ABC Signature#Touchstone Television (ABC subsidiary)

{{Main|Walt Disney Television}}

In the 1930s, Walt Disney had no interest in television, but that changed by 1950 when he did an hour-long special on NBC, followed up a year after by a special on CBS. Both of these programs received excellent ratings. Disney eventually got into full series production when Disneyland debuted on ABC in 1954.{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Sean|title=Walt Disney Programs|url=http://www.museum.tv/eotv/waltdisneyp.htm|website=Encyclopedia of Television|publisher=The Museum of Broadcast Communications|accessdate=March 17, 2017|archive-date=August 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817202754/http://www.museum.tv/eotv/waltdisneyp.htm|url-status=dead}}

Following the success of Disneyland, in 1957, Disney was producing another primetime series for ABC, the western show Zorro. It did not last long in the ratings and was cancelled in 1959.{{Cite news|date=1957-03-11|title=ABC Promotes Smith, Cummings in Tv Posts|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/57-OCR/1957-03-11-BC-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}}

In 1961, Disney severed its terms with ABC and moved its weekly program to NBC, where it stayed for nearly 20 years until 1981. For years, Disney's lone television show on primetime was the eponymous anthology series.{{Cite news|date=1961-02-06|title=Program Lineup for Fall Forms|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/61-OCR/1961-02-06-BC-OCR-Page-0028.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}}

After NBC axed the program, in 1981, it struck an agreement with CBS to take the anthology program there.{{Cite news|date=1981-03-02|title=Disney to CBS|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/81-OCR/1981-03-02-BC-OCR-Page-0084.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}} In 1982, Disney produced the first prime-time show since the cancellation of Zorro in 1959, Herbie the Love Bug. It was cancelled after only one season.{{Cite news|date=1982-02-22|title=CBS realignment|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/82-OCR/1982-02-22-BC-OCR-Page-0067.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}} It was followed by three more programs as part of an agreement with CBS, Gun Shy, Small & Frye and Zorro and Son. These were sitcoms, and were cancelled after one season.{{Cite news|date=1983-01-17|title=CBS announces spring tryouts for fall schedule|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1983/BC-1983-01-17.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}}

After the cancellation of the three prime-time series on CBS in 1983, Disney ventured back into primetime television.{{Cite news|date=1985-03-04|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/85-OCR/BC-1985-03-04-OCR-Page-0112.pdf|access-date=2021-08-06}} The Touchstone Films banner was used for television by then-new Disney CEO Michael Eisner in the 1984–1985 television season, with the short lived western Wildside.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=February 9, 2007 |title=Touchstone TV now ABC TV Studio |work=The Hollywood Reporter |agency=AP |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/touchstone-tv-abc-tv-studio-129842 |access-date=March 18, 2015}} By 1985, Disney signed an agreement with sitcom producers Witt-Thomas-Harris Productions.{{Cite news|date=1985-05-27|title=Disney-WTH deal|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/85-OCR/BC-1985-05-27-OCR-Page-0089.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}} In the next season, Disney's television production unit produced a hit in The Golden Girls using the Touchstone Films brand.{{Cite news |last=Gendel |first=Morgan |date=January 9, 1986 |title=Disney Betting On New Series |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-01-09-ca-14438-story.html |access-date=April 7, 2017}} The Touchstone name would be used for more mature shows, while the Disney name would be used for more family friendly series.

By the 1986-1987 television season, Disney was producing two shows for the fall season, Sidekicks, produced under the Walt Disney Television label; and The Ellen Burstyn Show, produced under the Touchstone Television label. Both were cancelled after the fall 1986 season, to be followed up by two more shows produced by Touchstone, the ABC show Harry, and the Fox show Down and Out in Beverly Hills.{{Cite news|date=1986-09-15|title=Stay Tuned|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/86-OCR/BC-1986-09-15-OCR-Page-0086.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}}{{Cite news|date=1986-05-12|title=Stay Tuned|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/86-OCR/BC-1986-05-12-OCR-Page-0040.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}}{{Cite news|date=1986-05-12|title=Fox upbeat over 'Down and Out'|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/86-OCR/BC-1986-05-12-OCR-Page-0040.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}} In 1987, Randy Reiss was named president of both television units.{{Cite news|date=1987-08-03|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/87-OCR/BC-1987-08-03-OCR-Page-0096.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}} In the fall of 1987, Disney sold its third television drama, The Oldest Rookie, to CBS.{{Cite news|date=1987-05-25|title=Prime time production led by Lorimar|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/87-OCR/BC-1987-05-25-OCR-Page-0060.pdf|access-date=2021-08-15}} In late 1988, after Witt/Thomas/Harris pulled out of the TeleVentures production unit (they were co-founders along with Tri-Star Pictures and Stephen J. Cannell Productions), Disney began selling, marketing and distributing Witt/Thomas programs exclusively.{{Cite news|date=1990-04-09|title=Action-Packed Expansion|work=Channels of Communication|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-Channels-IDX/IDX/Channels-1990-04-OCR-Page-0032.pdf|access-date=2021-08-16}} It was renewed two years later in 1990; the duo left to sign with rival Warner Bros. Television in 1992.{{Cite web|date=1990-02-25|title=Disney's Television Quest : Network prime-time success still eludes the giant that's enjoyed movie hits and profits at its theme parks|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-25-ca-2207-story.html|access-date=2021-08-16|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=1992-03-12|title=Disney Lets Pact With TV Hit-Maker Witt Thomas Harris Go to Warner|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-12-fi-5401-story.html|access-date=2021-08-16|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

