Editing Universal Television

{{short description|American television production company}}
{{for|the international pay television channel|Universal TV}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Universal Television LLC
| logo = [[File:Universal Television Logo.svg|250px|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_size = 250px
| logo_caption = Logo used since 2011
| former_names = {{Plainlist|
<!-- * Revue Studios (1943–1963)
* Universal Pictures Television Department (1956–1964)
* Universal-International Television (1957–1963)
* Studios USA Television LLC (1998–2002)
* Universal Studios Network Programming (1999–2003)
* Universal Network Television (a.k.a. Universal Domestic Television) (2002–2004) -->
* NBC Universal Television Studio (2004–2007)
* Universal Media Studios (2007–2011)
}}
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| predecessors = {{Plainlist|
* [[#Revue Studios|Revue Studios]]
* [[#Universal Television (original iteration)|Universal Television (original iteration)]]
* [[#NBC Studios (production company)|NBC Studios]]
* [[#Studios USA Television|Studios USA Television]]
* [[Universal Television#PolyGram Television/Universal Network Television|PolyGram Television]]
* [[Universal Television#USA Cable Entertainment|USA Cable Entertainment]]
* [[#MCA Television Entertainment|MCA Television Entertainment]]
}}
| owner = 
| parent = <!--[[MCA Inc.|MCA]] (1943–1996)<br>[[Universal Studios, Inc.]] (1996–2004)--><br>[[NBCUniversal]] (2004–2019)<br> [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming#Universal Studio Group|Universal Studio Group]] (2019–present)
| founded = <!-- {{Start date and age|1943}} (as Revue Studios)<br>{{Start date and age|1956}} (as original incarnation; defunct 2004)<br>-->{{Start date and age|2004}} (current incarnation; as NBC Universal Television Studio)
| hq_location_city = [[Universal City, California|Universal City]], [[California]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| key_people = Erin Underhill ([[President (corporate title)|president]])
| industry = [[Television production]]
| divisions = [[SNL Studios]]<br>[[EMKA, Ltd.]]<br>Open 4 Business Productions
| website = {{official website|https://www.nbcumv.com/studios-distribution/universal-television-alternative-studio}}
}}

'''Universal Television LLC''' (abbreviated as '''UTV''') is an American television [[production company]] that is a division of [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming#Universal Studio Group|Universal Studio Group]], a division of [[NBCUniversal]], which, in turn, is a wholly owned subsidiary of [[Comcast]]. It serves as the network television production arm of [[NBC]]; a predecessor of the company, NBC Studios, previously assumed such functions, and a substantial portion of the company's shows air on the network.

It was formerly known by various names, including '''Revue Studios''', '''Universal Pictures Television Department''', '''Universal-International Television''', '''Studios USA Television LLC''', '''Universal Studios Network Programming''', '''Universal Network Television''', '''Universal Domestic Television''', '''NBC Universal Television Studio''', and '''Universal Media Studios'''. It is also known as '''Open 4 Business Productions''' in copyright in certain television series produced by them since 2009. Re-established in 2004, both NBC Studios and the original Universal Television are predecessors of the current Universal Television, formerly known as NBC Universal Television Studio and Universal Media Studios.

==History==
{{Evolution of Comcast NBCUniversal}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:UniversalCity1964.jpg|thumb|The Universal City Logo from 1964–1969.]] -->

===Revue Studios===
{{infobox company
| name = Revue Studios
| logo = Revue Studios.webp
| former_name = Revue Productions Inc. (1943–1959)
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| founder = [[MCA Inc.|Music Corporation of America]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1943}}
| defunct = {{end date and age|1963}}
| fate = Renamed to Universal Television
| successor = Universal Television
| parent = [[MCA Inc.|MCA]]
| owner = 
| divisions = EMKA, Ltd.
}}

'''Revue Studios''' (first known as '''Revue Productions Inc.''') was founded in 1943 by [[MCA Inc.|MCA]] to produce live radio shows; it also produced "[[Stage Door Canteen]]" live events for the [[United Service Organizations]] (USO) during [[World War II]] until it ended in 1945. Revue was re-launched as MCA's television production subsidiary in 1950. The partnership of [[NBC]] and Revue extends as far back as September 6, 1950, with the television broadcast of the anthology series ''[[Stars Over Hollywood]]'' (also known as ''Armour Theatre''), based on radio's ''[[Stars over Hollywood]]''.

During the early years of television, Revue was responsible for producing and distributing many television programs. These included ''[[Leave It to Beaver]]'', which ran for only one season on [[CBS]] before going to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] from 1958 until 1963. In addition, Revue also made [[Alan Hale Jr.]]'s ''Biff Baker, U.S.A.'' (1952–1953) and all three of [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]]'s [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] series, ''[[City Detective]]'' (1953–1955), ''[[State Trooper (TV series)|State Trooper]]'' (1956–1959), and ''[[Coronado 9]]'' (1960–1961) and the [[Bill Williams (actor)|Bill Williams]] Western series, ''[[The Adventures of Kit Carson]]'' (1951–1955). It produced ''[[Bachelor Father (American TV series)|Bachelor Father]]'' (1957–1962), for "Bachelor Productions", [[Edmond O'Brien]]'s syndicated [[crime film]] ''[[Johnny Midnight (TV series)|Johnny Midnight]]'', based on a fictitious [[New York City]] actor-turned-[[private investigator]].

Revue also produced the 52-episode ''Crusader'', the first [[Brian Keith]] series, which aired on CBS from 1955 to 1956. Another western produced by Revue and starring [[Audie Murphy]] was ''[[Whispering Smith (TV series)|Whispering Smith]]'', which aired on NBC in 1961 and was based on the 1948 [[Alan Ladd]] movie [[Whispering Smith|of the same name]]. ''[[Leave It to Beaver]]'' was produced first by George Gobel's Gomalco Productions, then by Kayro Productions on a back lot at Revue Studios from 1958 to 1963. The ABC sitcom ''[[McHale's Navy]]'' was also produced by Revue from 1962 to 1966.

