ken Corday can in fact find another “distributor”
it occurred to me that Ken Corday would likely cash in on this “right” if he won this legalese… AND just venture in to his online internet ventures. thereby , that simply, letting go all that his parents have done for this genre.
SALUTE to September 2020 AND BEYOND
Great news, I hope Corday and DOOL win because the show deserves better than this. To starve Days to feed Y&R….NO! DOOL’s cast and crew have been doing really outstanding work, especially the past year and a half. And with the ratings up? They definitely deserve more money for better and more sets as well as cast and crew. I really pray that they win this. Sony deserves this for what they’ve done having Days to axe a lot of actors due to budget, same with Y&R as we’ve seen with the actors who played Ashley and Hilllary.
I MISS Valerie w/Abe… at the very least , lets see more of Sheila
I am going to miss big time : Chloe, this was thee opportune time to get her back involved with Brady… she was more relatable , little to no fuss and or muss… yet all the passion , like Kristen, Theresa, Nicole. Chloe IS FIRE. By the way… who didn’t see the electricity AND spark with Stefan… when he was in Dougs Place AND he was teasing and tantalizing Chloe… HOT ME OUT
same goes for my little spotlight, Belle daughter, granddaughter to John and Marlena.. altho you would never know the latter , that much. Olivia Rose Keegan’ Claire !!!! she’s a spitfire. you know.. they couldn’t tango with the same threesome… since Ben returned for Ciera… What was left for Tripp ? let alone, for Claire… she’s been emmy nominated from the start.. she’s worthy.
FINER POINT :
I am so loving the easy banter with flair flash flummoxed… just do it already !!! Jack and Eve. hit it… the sheets.. forget about these plot points that he’s about to put out… AND he has this flash memory of being faithful to another women !!!!! argh. how staid. it’s been a good time watching Jack get in and around Salem… I like the easy slow transition they’re taking with JJ and Abs.
Here is an explanation as to what this is all about: Corday is fed up with Sony over the above mentioned issues. Corday wishes to terminate it’s current contract with Sony since it has secured a new distribution partner with better terms as a replacement. However, due to the current terms of the contract (perpetual, does not expire) with Sony, Corday is taking legal action which is required in order to terminate the contract. NBC is not involved in this in anyway. Corday packages and produces the content then Sony distributes it to NBC domestically and also to foreign markets. The license fees paid by NBC are used to cover the costs of production and the profit is made from lic. fees generated from selling the content abroad.
I want to add a few more things…The contract with Sony actually dates back to in 1965 when perpetual contracts were commonplace. They are virtually nonexistant today. Nowadays contracts are terminally based with an option for renewal which is better for all parties involved. When this contract began no one could conceive a TV show being in production for 55 years so it wasn’t a big deal to enter a perpetual contract as long as it favored both parties. Also, a lot has changed in 55 years…Screen Gems was acquired by Columbia who was later acquired by Sony. Sony owns Y&R unlike Days which Corday owns. Sony doesn’t have to split the profits from Y&R like they do with Days so it makes more sense to them to push Y&R and make 100 percent of revenues vs. 50 percent they make from Days. When Sony acquired Y&R Corday should have sued the next day because it immediately put Days at a disadvantage.
“Thank You” for the “laymens” edition w/step by. appreciate it
as long as the distributor is in fact
whew
catch
What a shame.
Over the past year or two, I’ve been grateful that it’s become legally possible to enjoy watching current episodes (with commercials) in high-definition via an Internet website.
It would be wonderful if they could go back and similarly make all episodes from the past 10 years or so ALSO available in the same high-definition format, even if it required paying a fee. Of course, such flexibility seems impossible, given the contractual handcuffs the producers seem to have placed themselves under.
Unfortunately Days didn’t start airing in high definition until November 8, 2010 and that’s as far back true HD is possible. They could however stretch it to fit and digitally enhance the content but there’s a cost associated with that and it would be difficult to convince TPTB that the profitability would exist.
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”
Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.
Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.
Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.
Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.
Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.
Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.
Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.
Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.
Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.
Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!
Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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