On April 18, 1989, Walt Disney Television and Touchstone Television were grouped together under Garth Ancier, the then-president of network television for Walt Disney Studios.{{Cite news |last=Haitman |first=Diane |date=March 30, 1989 |title=Disney TV Chief Heads Back to Mainstream |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-30-ca-1044-story.html |access-date=June 4, 2014}} The following week, Disney struck development deals with upstart Wind Dancer Productions (headed by Roseanne alumnus Matt Williams), and KTMB Productions (backed by The Golden Girls writers Kathy Speer, Terry Grossman, Barry Fanaro and Mort Nathan).{{Cite news|date=1989-05-01|title=Disney development deals|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/89-OCR/BC-1989-05-01-OCR-Page-0112.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}} The first projects were Wind Dancer's Carol & Company and KTMB's The Fanelli Boys, both of which aired on NBC.{{Cite news|date=1989-12-18|title=NBC makes 'Grand' commitment to Carsey-Werner|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/89-OCR/BC-1989-12-18-OCR-Page-0056.pdf|access-date=2021-08-15}}{{Cite news|date=1990-06-18|title=The ready for prime time players|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-06-18-OCR-Page-0037.pdf|access-date=2021-08-15}} That same year, Disney signed a long-term contract with producer Michael Jacobs and his production company. Among the first projects under the collaboration was Singer & Sons, for NBC in 1990. The company also had a contract with producer Terry Louise Fisher, after she quit L.A. Law due to disputes with co-creator Steven Bochco and studio 20th Television, then-known as 20th Century Fox Television.{{Cite web|date=1990-02-25|title=Disney's Television Quest : Network prime-time success still eludes the giant that's enjoyed movie hits and profits at its theme parks|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-25-ca-2207-story.html|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}} Later that year, Disney signed a deal with Neal Marlens and Carol Black, creators of The Wonder Years, to produce three series for ABC.{{Cite news|date=1990-11-26|title=The Wonder Deal|work=Broadcasting|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-11-26-OCR-Page-0046.pdf|access-date=2021-08-16}}

With difficulties of selling in the off-network syndicated market, Disney television executives decided in late September 1990 that Hull High, then on NBC, or a potential NBC mid-season replacement in Disney Action-Adventure Hour, would be its last hour-long drama. High{{'}}s pilot cost the company $4.5 million.{{Cite news |title=Hours Dramas: Down But Not Out? |page=38 |work=Broadcasting |url=http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-10-01.pdf |access-date=September 29, 2017}} The company also had another drama in collaboration with Stephen J. Cannell, The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage, which was produced under the Walt Disney Television label.{{Cite news|date=1991-03-25|title=1991-92 network development slates|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-03-25-OCR-Page-0065.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}}{{Cite news|date=1991-02-18|title=Fall season under way for networks|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-02-18-OCR-Page-0042.pdf|access-date=2021-08-08}} In 1991, Disney collaborated with Michael Jacobs and Jim Henson Productions on a primetime sitcom with puppets by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, Dinosaurs, which debuted on ABC.{{Cite news|date=1991-04-01|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-04-01-OCR-Page-0088.pdf|access-date=2021-08-16}} In 1992, the Touchstone Television label moved into producing longer forms for television, focusing on more adult-oriented fare with its first telefilm for CBS about Edna Buchanan, a Miami Herald crime reporter who won a Pulitzer Prize.{{Cite news |date=December 22, 1992 |title=Disney's Touchstone Unit to Produce Films for TV |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-12-22-fi-2566-story.html |access-date=June 4, 2014}} The company would eventually sign a deal with ABC to develop 5 television movies for the 1993–94 and 1994-95 television seasons.{{Cite news|date=1992-12-14|title=Disney expands into long-form|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-12-14-OCR-Page-0042.pdf|access-date=2021-11-01}}