In December 1958, MCA/Revue purchased Universal Studios' 367-acre [[backlot]] to produce television series, then leased it back to Universal for a million dollars a year for a decade.<ref>Green, Paul & Price, Frank, ''A History of Television's the Virginian, 1962–1971''. McFarland, pp. 16–17</ref> The backlot was renamed Revue Studios, which became the name of the company in 1959. In 1960, a jingle composed by [[Juan García Esquivel]] and [[Stanley Wilson (composer)|Stanley Wilson]] was introduced at the end of its productions, which was used in some form until the 80s.<ref>Green, Paul & Price, Frank, ''A History of Television's the Virginian, 1962–1971''. McFarland, pp. 229</ref>

Revue produced later seasons of ''[[The Jack Benny Program]]'' for CBS and [[NBC]] and in co-operation with [[Jack Benny]]'s J and M Productions (later known as JaM Productions and JaMco Productions), ''[[Checkmate (American TV series)|Checkmate]]'' (also co-produced by Jack Benny), ''[[General Electric Theater]]'' and ''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]'' for CBS, ''[[Studio 57]]'' for [[DuMont Television Network]], and westerns such as ''[[Tales of Wells Fargo]]'', ''[[The Restless Gun]]'' and ''[[Laramie (TV series)|Laramie]]'' for NBC, as well as ''[[Wagon Train]]'' for NBC and ABC. The first two seasons of NBC's ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'', based on a film released originally by [[Paramount Pictures]], whose pre-1950 theatrical sound feature film library was sold to MCA in 1958. ''Wagon Train'' was the only Revue-produced TV show to finish an American television season in first place.

In 1962, following its merger with [[Decca Records]], the then-parent of [[Universal Pictures]], the studio backlot name was changed back to Universal. In 1963, MCA formed Universal City Studios to merge the motion picture and television arms of Universal Pictures and Revue Studios, and Revue was officially renamed Universal Television.

===Universal Television (original iteration)===
{{infobox company 
| name = Universal Television 
| logo = Universal Pictures logo (2000).svg
| former_name = Universal Studios (1963–1972)
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1963}}
| predecessor = [[#Revue Studios|Revue Studios]]
| defunct = {{end date and age|1998}}
| fate = Sold to [[Barry Diller]] and renamed to [[Universal Television#Studios USA Television|Studios USA Television]]
| successor = Studios USA Television 
| parent = [[MCA Inc.|MCA]] (1963–1996)<br>[[Universal Studios, Inc.]] (1996–1998)
| owner = 
| divisions = EMKA, Ltd.
}}

In 1962, [[MCA Inc.|MCA]] acquired [[Decca Records]], including the film studio Universal-International Pictures (later integrated into [[Universal Pictures]]). The following year, in 1963, Revue Studios was reincorporated as the original iteration of '''Universal Television'''. <ref>{{Cite news|date=1964-06-29|title=Unions irked at studio's tape plans|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-06-29-BC-OCR-Page-0066.pdf|access-date=2021-07-29|archive-date=2021-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729002224/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/64-OCR/1964-06-29-BC-OCR-Page-0066.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Since then, they have made many contributions to television programming, including the production of the first [[television film]] (''[[See How They Run (1964 film)|See How They Run]]'' from 1964), the first [[wheel series]] (''[[The Name of the Game (TV series)|The Name of the Game]]'' from 1968), the first rotating series with an umbrella title (1969's ''[[The Bold Ones]]'') and the first two-part television movie (''Vanished'' from 1971). Universal Television (also commonly known as MCA/Universal) also co-produced many shows with Jack Webb's [[Mark VII Limited]], such as ''[[Emergency!]]'', ''[[Adam-12]]'' and a revival of the 1951 series ''[[Dragnet (franchise)|Dragnet]]''. 

In 1967, [[Grant Tinker]], formerly employee of NBC was hired to join the studio. He held the position for two years, until he left in 1969 to join [[20th Century-Fox Television]], and later that year, had to start [[MTM Enterprises]]. He subsequently left Fox in 1971 due to conflicts with running MTM.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1967-02-06|title=Week's Headliner|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/67-OCR/1967-02-06-BC-OCR-Page-0010.pdf|access-date=2021-08-27|archive-date=2021-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827022821/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/67-OCR/1967-02-06-BC-OCR-Page-0010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1969-03-31|title=Fates & Fortunes|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/69-OCR/1969-03-31-BC-OCR-Page-0010.pdf|access-date=2021-08-27|archive-date=2022-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123212211/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/69-OCR/1969-03-31-BC-OCR-Page-0010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1971-01-18|title=Tinker severs ties with Fox|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/71-OCR/1971-01-18-BC-OCR-Page-0048.pdf|access-date=2021-08-27|archive-date=2022-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602142405/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/71-OCR/1971-01-18-BC-OCR-Page-0048.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 1970s and 1980s, Universal Television produced shows such as ''[[Baretta]]'', ''[[The Rockford Files]]'', ''[[Murder, She Wrote]]'', ''[[Miami Vice]]'', ''[[The Equalizer (1985 TV series)|The Equalizer]]'', ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'', ''[[Battlestar Galactica (1978 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'', ''[[Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]]'', ''[[Knight Rider (1982 TV series)|Knight Rider]]'', ''[[The A-Team]]'', ''[[Simon & Simon]]'' and ''[[Magnum, P.I.]]'', many of which received critical acclaim and several TV movie spin-offs after their cancellations.

In 1980, Bud Austin has received a production contract with Universal Television to produce television series.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1980-06-09|title=Monitor|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/80-OCR/1980-06-09-BC-OCR-Page-0038.pdf|access-date=2021-08-21|archive-date=2021-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821000717/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/80-OCR/1980-06-09-BC-OCR-Page-0038.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the more notable contracts was writer/producer [[Dick Wolf]], whose Universal association began in 1986 with ''[[Miami Vice]]'', then writing for several more shows before creating the hit ''[[Law & Order]]'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schaal|first=Eric|date=2021-01-15|title=When 'Law & Order' Creator Dick Wolf Took Over at 'Miami Vice' for Michael Mann|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/when-law-order-creator-dick-wolf-took-over-at-miami-vice-from-michael-mann.html/|access-date=2021-11-02|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102002401/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/when-law-order-creator-dick-wolf-took-over-at-miami-vice-from-michael-mann.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1987, Universal Television, which by then, was the leading producers in prime time television programming, decided to have six pilots committed for network production value, plus three series for the 1987–88 season, which included development deals with people who already contracted with Universal.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1987-03-25|title=Universal TV Has 3 Net Pledges On New Series; 6 Pilots Readied|pages=49, 80|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

