Beverly Hills 90210/90210 copyrights

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Expert: - 5/25/2008


Question
I was wondering why the official DVD releases of 90210 have all been released by CBS Universal Inc., As well as, how CBS is able to have full episodes of the early seasons of 90210 on their website. Isn't 90210 owned by Fox?

Answer
Hi John,

Fox Television used to be the the sole U.S. distributor for the series (along with Worldvision Enterprises, for reruns), but now it's Paramount Television, which was owned by Viacom when that company and CBS Corp. split into two separate entities after having previously been merged.  This was in January of 2006.  In the deal, all of Paramount's television properties were transfered to CBS and housed under the division of CBS Paramount Television.  So, yes, they own the copyright.

Thanks for the question!

All the best,

Mel

Beverly Hills 90210

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Mel

Expertise

Can Dylan solve quadratic equations? What makes up a "mega-burger"? If an answer exists, I probably know it. Whether your question is general, begging the context of all 10 seasons, or completely inane, feel free to drop me a line either way. I will provide episode reference numbers for each response and plan to have some fun with this. Trivia quizzes often need correction, and publications will get their plotlines/characters/relationships mixed up too. I accept dialogue/scene requests, but please limit your inquiry to 1-2 per question. I only know music from the original broadcasts/reruns, not the DVDs. Been a fan since 1990 and didn't miss a beat.

Experience

Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.
Well, I began watching "Beverly Hills, 90210" at the tender age of 9 and a half, during its original run. By 11, I was a huge fan; 13, obsessed; 14, growing bitter. I don't like S6 - S10 as much as Seasons 1 - 5. But, technically, I still watch all of them in some way. Do this for 20 years and you'll remember the darndest things.

Education/Credentials
I'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.

Education/Credentials
I'd like to say I've earned a "degree" on the life and times of the original eight, with specific concentration on Seasons 1 thru 5, any Jack McKay drama, Dylan/Kelly together or apart, and the guest stars of 1992-1994. Season 4, I think, was the best and strikingly different from any other. My only weakness might be later-season 'stand-in' characters like Matt and Noah, and the ever-changing ownerships of The AfterDark.

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