In 1992, KTMB Productions left Disney for Paramount. Eventually the team split into two separate production companies, one led by Speer and Grossman, the other led by Fanaro and Nathan.{{Cite news|date=1992-06-29|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-06-29-OCR-Page-0061.pdf|access-date=2021-08-16}} Within that same year, Wind Dancer Productions had received an exclusive deal with the ABC television network, with Disney serving as distributor of their series.{{Cite news|date=1992-12-07|title="Home" is where the three-year commitment is|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-12-07-OCR-Page-0030.pdf|access-date=2021-08-16}} And also that year, Michael Jacobs had renewed his deal with the studio.{{Cite news|date=1992-07-13|title=Paramount and Disney get creattive|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-07-13-OCR-Page-0011.pdf|access-date=2021-08-30}} Also in May of that year, the company signed a deal with Grant/Tribune Productions, a joint venture between ex-CBS broadcaster Bud Grant and Tribune Broadcasting (who was subsequently renamed to Bud Grant Productions after Tribune pulled out){{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Variety |date=1993-02-24 |title=Grant-Tribune split official |url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/grant-tribune-split-official-104250/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} to distribute their programming, with Cutters the only one that came out of the deal.{{Cite web |last=MacMINN |first=ALEENE |date=1992-05-05 |title=TELEVISION - May 5, 1992 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-05-ca-1349-story.html |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} In 1993, Disney had reached a deal with comedian Sinbad and his David & Golitah Productions company for a film and television deal.{{Cite web|last1=Eller|first1=Claudia|last2=Lowry|first2=Brian|date=1993-02-03|title=Sinbad sailing to Disney|url=https://variety.com/1993/film/news/sinbad-sailing-to-disney-103608/|access-date=2021-08-16|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

On August 24, 1994, with Jeffrey Katzenberg's resignation, Richard Frank became head of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications, a new group taking in Touchstone Television and other television units of the Disney studios.{{Cite news |last=Weinraub |first=Bernard |date=August 25, 1994 |title=Chairman of Disney Studios Resigns |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/25/business/chairman-of-disney-studios-resigns.html |access-date=April 28, 2014 |issn=0362-4331}} In 1995, they returned to producing dramas with Nowhere Man.{{Cite web|last=McCarthy|first=John P.|date=1995-08-28|title=Nowhere Man|url=https://variety.com/1995/tv/reviews/nowhere-man-1200442357/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}} That same year, Wind Dancer was signed to a new deal with Disney, following the expiration of their contract with ABC.{{Cite web|author=|date=1995-03-06|title=Disney Braces With Wind Dancer Trio|url=https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/disney-braces-with-wind-dancer-trio-99124336/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

In April 1996, with the ongoing post-Disney-CC/ABC merger and the retirement of its president, Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications' divisions were reassigned to other groups, with Walt Disney Television and Touchstone Television transferred to The Walt Disney Studios.{{Cite web |date=April 16, 1996 |title=Roth, Iger Assume Expanded Responsibilities at the Walt Disney Company |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ROTH%2c+IGER+ASSUME+EXPANDED+RESPONSIBILITIES+AT+THE+WALT+DISNEY+COMPANY-a018198127 |access-date=March 11, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063707/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ROTH,+IGER+ASSUME+EXPANDED+RESPONSIBILITIES+AT+THE+WALT+DISNEY+COMPANY-a018198127 |url-status=dead }} In 1997, Disney struck a deal with Imagine Entertainment to launch a television venture.{{Cite web|author=|date=1997-02-11|title=Disney TV deal: Imagine that|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/disney-tv-deal-imagine-that-1117435642/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}} On November 1, 1997, David Neuman assumed the presidency of Touchstone Television while retaining his post as president of Walt Disney Network Television.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1997 |title=People in new jobs |work=Kidscreen |publisher=Brunico Communications |url=http://kidscreen.com/1997/11/01/19948-19971101/ |access-date=July 30, 2019}} In March 1998, Touchstone Television was placed under Buena Vista Television Productions, a newly formed group under chairman Lloyd Braun, along with Walt Disney Network Television.{{Cite news |last=Hofmeister |first=Sallie |date=March 3, 1998 |title=Disney Taps Lloyd Braun to Head Up Network TV |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-03-fi-24815-story.html |access-date=October 5, 2016}} In June 1998, former ABC chief Greer Shephard and NYPD Blue director Michael M. Robin launched a production company with an exclusive agreement at the studio.{{Cite web|last=Hontz|first=Jenny|date=1998-07-02|title=Shephard, Robin at BV TV|url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/shephard-robin-at-bv-tv-1117478113/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} In May 1999, J.J. Abrams, who created Felicity at that time, signed a film and television deal with the studio.{{Cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=1999-05-27|title=Abrams, Disney ink deal|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/abrams-disney-ink-deal-1117502552/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} By June 1999, Neuman left for the Digital Entertainment Network.{{Cite news |last=Richtel |first=Matt |date=June 24, 1999 |title=Youthful Web Network Has a Modest Goal: Replacing TV |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/24/technology/youthful-web-network-has-a-modest-goal-replacing-tv.html |access-date=July 30, 2019}} In 1999, after Disney's Smart Guy was cancelled, all Disney shows for primetime would be produced under the Touchstone Television label.{{Cite web|date=1999-05-17|title=NBC Makes Some Serious Changes|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-17-ca-37991-story.html|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