In 1990, MCA/Uni TV began the ''[[Law & Order (franchise)|Law & Order]]'' franchise. In 1991, Tom Thayer was named president of the Universal Television arm.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1991-07-01|title=Thayer named president of Universal TV|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-07-01-OCR-Page-0030.pdf|access-date=2021-11-02|archive-date=2021-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831003439/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-07-01-OCR-Page-0030.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1993, former Warner Bros. Television senior vice president of production employee Steven J. Papazian joined Universal Television as vice president of production.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1993-09-27|title=Fates & Fortunes|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-09-27a-Page-0070.pdf|access-date=2021-11-04|archive-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104022925/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-09-27a-Page-0070.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1992, Universal Television signed a deal with several newer talent, plus some returning and existing talent that were offered at the studio, including [[Ivan Reitman]], [[David J. Burke|David Burke]], [[John Leekley]] and R.J. Stewart.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lowry|first=Brian|date=1992-10-19|title=U TV ups deal-making pace|url=https://variety.com/1992/tv/news/u-tv-ups-deal-making-pace-101080/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105001940/https://variety.com/1992/tv/news/u-tv-ups-deal-making-pace-101080/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1993, St. Clare Entertainment, a company owned by [[John Landis]] had reupped its contract at both MCA TV, MTE and Universal Television, three of the encompassing TV units of MCA via the MCA TV Group.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lowry|first=Brian|date=1993-11-16|title=Landis & co. stay at MCA|url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/landis-co-stay-at-mca-115832/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121004528/https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/landis-co-stay-at-mca-115832/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1994, Universal Television made a financing partnership with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] to help them fund the show ''[[Blue Skies (1994 TV series)|Blue Skies]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1994-05-30|title=Networks are their best own customers|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-05-30-Page-0023.pdf|access-date=2021-11-04|archive-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104023153/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-05-30-Page-0023.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, MCA was reincorporated as Universal Studios. Around the same time, Universal was acquired by Joseph A. Seagram and Sons and later acquired the [[Multimedia Entertainment]] and [[USA Network]].<ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| last = Fabrikant| first = Geraldine| title = Unit of MCA Is Acquiring Talk Shows| work = The New York Times| access-date = 2019-02-02| date = 1996-11-26| url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/26/business/unit-of-mca-is-acquiring-talk-shows.html| archive-date = 2019-01-16| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190116200943/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/26/business/unit-of-mca-is-acquiring-talk-shows.html| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title = Seagram Buys USA Networks for $1.7 Billion| work = E! Online| access-date = 2019-02-02| date = 1997-09-23| url = https://www.eonline.com/news/35220/seagram-buys-usa-networks-for-1-7-billion| archive-date = 2019-02-03| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190203085420/https://www.eonline.com/news/35220/seagram-buys-usa-networks-for-1-7-billion| url-status = live}}</ref> Also that year, Universal Television collaborated with [[Warner Bros. Television Studios|Warner Bros. Television]] to develop the series ''[[Spy Game (TV series)|Spy Game]]'' for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], with Universal alumnus [[Sam Raimi]] and [[Robert Tapert]] of Renaissance Pictures, and Warner alumnus [[John McNamara (writer)|John McNamara]] producing the series, but it didn't last long, as it only lasted one season on the air.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1996-10-07|title='Cloak & Dagger' for ABC|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-10-07-OCR-Page-0031.pdf|access-date=2021-11-04|archive-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104023453/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-10-07-OCR-Page-0031.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Universal purchased a 50% stake of [[Brillstein Entertainment Partners|Brillstein-Grey Entertainment]] in 1996 for $75 to $100 million, and included distribution rights to then-new BGE programming such as ''[[Alright Already (TV series)|Alright Already]]'', and does not include older BGE programs that was grandfathered by the [[Columbia TriStar Television|Columbia TriStar]] distribution agreement, such as ''[[The Larry Sanders Show]]'' for [[HBO]], ''[[NewsRadio]]'' and ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'' for [[NBC]], and ''[[The Steve Harvey Show]]'' for [[The WB]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=May 27, 1996 |title=MCA buys into Brillstein-Grey |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-05-27-OCR-Page-0020.pdf |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |pages=20}}</ref> They considered buying the other 50% after selling its own TV unit to [[Barry Diller]] in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/u-may-turn-on-its-tv-with-brillstein-grey-1117479885/|title=U may turn on its TV with Brillstein Grey|last=Hontz|first=Jenny|work=Variety|date=2018-01-31|access-date=2018-02-09|archive-date=2018-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131201242/http://variety.com/1998/tv/news/u-may-turn-on-its-tv-with-brillstein-grey-1117479885/|url-status=live}}</ref> Universal sold its stake in BGE in 1999 and BGE was renamed as Brad Grey Television, though Universal continued to co-produce ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'' and ''[[The Steve Harvey Show]]'' until their cancellations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-07-fi-34754-story.html|title=TV Production Jumps Ship|last=Hofmeister|first=Sallie|newspaper=LA Times|date=2018-01-31|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-date=2017-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001210156/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/may/07/business/fi-34754|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[EMKA, Ltd.]] is the holding company responsible for a majority of the pre-1950 [[Paramount Pictures]] sound library. As an official part of the [[Universal Studios, Inc.|Universal Pictures]] library, they are part of the company's television unit, Universal Television.

===MCA Television Entertainment===
{{infobox company 
| name = Studios USA Pictures
| logo = Studios USA logo.png
| former_name = MCA Television Entertainment (1988–1996)<br>Universal Television Entertainment (1996–1998)
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1988}}
| predecessor = 
| defunct = {{end date and age|1999}}
| fate = Merged into [[#USA Cable Entertainment|USA Cable Entertainment]]
| successor = USA Cable Entertainment
| parent = Universal Television (1988–1998)<br>Studios USA Television (1998–1999)
| owner = 
}}
During the 1970s and 1980s, MCA TV, the syndication company, had a production shop that produced shows like ''[[Probe (1988 TV series)|Probe]]'', which aired on ABC.

