In 1990, Andrew Solt formed SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and purchased The Ed Sullivan Show, which had originally been broadcast on the CBS Network from 1948 to 1971. Considered the greatest variety show in primetime television history, SOFA Entertainment re-introduced The Ed Sullivan Show to the American public starting in 1991.

The Ed Sullivan Show (which was originally called “Toast of the Town” when it began) is considered one of the most eclectic and storied archives of 1950′s and 1960′s American television. The Ed Sullivan Show remains as vibrant today with the show being honored with its own stamp and a growing presence on the internet. Every night millions of people are reminded of The Ed Sullivan Show when they watch The David Letterman Show broadcast from The Ed Sullivan Theater.

Many unforgettable moments took place on Sullivan’s stage including the three historic appearances of Elvis Presley in 1956-57 and The Beatles’s U.S. television debut in February 1964. The Sunday night showcase also benefits from the fact the musical performances on the show were almost always performed live — whether they were pop, rock, jazz, Broadway, opera, classical, etc. The library also includes great comedians, novelty acts, children’s favorites and appearances by film and theater stars as well as top names from the worlds of sports and politics.

Ed Sullivan’s aim was to produce and host a show for the entire family and for 23 years Americans gathered around the television sets on Sunday nights at 8 pm.to enjoy the entertainment Ed chose to offer them. Sullivan became a much beloved TV personality who the public related to for his everyman qualities and his down to earth style. Over time, Ed became a key arbiter of American taste and popular culture. SOFA Entertainment is the copyright holder of over 1,000 hours of original Ed Sullivan programs as well as approximately 100 hours of “new” programming created in the form of television specials, home-video programs and cable shows for networks such as CBS, Vh-1, TV Land and PBS.

New programming is constantly being created for distribution on DVDs as well as on this website. The show is featured on CBS.com, TV.com and Hulu.com and The Ed Sullivan Channel on YouTube. We are currently in the process of adding 2,000 audio clips as well as 500 video clips for downloading on iTunes.

For licensing Ed Sullivan Show material for biographies, documentaries or commercials contact Mary Sherwood at mary.sherwood@sofaent.com or (310) 276-9522.