In late 1999, Walt Disney Television Studios (also called Buena Vista Television Group or Buena Vista Television Productions), were transferred from the Disney Studios to the ABC Television Network to merge with ABC's primetime division, ABC Entertainment, forming the ABC Entertainment Television Group. By then, the Walt Disney Television label was dropped and all primetime programming produced by Disney would use the "Touchstone Television" name.{{cite news|last=Hofmeister|first=Sallie|date=July 8, 1999|title=Disney Plans to Consolidate Two of Its Television Groups|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-08-fi-53934-story.html|access-date=5 July 2013}}{{cite news|last=Hofmeister|first=Sallie|date=July 9, 1999|title=Disney Combining Network TV Operations Into One ABC Unit|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jul-09-fi-54430-story.html|access-date=5 July 2013}}{{cite news|last=Schlosser|first=Joe|date=November 29, 1999|title=A Mouse in-house|newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-58124095.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011162940/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-58124095.html|archive-date=October 11, 2013|accessdate=8 July 2013}} Shortly afterwards, writer Seth Kurland struck a deal with the studio to produce shows.{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=1999-10-08|title=Kurland pacts for three-year overall deal at Touchstone|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/kurland-pacts-for-three-year-overall-deal-at-touchstone-1117756454/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} Following Kurland's deal, writer Don Reo, formerly of Lenny and Blossom when Witt-Thomas was producing for Disney also struck a deal with the studio.{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2000-01-21|title=Reo, Touchstone TV ink deal|url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/reo-touchstone-tv-ink-deal-1117761157/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} Around the same time, Touchstone Television sold the series, Daddio to NBC. The program lasted only nine episodes before NBC cancelled it.{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=1999-07-29|title=Peacock orders laffer from Touchstone trio|url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/peacock-orders-laffer-from-touchstone-trio-1117744313/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

In 2000, Touchstone Television created two departments for comedy in September, and a department for drama in December.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=December 14, 2000 |title=Touchstone takes dramatic step |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/touchstone-takes-dramatic-step-1117790610/ |access-date=March 18, 2015}} Touchstone Television had infamously left the production of the CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2000, fearing it was a flop and sold Disney's interest in the series to Alliance Atlantis.{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2000-06-23|title=Touchstone seeking exit from Eye deal|url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/touchstone-seeking-exit-from-eye-deal-1117782992/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Variety|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|first1=Michael|last1=Schneider|date=2000-08-09|title=Eye's maple-leaf alliance|url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/eye-s-maple-leaf-alliance-1117784817/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Variety|language=en-US}} By 2001, Steve McPherson signed on as president of the television unit.{{Cite web|first1=Michael|last1=Schneider|date=2001-07-11|title=TV set in T'Stone|url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/tv-set-in-t-stone-1117802548/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}} While two of their pilots were in consideration to be picked up by ABC in April 2003, Tollin/Robbins Productions signed a two-year development deal with Touchstone Television, which included a two-year option, shares in profits and outside sales.{{Cite news |last=James |first=Meg |date=April 18, 2003 |title=Disney Lures 'Smallville' Team to Touchstone |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-apr-18-fi-touch18-story.html |access-date=November 13, 2014}}