'''MCA Television Entertainment''' (or '''MTE''' for short) was founded in 1988 as the telemovie and cable division of Universal Television. It primarily dealt with made-for-TV movies, and television shows like ''[[Dream On (TV series)|Dream On]]'' that were made for cable networks like [[HBO]]. It was also a producer of first-run syndication programming for the [[Fourth television network|Hollywood Premiere Network]], which was distributed by MCA's own syndication arm [[NBCUniversal Syndication Studios|MCA TV]], as well as [[KCOP-TV]] in Los Angeles and [[WWOR-TV]] in New York, such as ''[[They Came from Outer Space]]'', ''[[Shades of LA|Shades of L.A.]]'' and ''[[She-Wolf of London (TV series)|She-Wolf of London]]'', but it only lasted one season from 1990 to 1991, but it didn't last long.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-07-16|title=MCA, two indies programming for prime time|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-07-16-OCR-Page-0030.pdf|access-date=2021-11-21|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003831/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-07-16-OCR-Page-0030.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1990, Michael Landsbury was named vice president of series programs, Angela Mancuso as vice president of production, and Michael Houbrick was named assistant director of publicity, at the studio.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-07-02|title=Fates & Fortunes|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-07-02-OCR-Page-0074.pdf|access-date=2021-11-21|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003834/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-07-02-OCR-Page-0074.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of the most notable clients of MTE was Papazian-Hirsch Entertainment, who produced a bulk of these television movies and series for the studio.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moerk|first=Christian|date=1993-12-21|title=Finnegan/Pinchuk to open NYC office|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/finnegan-pinchuk-to-open-nyc-office-116681/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003838/https://variety.com/1993/film/news/finnegan-pinchuk-to-open-nyc-office-116681/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, it was renamed as '''Universal Television Entertainment''' (or '''UTE''' for short) to align with MCA's rebranding as Universal Studios. It was eventually renamed to Studios USA Pictures in 1998, and merged into USA Cable Entertainment in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Eric|date=1998-06-04|title=Studios USA exex upped|url=https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/studios-usa-exex-upped-1117471498/|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822003747/https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/studios-usa-exex-upped-1117471498/|url-status=live}}</ref> MCA Television Entertainment was also a collective branding for their units owned and operated by MCA, and it absorbed Universal Family Entertainment and Universal Cartoon Studios in 1996.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1996-04-22|title=Fisher gets expanded role at MCA|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-04-22-OCR-Page-0034.pdf|access-date=2021-09-25|archive-date=2021-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925001144/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-04-22-OCR-Page-0034.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Studios USA Television===
{{infobox company 
| name = Studios USA Television
| logo = Studios USA logo.png
| former_name = USA Networks Studios (1998)
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1998}}
| predecessor = [[Universal Television#Universal Television (original incarnation)|Universal Television (original incarnation)]]
| defunct = {{end date and age|2002}}
| fate = Acquired by [[Vivendi|Vivendi Universal]] and merged into Universal Studios Network Television
| successor = [[Universal Television#PolyGram Television/Universal Network Television|Universal Network Television]]
| parent = [[IAC (company)|USA Networks Inc.]]
| owner = 
| divisions = Studios USA Network Television<br>[[NBCUniversal Syndication Studios|Studios USA Television Distribution]]<br>[[Universal Television#USA Cable Entertainment|USA Cable Entertainment]]
}}
USA Networks Inc. was founded by [[Barry Diller]] when he bought Universal's major television assets in February 1998.<ref name="lat">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-21-mn-44989-story.html|title=Universal Sells Most of Its TV Assets to Diller|last=Hofmeister|first=Sallie|date=1997-10-21|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2017-10-25|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|archive-date=2015-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925113226/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/21/news/mn-44989|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hsnadds">{{cite news |date=February 13, 1998 |title=HSN adds to TV fare; is renamed |page=1, Business & Finance |newspaper=The Tampa Tribune |location=Tampa, Florida |url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB0F78405CB4019&rft_id=info%3Asid%2Finfoweb.newsbank.com&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&svc_dat=AWNB&req_dat=1028A39C75C2B899 |access-date=September 16, 2022 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> Among its assets were the USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel cable channels along with series such as ''[[Law & Order]]''. Additionally, the company would own the [[HSN]], the Ticketmaster Group and several television stations.<ref name="lat" /> Universal Television's production and distribution unit was renamed '''Studios USA'''. Universal held on to its 50% share of [[Brillstein Entertainment Partners|Brillstein-Grey Entertainment]], [[PolyGram]]'s international channels and the rights to its television library while signing a long-term domestic sales deal with Studios USA for the library. Universal got a 45% share in USA Networks Inc. Greg Meidel initially resigned and was rehired as chairman and CEO of Studios USA, only to leave in June 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=Company Reports: Studios USA |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/company-reports-studios-usa-1117490053/ |access-date=October 16, 2019 |work=Variety |date=January 11, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=October 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016182023/https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/company-reports-studios-usa-1117490053/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1999, USA Networks formed its own film and home media divisions when they acquired [[October Films]] and several production and distribution assets of [[PolyGram Filmed Entertainment]] for $200 million.<ref name="nyp">{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/1999/04/08/barry-diller-gets-200m-october-surprise|title=Barry Diller Gets $200M October Surprise|last=Elsen|first=Jon|date=1999-08-04|work=New York Post|access-date=2018-01-31|archive-date=2018-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201075201/https://nypost.com/1999/04/08/barry-diller-gets-200m-october-surprise/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of the new shows produced under the Studios USA name bombed after only one or two seasons; only ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'', ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]'' and ''[[The District]]'' were deemed to be big hits. Although the latter two were cancelled, in 2011 and 2004 respectively, the former is still an ongoing show.

