What Is 20th Century Studios Television

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 20th Century Studios Television is the television production division of 20th Century Studios, formerly known as 20th Century Fox Television, which was rebranded in 2020 following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox. It produces scripted series for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, including hits like 'The Simpsons' and '9-1-1'. The studio has been active since 1949 and operates under The Walt Disney Company.

Key Facts

Rebranded from 20th Century Fox Television to 20th Century Studios Television in August 2020
Founded in 1949 as the television arm of 20th Century Fox
Produced 'The Simpsons', the longest-running primetime scripted series in U.S. history
Acquired by The Walt Disney Company in March 2019 for $71.3 billion
Responsible for over 150 TV series, including 'Empire' and 'Modern Family'

Overview

20th Century Studios Television is the television production arm of 20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Originally established in 1949 as 20th Century Fox Television, it rebranded in 2020 to align with the parent studio’s name change following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets.

The division has played a pivotal role in shaping American television, producing critically acclaimed and commercially successful series across decades. Its catalog spans sitcoms, dramas, and reality programming, distributed globally through networks and streaming platforms.

'The Simpsons' debuted in 1989 and remains the longest-running primetime scripted series in U.S. history, with over 35 seasons and counting.
The studio produced 'Modern Family', which aired for 11 seasons and won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run from 2009 to 2020.
'9-1-1', co-created by Ryan Murphy, launched in 2018 and has generated multiple spin-offs, including '9-1-1: Lone Star'.
Following Disney’s acquisition, the studio shifted focus toward producing content for Disney+ and Hulu, including original series.
The studio has collaborated with high-profile creators such as Shonda Rhimes, Kevin Murphy, and Brad Falchuk.

How It Works

20th Century Studios Television operates as a content creator, developing, financing, and producing scripted series for various distribution platforms. It partners with networks, streaming services, and independent producers to bring television projects to life.

Development: Writers pitch ideas to the studio, which funds pilot scripts and works with showrunners to refine concepts before production. This stage can take 6–12 months.
Financing: The studio covers production costs in exchange for ownership rights and backend profits, a model used in 'Empire' and 'The Americans'.
Production: Once greenlit, episodes are filmed primarily at 20th Century Fox’s Century City lot in Los Angeles, using in-house crews and facilities.
Distribution: Completed series are licensed to networks like ABC, Fox, and FX, or streamed directly on Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix.
Marketing: The studio collaborates with Disney’s marketing arm to promote new seasons, leveraging social media, trailers, and press tours.
Profit Sharing: Revenue is generated through licensing fees, advertising, and syndication, with long-term syndication deals providing ongoing income.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 20th Century Studios Television with other major U.S. television studios based on production volume, notable shows, and ownership.

Studio	Parent Company	Notable Series	Founded	Key Platforms
20th Century Studios Television	The Walt Disney Company	The Simpsons, 9-1-1, Modern Family	1949	ABC, Fox, Hulu, Disney+
Warner Bros. Television	Warner Bros. Discovery	The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Westworld	1955	CBS, HBO, Max
Universal Television	Comcast (NBCUniversal)	The Office, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Law & Order	1961	NBC, Peacock
Sony Pictures Television	Sony Group	Breaking Bad, The Crown (international)	1974	AMC, Netflix
CBS Studios	Paramount Global	NCIS, The Good Wife, Star Trek: Discovery	1952	CBS, Paramount+

While all five studios produce content for broadcast and streaming, 20th Century Studios Television stands out for its long history of animated programming and strong ties to Disney’s streaming ecosystem. Its integration into Disney’s content pipeline enhances global distribution and franchise synergy.

Why It Matters

20th Century Studios Television remains a cornerstone of American entertainment, influencing television trends and cultural narratives for over 70 years. Its productions have shaped viewing habits and contributed to the globalization of U.S. media.

The studio’s shift to streaming-first content reflects industry trends, with new shows developed specifically for Hulu and Disney+.
Its ownership of intellectual property allows Disney to expand franchises across film, TV, and merchandise.
Long-running series like 'The Simpsons' generate substantial syndication revenue, estimated in the hundreds of millions annually.
By nurturing diverse voices, the studio has advanced representation in shows like '9-1-1: Lone Star' and 'The Chi'.
The studio supports thousands of jobs in production, writing, and post-production across Southern California.
Its rebranding underscores Disney’s strategy to unify legacy brands under a modern, cohesive identity.

As streaming continues to dominate, 20th Century Studios Television remains a key player in producing high-quality, scalable content for global audiences, ensuring its relevance in the evolving media landscape.