In 2004, Alias creator J.J. Abrams and his Bad Robot production company had struck a development deal with Touchstone Television to produce television series.{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2004-02-04|title=Staying in Touchstone|url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/markets-festivals/staying-in-touchstone-1117899524/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Variety|language=en-US}} Also that year, Marc Cherry signed a development deal at the studio.{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2004-12-06|title=Touchstone picks Cherry|url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/markets-festivals/touchstone-picks-cherry-1117914422/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Variety|language=en-US}} The following year, the Russo brothers has struck a two-year deal with the studio,{{Cite web|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=2005-06-22|title='Arrested' duo locked up by Touchstone TV|url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/arrested-duo-locked-up-by-touchstone-tv-1117924828/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} with veteran writer and producer Steven Bochco, who had produced several shows for ABC, signing a deal with the studio that same year to produce future shows.{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2005-09-25|title=Touchstone is 'Blue' man's group|url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/touchstone-is-blue-man-s-group-1117929657/|access-date=2021-08-17|website=Variety|language=en-US}} In 2006, Marti Noxon struck a deal with the studio to produce shows.{{Cite web|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=2006-04-13|title='Buffy' scribe slays TV deal|url=https://variety.com/2006/scene/markets-festivals/buffy-scribe-slays-tv-deal-1117941450/|access-date=2021-08-22|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

In February 2007, Disney announced that Touchstone Television would be renamed ABC Television Studio as part of Disney's push to drop secondary brands like Buena Vista in favor of the Disney, ABC and ESPN brands.{{Cite news |last=Fixmer |first=Andy |date=April 25, 2007 |title=Disney to Drop Buena Vista Brand Name, People Say (Update1) |work=Bloomberg News |publisher=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0MG17nO.PG8&refer=home |access-date=November 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918060836/https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0MG17nO.PG8&refer=home |archive-date=September 18, 2011}} By the time the name change was implemented that fall, the new name had been modified to ABC Studios.

On August 4, 2008, Lionsgate completed a deal with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, the distributor of ABC Studios/Touchstone Television shows on DVD, to acquire the distribution rights to several shows including According to Jim, Reaper, Hope & Faith, 8 Simple Rules and Boy Meets World.{{Cite web |url=http://homemediamagazine.com/news/lionsgate-distribute-select-disney-shows-13270 |title=Lionsgate to Distribute Select Disney Shows | homemediamagazine.com |access-date=November 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202083817/http://homemediamagazine.com/news/lionsgate-distribute-select-disney-shows-13270 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |url-status=dead }} At the same time, new DVDs of ABC and ABC Family shows phased out the Buena Vista Home Entertainment logo at the beginning of the disc and replaced it with the ABC Studios and ABC Family logos, respectively.

In June 2009, ABC Entertainment announced a new organization, effective immediately as ABC Entertainment Group, while consolidating back office functions like business affairs, distribution and scheduling of ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment and retaining separate creative units.{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2009 |title=ABC Entertainment Group Announces Reorganization |url=http://www.awn.com/news/abc-entertainment-group-announces-reorganization |publisher=Animation World News}}{{Cite web |date=June 19, 2009 |title=ABC Unveils Reorganized Operations |url=http://www.zap2it.com/news/la-fi-ct-abc19-2009jun19,0,1709446.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621042521/http://www.zap2it.com/news/la-fi-ct-abc19-2009jun19%2C0%2C1709446.story |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |website=Zap2it}} In January 2010, Disney-ABC Television Group announced it was cutting 5% of its workforce.{{Cite news |last=James |first=Meg |date=January 30, 2009 |title=Disney's ABC Television Group to Cut 5% of Workforce |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-abc30-2009jan30,0,7408745.story}} In October 2012, ABC Studios formed its Signature unit to sell to outside networks.{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=December 11, 2013 |title=ABC Preps Stephen King Series as Boutique Division Ramps Up |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/abc-preps-stephen-king-series-664215 |access-date=January 28, 2014}}

In early 2016, ABC Studios International (also referred to as ABC International Studios) was set up with the appointment of Keli Lee as its managing director of international content and talent, combined with her move to London. The unit, announced at MIPCOM in October 2016, would allow more overseas local productions, leveraging fellow Disney Media Network expertises in distribution and production for the local and international co-productions, IP reinventions, and original format acquisitions and productions. This would add to Disney-ABC's international productions in Latin America, where the company has 16 years of producing local content.{{Cite news |last=Hopewell |first=John |date=October 17, 2016 |title=Disney's ABC Studios International Eyes Production Around the Globe |language=en |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/global/disney-abc-studios-international-production-1201890797/ |access-date=January 10, 2019}} In April 2017, the international unit greenlit its first co-production, the Australian series Harrow.{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Daniel |date=April 10, 2017 |title=ABC Greenlights Australian Co-Production 'Harrow' |language=en |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/abc-australian-harrow-1202027656/ |access-date=January 11, 2019}} Lee signed a first look deal with Hoodlum Entertainment, the co-producers of Harrow, by February 2018.{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Stewart |date=February 23, 2018 |title=Ioan Gruffudd on Maturing Into Crime Series 'Harrow' and Directing Ambitions |language=en |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/ioan-gruffudd-harrow-abc-disney-1202708742/ |access-date=January 11, 2019}} With ABC picking up the international unit's Reef Break in August 2018, ABC Studios started co-producing.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 23, 2018 |title=ABC Picks Up Crime Drama Series 'Reef Break' Starring Poppy Montgomery From ABC Studios International For Summer |language=en |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2018/08/abc-reef-break-poppy-montgomery-cast-abc-studios-international-summer-2019-1202451257/ |access-date=January 11, 2019}}