In 2000, [[Clyde Phillips (screenwriter)|Clyde Phillips]] has signed an overall deal with the studio to develop scripts made for the studio.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2000-12-21|title=Phillips parks pair of scripts at Studios USA|url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/phillips-parks-pair-of-scripts-at-studios-usa-1117790852/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910003035/https://variety.com/2000/film/news/phillips-parks-pair-of-scripts-at-studios-usa-1117790852/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 17, 2001, [[Vivendi|Vivendi Universal]] agreed to acquire USA's entertainment assets for an estimated $10.3 billion; the transaction closed on May 8, 2002. Under the deal, [[Barry Diller]] became chairman of Vivendi Universal Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 8, 2002 |title=Vivendi Completes USA Deal |newspaper=LA Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-08-fi-vivendi8-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228095736/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/may/08/business/fi-vivendi8 |archive-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="cnnm">{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/12/17/deals/vivendi/index.htm|title=Vivendi seals USA Networks deal - Dec. 17, 2001|website=money.cnn.com|access-date=2017-10-25|archive-date=2017-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026002542/http://money.cnn.com/2001/12/17/deals/vivendi/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> USA Networks is currently known as [[IAC (company)|IAC]]. Shortly afterwards, Studios USA Television was merged with Universal Studios Network Television, producers of NBC's sitcom ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'' to form Universal Network Television.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Klaussmann|first=Liza|date=2002-05-22|title=Viv U stock up after reports about spinoffs|url=https://variety.com/2002/biz/news/viv-u-stock-up-after-reports-about-spinoffs-1117867365/|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726003944/https://variety.com/2002/biz/news/viv-u-stock-up-after-reports-about-spinoffs-1117867365/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2002-08-13|title=UPN taps Dosti as doyenne of drama|url=https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/upn-taps-dosti-as-doyenne-of-drama-1117871143/|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726003946/https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/upn-taps-dosti-as-doyenne-of-drama-1117871143/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2002-05-17|title=All in the family|url=https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/all-in-the-family-2-1117867079/|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825022655/https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/all-in-the-family-2-1117867079/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===PolyGram Television/Universal Network Television===
{{infobox company 
| name = PolyGram Television 
| logo = PolyGram Television logo.png
| former_name = 
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1997|3|5}}
| predecessor = [[ITC Entertainment]]
| defunct = {{end date and age|1999}}
| fate = Merged into Universal Studios Network Programming
| successor = Universal Network Television
| parent = [[PolyGram Filmed Entertainment]]
| owner = 
}}

In 1997, [[PolyGram]] created not only its syndication unit, but a network unit for long-form television movies and drama series, which was a rebranding from the former British-based [[ITC Entertainment]] television division of PolyGram. It was headed up by Bob Sanitsky, who headed the combined syndication and network divisions.<ref name="variety2">{{Cite news|title=P'GRAM PUSHES TV|website=Variety|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/p-gram-pushes-tv-1117343067|access-date=2020-08-02|archive-date=2020-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201064817/https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/p-gram-pushes-tv-1117343067/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, it signed a deal with [[Meg Ryan]] and her Prufock Pictures to set up her projects at the studio.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hontz|first=Jenny|date=1998-02-25|title=Polygram TV, Ryan link up|url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/polygram-tv-ryan-link-up-1117468108/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003836/https://variety.com/1998/film/news/polygram-tv-ryan-link-up-1117468108/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 1999, shortly after Seagram and Universal completed their deal to acquire PolyGram, PolyGram Television was absorbed into Universal's TV and Networks division (which consisted of Universal's international television operations). Universal would sell the ITC film and television library to [[Carlton Communications]], and the pre-1996 film library to [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] (MGM). Shortly afterwards, PolyGram Television was then retained by Universal, opting Bob Sanitsky out of the unit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=1999-04-23|title=Polygram TV unit stays at U|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/polygram-tv-unit-stays-at-u-1117493540/|access-date=2021-11-21|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121003835/https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/polygram-tv-unit-stays-at-u-1117493540/|url-status=live}}</ref> Universal however then launched Universal Studios Network Programming to inherit the Brillstein-Grey productions, such as the upcoming ''[[Work with Me]]'', and the existing Brillstein-Grey shows ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'' and ''[[The Steve Harvey Show]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=1999-03-25|title=U ponders TV biz return|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/u-ponders-tv-biz-return-1117492673/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805000435/https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/u-ponders-tv-biz-return-1117492673/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2001, NBC had an option agreement with Universal Network Television to keep ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'' on the air to 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2001-04-09|title=NBC reloads 'Shoot'|url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/nbc-reloads-shoot-1117796690/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805000650/https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/nbc-reloads-shoot-1117796690/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2002, Universal Studios Network Television was also merged with Studios USA Network Television around the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2002-05-02|title=JP times three tapped to run NBC's 'Shoot Me'|url=https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/jp-times-three-tapped-to-run-nbc-s-shoot-me-1117866311/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805000650/https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/jp-times-three-tapped-to-run-nbc-s-shoot-me-1117866311/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, writer [[John Ridley]] signed a deal with the studio.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2003-08-13|title=U TV makes home for 'Brother'|url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/u-tv-makes-home-for-brother-1117890798/|access-date=2021-11-02|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102002936/https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/u-tv-makes-home-for-brother-1117890798/|url-status=live}}</ref> Also that year, longtime Universal executives Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly left the studio to start out 25C Productions, a production company affiliated with [[Warner Bros. Television Studios|Warner Bros. Television]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Schneider|first1=Michael|last2=Adalian|first2=Josef|date=2003-06-09|title=Timberman hangs WB shingle|url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/timberman-hangs-wb-shingle-1117887612/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105002138/https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/timberman-hangs-wb-shingle-1117887612/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===USA Cable Entertainment===
{{infobox company 
| name = USA Cable Entertainment
| logo = USA Cable Entertainment logo.webp
| former_name = USA Network Productions (1980–1996)<br>USA Studios (1996–1999)<br>USA Network Productions (1999)
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1980}}
| predecessor = 
| defunct = {{end date and age|2004}}
| fate = Merged with NBC Studios and Universal Network Television to form NBC Universal Television Studio
| successor = Universal Television<br>[[Universal Content Productions]]
| parent = [[USA Network]] (1980–1999)<br>Studios USA Television (1999–2002)<br>[[Universal Studios, Inc.]] (2002–2004)
| owner = 
}}
The origins of USA Cable Entertainment are traced back to the 1980s when it was founded as USA Network Productions to produce content for the USA Networks. In 1996, it was rebranded to USA Studios, and in 1999 to USA Networks Productions, and later on reincorporated as USA Cable Entertainment on December 24, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|title=California Secretary of State|url=https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/CBS/Detail|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-24|archive-date=2021-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502103223/https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/CBS/Detail}}</ref> Stephen Chao was named as the company's president in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dempsey|first=John|date=2000-03-24|title=Chao to top USA Cable|url=https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/chao-to-top-usa-cable-1117779831/|access-date=2021-07-24|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724000809/https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/chao-to-top-usa-cable-1117779831/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The company was best known for producing ''[[Monk (TV series)|Monk]]'' and the 2003 miniseries ''[[Battlestar Galactica (miniseries)|Battlestar Galactica]]'', which spawned a reboot in 2004. The same year, following the NBC Universal merger, the USA Cable Entertainment name was retired and was replaced with the [[NBC Universal Television Studio]] name. In 2008, the studio, then renamed [[Universal Media Studios]], spun off its cable production division, including shows previously produced under the USA Cable Entertainment name, to Universal Cable Productions (now [[Universal Content Productions]]).