In August 2017, Ryan Seacrest Productions left CBS at the end of their deal to move over to ABC Studios.{{Cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=August 10, 2017 |title=Ryan Seacrest Productions Sets Scripted Development Deal With ABC Studios |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/ryan-seacrest-productions-scripted-development-deal-with-abc-studios-1202523060/ |access-date=October 3, 2018}} Following the expansion of its cable/streaming unit, ABC Studios launched a new alternative division for the full range of unscripted work, from documentaries to game shows to social experiment series. The former executive vice president of development and production at Ryan Seacrest Productions, along with Fernando Hernandez, the former head of Universal Television Alternative Studios, were hired by the studio to lead the division around January 2018. This division was announced in October 2018 with a small slate under production executive Gareth Provan, and an in-house development group called The Originals Group. The division is tapping existing production companies with deals at ABC Studios, including Ryan Seacrest Productions, Larry Wilmore's Wilmore Films and Bob Sertner Productions, in addition to partnerships that Hernandez has developed, including those with Mission Control Media, Parker Paige Media, INE Entertainment, and Party Pit Productions.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=October 2, 2018 |title=ABC Studios Ramps Up Alternative Division, Sets Cooking Pilot At ABC & Series 'Ink & Paint' At Disney OTT Service |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/abc-studios-alternative-division-best-bite-ever-ink-paintabc-series-disney-streaming-service-fernando-hernandez-1202474547/ |access-date=October 3, 2018}}

File:ABC Signature Studios.svg

ABC Studios was moving to sell to outside networks. As the studios have placed the former ABC comedy Cougar Town at TBS, and Devious Maids at Lifetime, Signature was set up in October 2012 to continue the trend. In 2013, ABC Studios vice president of drama Tracy Underwood was appointed senior vice president of ABC Signature.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=February 12, 2020 |title=Tracy Underwood Promoted To EVP Creative Affairs At ABC Studios |language=en |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/tracy-underwood-promoted-evp-creative-affairs-abc-studios-1202857922/ |access-date=July 14, 2020}} Signature was incorporated on {{dts|2013|9|23}}.{{Cite web |title=ABC Signature Studios, Inc. |url=https://businessfilings.sos.ca.gov/frmDetail.asp?CorpID=03606279 |access-date=February 17, 2015}}

Signature developed Mistresses, which was included in ABC's summer schedule and renewed for another season. In October 2013, the division placed its first outside project, Benched, for USA, with a pilot order that finished shooting by December. Other projects were in the works with A&E, WE tv and TBS. In the works with ABC, Signature has a possible straight-to-series Stephen King story adaptation called Grand Central, based on The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates. Corporate sibling Freeform picked up Rated P For Parenthood for development as its first program from Signature in June 2014.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=June 3, 2014 |title=ABC Family Buys Musical Parenting Comedy From Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos & Jamie Denbo |url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/abc-family-buys-musical-parenting-comedy-from-kelly-ripa-mark-consuelos-jamie-denbo-739651/ |access-date=June 4, 2014 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

In April 2015, Signature and ABC Studios signed a two-year first-look with Black Label Media, started by Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill three years prior as a finance and production company.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=April 12, 2016 |title=Black Label Media Inks First-Look TV Deal With ABC Signature & ABC Studios |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/black-label-media-ifirst-look-deal-abc-signature-1201736187/ |access-date=December 17, 2016}} McG's Wonderland Sound & Vision signed a two-year overall production agreement with Signature, Freeform and ABC Studios in October 2015. This follows two productions from McG on Freeform/ABC Family.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=October 29, 2015 |title=McG Inks Overall Deal With ABC Family, ABC Studios & ABC Signature |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/mcg-overall-deal-abc-family-abc-studios-abc-signature-1201597679/ |access-date=December 17, 2016}} Signature signed SMILF creator, executive producer and star Frankie Shaw to a two-year overall deal in July 2018.{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Daniel |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Frankie Shaw Agrees to ABC Signature Deal |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/frankie-shaw-abc-signature-1202870037/ |access-date=October 3, 2018}} In March 2019, the deal was suspended following an investigation into allegations of misconduct against Shaw on the set of SMILF.{{Cite web |last1=Masters |first1=Kim |last2=Elise Sandberg |first2=Bryn |date=March 8, 2019 |title='SMILF' Canceled at Showtime Amid Probe Into Creator Frankie Shaw's Alleged Misconduct |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/smilf-canceled-by-showtime-probe-creator-frankie-shaws-alleged-misconduct-1177459 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

In April 2016, Freeform greenlit Cloak & Dagger with a straight-to-series order, as Marvel Television's first co-production with Signature.{{Cite web |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=April 7, 2016 |title=Freeform Greenlights Marvel Romance Superhero Series 'Cloak and Dagger' (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/marvel-cloak-and-dagger-freeform-series-1201747907/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407213750/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/marvel-cloak-and-dagger-freeform-series-1201747907/ |archive-date=April 7, 2016 |access-date=April 7, 2016 |website=Variety}} Another co-production with Marvel Television was greenlit in August 2016, with Runaways confirmed for the Hulu streaming service.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 17, 2016 |title=Hulu Orders 'Marvel's Runaways' Series From Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage |url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/hulu-marvels-runaways-series-josh-schwartz-stephanie-savage-marvel-comics-1201799746/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818070622/http://deadline.com/2016/08/hulu-marvels-runaways-series-josh-schwartz-stephanie-savage-marvel-comics-1201799746/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Signature also put a live-action Mighty Ducks series in development beginning in January 2018,{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=February 21, 2018 |title=Disney Planning Another 'Muppets' Reboot for Its Streaming Service |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/disney-planning-muppets-reboot-streaming-service-1086800 |access-date=March 9, 2018}} which later ended up as a Disney+ original series called The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.

Signature is teaming with John Grisham, Hulu and Michael Seitzman's Maniac Productions to create a Grisham Universe set of series. The franchise would begin with two series, The Rainmaker and Rogue Lawyer, based on Grisham's books, with a potential to grow to additional series.{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=December 4, 2018 |title='The Grisham Universe': Hulu Sets Innovative Two-Show Franchise |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/grisham-universe-hulu-sets-innovative-two-show-franchise-based-rainmaker-rogue-lawyer-1166149 |access-date=February 28, 2019}} Hulu had dropped out of the Grisham Universe by September 5, 2019, with the pair being shopped given other interested outlets.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=September 5, 2019 |title=John Grisham Universe Multi-Series Project Not Moving Forward At Hulu, Being Shopped |language=en |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/john-grishams-the-rainmaker-rogue-lawyer-not-moving-forward-hulu-1202713356/ |access-date=October 2, 2019}}

From its pilot, Signature's The Wilds, a young adult drama, was picked up in May 2019 by Amazon, its first from the company.{{Cite news |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=May 28, 2019 |title=Amazon Studios Orders YA Series 'The Wilds' |language=en |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2019/05/the-wilds-amazon-studios-ya-series-1202623219/ |access-date=July 14, 2020}} Underwood was promoted in February 2020 to the new position of executive vice president, creative affairs of ABC Studios to oversee development at ABC Studio in addition to managing ABC Signature.

After the acquisition of 21st Century Fox completed on March 20, 2019, ABC Studios and ABC Signature Studios both became part of Disney Television Studios.{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Elaine |date=March 5, 2019 |title=Disney Taps Warner Bros. Vet Craig Hunegs to Lead Merged TV Studios Unit |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/craig-hunegs-president-disney-tv-studios-1203155560/ |access-date=March 19, 2019}} In July 2019, Disney TV Studios announced a reorganization in executive leadership. Fox TV executives Jonnie Davis and Josh Sussman have replaced Patrick Moran and Howard Davine as president and executive vice president of business affairs of ABC Studios respectively.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Patrick Moran Out In Disney TV Studios Shakeup, Jonnie Davis Named ABC Studios President, Carolyn Cassidy Elevated At 20th TV, Josh Sussman Replaces Howard Davine |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/patrick-moran-out-disney-tv-studios-restructuring-jonnie-davis-abc-studios-president-carolyn-cassidy-elevated-20th-tv-josh-sussman-replaces-howard-davine-1202644245/ |access-date=July 10, 2019}} It was also announced that Amy Hartwick, the studio's head of the comedy department, has exited.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Amy Hartwick Exits As ABC Studios Head Of Comedy |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/amy-hartwick-exits-abc-studios-head-of-comedy-1202644072/ |access-date=July 10, 2019}} In September 2019, ABC Studios' alternative division head Hernandez exited the post, with ABC indicating that they would remain in the businesses.{{Cite news |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=September 21, 2019 |title=ABC Studios Head of Alternative Fernando Hernandez Exits |language=en |work=Deadline |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/abc-studios-head-of-alternative-fernando-hernandez-exits-1202740300/ |access-date=December 16, 2019}}