===NBC Studios (production company)===
{{infobox company 
| name = NBC Studios, Inc.
| logo = NBC Studios logo.png
| former_name = NBC Television Network (1947–1963)<br>NBC Productions (1963–1996)
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1947}}
| founder = [[RCA]]
| predecessor = 
| defunct = {{end date and age|2004}}
| fate = Merged with Universal Network Television and USA Cable Entertainment to form NBC Universal Television Studio
| successor = Universal Television
| parent = [[National Broadcasting Company, Inc.]]
| owner = 
}}
NBC Television Network, as NBC's in-house production division, was founded in 1947 by [[RCA]] ([[NBC]]'s former parent company). One of its first productions was the children's television program ''[[Howdy Doody]]''.

In 1955, NBC acquired production company Kagran Corporation,<ref>{{Cite news|date=1955-05-30|title=Kagran Corp Takes Over NBC Licensing Activities|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/55-OCR/1955-05-30-BC-OCR-Page-0106.pdf|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725002136/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/55-OCR/1955-05-30-BC-OCR-Page-0106.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and by 1956, changed its company name to California National Productions (CNP) and became its syndication and merchandising division.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1956-07-30|title=NBC Subsidiary Changes Name As Result of Expansion|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting Magazine]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-07-30-BC-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725002136/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/56-OCR/1956-07-30-BC-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The company also brought several NBC-aired programs, like ''[[The Adventures of Hiram Holliday]]'' and ''[[The Lawless Years]]'', as well as non-NBC programs like ''The Silent Service'' and ''[[Philip Marlowe (TV series)|Philip Marlowe]]'', but none of them were successful. The company's first hit was the television show ''[[Bonanza]]'', which aired from 1959 to 1973 on the NBC television network. Its follow-up project that was produced independently was ''[[Outlaws (1960 TV series)|Outlaws]]'', a western from 1960 to 1962. The third independently produced NBC show, ''[[The Americans (1961 TV series)|The Americans]]'', which aired only in 1961, lasted a few episodes, and bombed after only one season.

In 1961, NBC replaced CNP as its syndication division with [[NBC Films]]. Two years later, in 1963, NBC formally launched a TV production division, NBC Productions, which took over production for its existing show ''[[Bonanza]]'', and developed newer projects for the network.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1963-08-19|title=Six new NBC shows are on the drawing blocks|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/63-OCR/1963-08-19-BC-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725003415/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/63-OCR/1963-08-19-BC-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> NBC developed and produced several shows internally like ''[[Kentucky Jones]]'', ''[[Captain Nice]]'' and ''[[T.H.E. Cat]]''. By 1966, the company had output talent deals with [[Sheldon Leonard]], [[Bob Finkel]], [[Norman Felton]] and [[David Dortort]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/66-OCR/1966-12-12-BC-OCR-Page-0021.pdf|title=What Kind of Man is Sheldon Leonard?|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725002136/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/66-OCR/1966-12-12-BC-OCR-Page-0021.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The next big project was ''[[The High Chaparral]]'', which was a hit among viewers throughout its four-season run, only to be axed in 1971 due to the [[rural purge]]. Throughout its partnership with Sheldon Leonard, they produced three shows ''[[Accidental Family]]'', ''[[My Friend Tony]]'' and ''[[My World and Welcome to It]]'', but none of them were successful. 

In 1971, NBC spun off NBC Films and sold it to [[National Telefilm Associates]] (later sold to [[Worldvision Enterprises]]) due to the 1970 fin-syn rules initiated by the Nixon administration, while programs from NBC News continued to be distributed internationally by NBC Enterprises for $7.5 million. In 1974, NBC produced its next big hit ''[[Little House on the Prairie (TV series)|Little House on the Prairie]]''.

In the 1980s, NBC produced ''[[Punky Brewster]]'', which was popular among viewers. NBC's production output was primarily on television movies and miniseries. NBC's other television series output were ''[[Sara (1985 TV series)|Sara]]'' and ''[[Roomies (TV series)|Roomies]]''; both of them were unsuccessful. In 1985, Michael Filerman through his Michael Filerman Productions company signed a deal with NBC Productions to develop long-form telemovies and miniseries, as well as television series.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1985-10-21|title=Making deals|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/85-OCR/BC-1985-10-21-OCR-Page-0076.pdf|access-date=2021-10-29|archive-date=2021-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029000915/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/85-OCR/BC-1985-10-21-OCR-Page-0076.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In the late 1980s, NBC Productions attempted to enter the film business, but it was proven unsuccessful, after the failure of the film ''[[Code Name: Emerald|Codename: Emerald]]''. In 1987, NBC Productions provided funding for a feature film that starred [[Cassandra Peterson]] as her [[Elvira's Movie Macabre|Elvira]] character, which raised $5–6 million by NBC to fund the film.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1987-01-21|title=Elvira Set To Star In Theatrical Pic Funded By NBC|page=26|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> In 1988, NBC started a deal with Peter Engel that resulted in the creation of ''[[Good Morning, Miss Bliss]]'' and eventually producing a number of teen shows.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1987-04-27|title=Stay Tuned|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/87-OCR/BC-1987-04-27-OCR-Page-0068.pdf|access-date=2021-07-25|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725002137/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/87-OCR/BC-1987-04-27-OCR-Page-0068.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 1990, NBC had struck a development deal with musician/producer [[Quincy Jones]] and his [[Quincy Jones Entertainment]] company. Also the same year, NBC signed a deal with [[Jay Tarses]] for his production company.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-03-19|title=Advertisers get grand tour of network development|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-03-19-OCR-Page-0032.pdf|access-date=2021-09-17|archive-date=2021-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917001503/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-03-19-OCR-Page-0032.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1990, NBC returned to producing hit programs with the sitcom ''[[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air]]'', which starred [[Will Smith]], in one of his first television roles. Also that same year, NBC Productions partnered with [[Westinghouse Broadcasting|Group W Productions]] to develop a syndicated program ''House Party''.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-02-05|title=Slow start for "House Party"|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-02-05-OCR-Page-0061.pdf|access-date=2021-07-27|archive-date=2021-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727002613/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-02-05-OCR-Page-0061.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, NBC produced another syndicated show, this time, out of the [[WMAQ-TV]] studios, ''Johnny B...On the Loose'', in partnership with [[Viacom Productions|Viacom Enterprises]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=1991-02-11|title=Syndication Marketplace|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-02-11-OCR-Page-0060.pdf|access-date=2021-07-27|archive-date=2021-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727003230/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-02-11-OCR-Page-0060.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1993, Perry Simon left NBC to start his own production company with a non-exclusive production agreement.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1993-07-19|title=In Brief|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-07-19-Page-0069.pdf|access-date=2021-10-14|archive-date=2021-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028165008/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-07-19-Page-0069.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1995, NBC launched a partnership with television director [[James Burrows]] to create '''3 Sisters Entertainment''', who produced series for the network.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-05-22-OCR-Page-0026.pdf#search%3D%22nbc%20james%20burrows%22 |title=Burrows cheers venture with NBC |last=Coe |first=Steve |magazine=Broadcasting Magazine |date=May 22, 1995 |via=American Radio History |page=30 |access-date=2018-11-03 |archive-date=2023-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228061558/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-05-22-OCR-Page-0026.pdf#search%3D%22nbc%20james%20burrows%22 |url-status=live }}</ref> Out of these five, the most successful out of the venture were ''[[Will & Grace]]'' and ''[[Caroline in the City]]'' (co-produced and owned by [[CBS Productions]]). Later that year, NBC Productions was however folded into NBC's entertainment division.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Coe|first=Steve|date=1995-09-18|title=NBC Productions folds into entertainment|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-09-18-OCR-Page-0033.pdf|access-date=2021-07-26|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726003147/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-09-18-OCR-Page-0033.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, the company was renamed NBC Studios. The company had returned to producing hit programs like ''[[The Pretender (TV series)|The Pretender]]'', ''[[Profiler (TV series)|Profiler]]'', ''[[Providence (American TV series)|Providence]]'', ''[[Ed (TV series)|Ed]]'', ''[[Las Vegas (TV series)|Las Vegas]]'' and ''[[Crossing Jordan]]''. In 1997, NBC Studios, [[Paramount Pictures]], and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' creator and producer [[Lorne Michaels]] launched a [[joint venture]] named [[SNL Studios]], which would produce future episodes of ''Saturday Night Live'' in association with [[Broadway Video]] (also owned by Michaels), as well as movies featuring ''Saturday Night Live'' sketch characters.<ref name="team">{{cite web |last=Hindes |first=Andrew |last2=Hontz |first2=Jenny |date=1998-06-29 |title=NBC, Par to form 'SNL' pic team |url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/nbc-par-to-form-snl-pic-team-1117477996/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103144507/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117477996 |archive-date=2012-11-03 |access-date=2008-12-06 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

In 2004, NBC Studios was merged with Universal Network Television to form NBC Universal Television Studio.<ref name="tor" />

[[Paramount Global]]'s [[CBS Studios]] subsidiary [[CBS Media Ventures]], through Spelling Television, currently distributes most of NBC's pre-1973 series, with the exception of non-public domain episodes of ''[[Howdy Doody]]'' and several episodes of the game show ''[[You Bet Your Life]]'' by Buddy Hackett and non-public domain episodes by Groucho Marx, which are owned by NBCUniversal; many other NBC-produced programs from before 1973 are in the public domain. Most NBC programs post-1973 are distributed by [[NBCUniversal Syndication Studios]] in the United States and [[MGM Television|MGM Worldwide Television Distribution]] outside of the United States.

===2004–present===
NBC Universal Television Studio was formed in 2004 from NBC Studios and Universal Network Television after NBC and Universal merged.<ref name=tor>{{cite news|title=NBCU unit trades 'television' for 'media'|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166094463.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610224054/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-166094463.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 10, 2014|access-date=16 August 2012|newspaper=The Online Reporter|date=June 25, 2007}}</ref> On June 14, 2007, NBC Universal Television Studio was renamed Universal Media Studios (UMS) as the unit would be also developing entertainment for the web.<ref>{{cite news|title=NBC's TV unit gets new name|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jun-15-fi-briefs15.3-story.html|access-date=August 16, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 15, 2007|archive-date=January 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116141511/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jun/15/business/fi-briefs15.3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2007-06-14|title=NBC nixes NUTS name|url=https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/nbc-nixes-nuts-name-1117966938/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805003437/https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/nbc-nixes-nuts-name-1117966938/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 21, 2009, [[Universal Cable Productions]] was split off from UMS and placed into [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming#NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group|NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group]] division.<ref name=tvw>{{cite news|last=Lafayette |first=Jon |title=NBC Taps Cable-Studio Bosses |url=http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php |access-date=15 August 2012 |newspaper=TV Week.com |date=July 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323170925/http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/07/nbc_taps_cablestudio_bosses.php |archive-date=March 23, 2012 }}</ref> On September 12, 2011, Universal Media Studios was renamed to Universal Television.<ref name="deadline20110912">{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2011/09/univeral-media-studios-gets-new-heads-of-drama-comedy-casting-and-new-name-170240/ | title=Universal Media Studios Gets New Heads Of Drama, Comedy & Casting And New Name | publisher=PMC Network | work=Deadline | date=September 12, 2011 | access-date=September 12, 2011 | author=Andreeva, Nellie | archive-date=November 29, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129194738/http://www.deadline.com/2011/09/univeral-media-studios-gets-new-heads-of-drama-comedy-casting-and-new-name/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2019, Universal Television was transferred from NBC Entertainment to NBCUniversal Content Studios.<ref name=vty>{{cite news |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |last2=Low |first2=Elaine |title=NBCUniversal Shakeup: Bonnie Hammer to Head Studios, Paul Telegdy Goes Solo at NBC |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbc-tv-restructuring-bonnie-hammer-paul-telegdy-1203361054/ |access-date=October 8, 2019 |work=Variety |date=October 7, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007190742/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/nbc-tv-restructuring-bonnie-hammer-paul-telegdy-1203361054/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Universal Television Alternative Studio==
{{infobox company 
| name = Universal Television Alternative Studio
| logo = Universal Television Alternative Studio logo.png
| former_name = 
| type = [[Division (business)|Division]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|2016|6}}
| founder = 
| predecessor = 
| defunct = 
| fate = 
| successor = 
| parent = Universal Television (2016–2020)<br>[[NBCUniversal Media Group#Universal Studio Group|Universal Studio Group]] (2020–present)
| owner = 
}}
'''Universal Television Alternative Studio''' ('''"Universal Television Alternative"''' according to the company's on-screen logo) is an American [[television production]] company launched by Universal Television in 2016. The unit reports to [[NBCUniversal Media Group#Universal Studio Group|Universal Studio Group]] chairman [[Pearlena Igbokwe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/nbcuniversal-pearlena-igbokwe-adds-universal-television-alternative-studio-to-universal-studio-group-1234806274/|title=Pearlena Igbokwe Adds Universal Television Alternative Studio to Her Universal Studio Group|first=Will|last=Thorne|website=Variety|date=2020-10-15|access-date=2024-11-22}}</ref>