ABC Studios International produced the anthology series Unsung Heroes which was in development while the company was launching ABC Discover to find more British talent. In December 2019, an exodus of the international unit's top executives including managing director Keli Lee occurred. However, no replacements have been named given a re-assessing of the unit is taking place.{{Cite news |last1=Clarke |first1=Stewart |date=December 6, 2019 |title=Keli Lee Exits ABC Studios International as Disney Considers Division's Fate |language=en |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/keli-lee-exit-disney-abc-studios-international-harrow-1203427392/ |access-date=December 6, 2019}}

On August 10, 2020, ABC Studios and ABC Signature were merged into one unit as part of a restructuring plan by Disney regarding their television production units; the merged company took on the latter's name. Meanwhile, Fox 21 Television Studios was renamed Touchstone Television, restoring that brand name after a thirteen-year dormancy (only to be folded into 20th Television on December 1 that year), and 20th Century Fox Television was renamed 20th Television (the former name of that entity's domestic syndication division, which in turn was absorbed into Disney–ABC Domestic Television).{{Cite web |last=Nellie Andreeva |date=August 10, 2020 |title=Disney Television Studios Rebrands Its Three Units As 20th Television, ABC Signature & Touchstone Television |url=https://deadline.com/2020/08/disney-television-studios-rebrand-three-studios-20th-television-abc-signature-touchstone-television-1203008722/ |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

On August 18, 2021, writers Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey signed an overall deal with the studio.{{Cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=2021-08-18|title=Writers Jordan Reddout & Gus Hickey Ink Overall Deal With ABC Signature; Set 'Significant Others' Comedy At ABC|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/writers-jordan-reddout-set-significant-others-comedy-at-abc-1234816881/|access-date=2021-08-19|website=Deadline|language=en-US}} On October 29, 2021, writer-producer Lila Byock also signed an overall deal with the studio.{{Cite web|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=2021-10-29|title=ABC Signature Sets Multi-Year Overall Deal With Lila Byock (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/abc-signature-sets-multi-year-overall-deal-with-lila-byock-exclusive-1235100608/|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Variety|language=en-US}} Matt Lopez, creator/executive producer of Promised Land, also signed an overall deal with the studio the same year on November 17.{{Cite web|last=Cordero|first=Rosy|date=2021-11-17|title='Promised Land' Creator Matt Lopez Inks Overall Deal With ABC Signature|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/promised-land-creator-matt-lopez-overall-deal-abc-signature-1234876070/|access-date=2021-11-19|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}

On October 1, 2024, Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios & Business Operations, announced that ABC Signature would be dissolved effective immediately, with its operations folded into sister company 20th Television. As a result, senior vice president Erin Wehrenberg will leave the company, with president Tracy Underwood transitioning to an overall producing deal with Disney Television Studios; multiple employees will be transferred to 20th Television.{{cite web|title=ABC Signature Folding Into 20th TV Under Karey Burke, Hulu & ABC Scripted Teams Combining Under Simran Sethi In Major Reorganisation Resulting In Layoffs|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=1 October 2024|access-date=1 October 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/abc-signature-sutdown-karey-burke-hulu-abc-simran-sethi-layoffs-1236104442/|website=Deadline}} It still remains as an in-name-only unit.

{{Main|List of programs produced by ABC Signature}}

• Disney General Entertainment Content
• Disney Television Studios
• Touchstone Television
• 20th Television
• 20th Television Animation
• Searchlight Television
• FX Productions

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{Cite press release |title=Touchstone Becomes ABC Television Studios |url=http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/moreinfo/abc_renames_tele_studio.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219152608/http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/moreinfo/abc_renames_tele_studio.html |archive-date=February 19, 2007 |access-date=February 8, 2007 }}

{{Disney}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:ABC Signature}}

Category:Disney Television Studios

Category:Disney Media Networks

Category:Television production companies of the United States

Category:Disney production studios

Category:American Broadcasting Company

Category:American companies established in 1950

Category:American companies disestablished in 2024

Category:Entertainment companies based in California

Category:Companies based in Burbank, California

Category:Mass media companies established in 1950

Category:Mass media companies disestablished in 2024

Category:1950 establishments in California

Category:Peabody Award winners