The studio was founded in June 2016 under president Meredith Ahr.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=2016-06-08|title=Paul Telegdy & Meredith Ahr Extend NBC Contracts, To Launch Alternative Studio|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/paul-telegdy-meredith-ahr-extend-nbc-contracts-to-launch-alternative-studio-1201769256/|access-date=2021-08-05|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805003439/https://deadline.com/2016/06/paul-telegdy-meredith-ahr-extend-nbc-contracts-to-launch-alternative-studio-1201769256/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2016, the studio's first program, ''[[World of Dance (TV series)|World of Dance]]'', was announced by NBC.<ref name="dl0">{{cite news|last1=Pedersen|first1=Erik|date=July 19, 2016|title=NBC & Jennifer Lopez Hit The Floor With New Dance Competition Series|work=Deadline|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/jennifer-lopez-nbc-world-of-dance-competition-series-1201788859/|access-date=November 29, 2016|archive-date=November 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130040932/http://deadline.com/2016/07/jennifer-lopez-nbc-world-of-dance-competition-series-1201788859/|url-status=live}}</ref> The studio sold its first show to another channel (''[[In Search of... (TV series)|In Search Of...]]'' to [[History (American TV channel)|History]]).<ref name="Unscripted">{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|date=May 30, 2018|title=NBCUniversal's Unscripted Content Arm Is Selling Reality Fare to Its Rivals|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nbcuniversal-reality-content-1202824531/|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522063940/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nbcuniversal-reality-content-1202824531/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The studio, as did Universal TV, signed a first-look agreement with [[Chelsea Handler]] in March 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Holloway|first1=Daniel|date=March 29, 2018|title=Chelsea Handler Signs Universal Television Deal|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/chelsea-handler-universal-television-1202739319/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522072518/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/chelsea-handler-universal-television-1202739319/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both production units signed that same year in August an overall agreement with Eddie Schmidt.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Otterson|first1=Joe|date=August 20, 2018|title='Ugly Delicious' Showrunner Eddie Schmidt Signs Overall Deal With Universal TV|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/eddie-schmidt-overall-deal-with-universal-tv-1202910073/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522051910/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/eddie-schmidt-overall-deal-with-universal-tv-1202910073/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2018, Ahr became president of alternative and reality group, NBC Entertainment.<ref name="vty3">{{cite news|last1=Otterson|first1=Joe|date=November 19, 2018|title=NBC Promotes Meredith Ahr to President, Alternative and Reality Group|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nbc-meredith-ahr-president-alternative-and-reality-group-1203032405/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522101134/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nbc-meredith-ahr-president-alternative-and-reality-group-1203032405/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ahr was replaced as the studio's president in August 2019 by Toby Gorman, last the interim CEO of Magical Elves.<ref name="Alternative">{{cite news|last1=Low|first1=Elaine|date=August 8, 2019|title=Toby Gorman to Head Universal Television Alternative Studio|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/toby-gorman-universal-television-alternative-studio-1203296981/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522112339/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/toby-gorman-universal-television-alternative-studio-1203296981/|url-status=live}}</ref> From Endemol Shine North America, Georgie Hurford-Jones was hired in December 2019 as executive vice president of current programming.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Low|first1=Elaine|date=December 3, 2019|title=Georgie Hurford-Jones Named Universal TV Alternative Studio's Exec VP of Current Programming|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/georgie-hurford-jones-universal-tv-alternative-studios-exec-vp-current-programming-1203422555/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522070900/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/georgie-hurford-jones-universal-tv-alternative-studios-exec-vp-current-programming-1203422555/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Mario Lopez]] moved from hosting ''Extra'' to NBCUniversal's ''[[Access Hollywood]]'' in July 2019 with production deal with Universal TV and Universal TV Alternative Studio. His first project, ''Menudo'', an hour-long competition show, under the deal was announced to be in development in April 2020.<ref name="Menudo">{{cite news|last1=Thorne|first1=Will|date=April 29, 2020|title=Mario Lopez Developing "Menudo" Competition Series Inspired by Iconic Latin Boy Band|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/mario-lopez-menudo-competition-series-latin-boy-band-1234593626/|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505223125/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/mario-lopez-menudo-competition-series-latin-boy-band-1234593626/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Filmography==
{{main|List of NBCUniversal television programs}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}

{{NBC Universal}}
{{Universal Studios franchises}}

[[Category:Universal Television| ]]
[[Category:NBC]]
[[Category:NBCUniversal]]
[[Category:Television production companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Mass media companies based in New York City]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1943]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1950]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 2004]]
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[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
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