Sony Pictures TV Acquires Alex Baskin’s 32 Flavors, the Team Behind ‘Vanderpump Rules’ and ‘The Valley’

Sony Pictures Television Expands Unscripted Programming Through Majority Stake in 32 Flavors

In a significant move within the television industry, Sony Pictures Television has acquired a majority stake in the production company 32 Flavors, known for hit shows such as Vanderpump Rules and The Valley. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Sony’s unscripted programming division, positioning it for deeper engagement in the reality television market.

Founded in 2023 by Alex Baskin, who previously served as President of Amazon-owned Evolution Media, 32 Flavors is poised to broaden its creative reach under the guidance of Sony Pictures Television Nonfiction, which now falls under the leadership of Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios. Pope praised 32 Flavors for being “built on a clear creative vision.”

Baskin has quickly emerged as a prominent figure in reality television, credited with producing some of the genre’s most talked-about programs, including Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, The Real Housewives of Orange County, and its recent spinoff, The Valley: Persian Style. His new company is also developing Still Flipping Out for Bravo with Jeff Lewis and is involved in the second season of Hulu’s Love Thy Nader.

Baskin recently secured a greenlight for a spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, set in Las Vegas, with ambitions to connect with a new cast from the SUR-based series. Additionally, he has ventured into the true crime genre with the podcast Once Upon A Con and has created the Netflix video podcast Shut Up Evan.

In a light-hearted comment, Baskin illustrated the trajectory of reality program participants: “When you come to LA and you are attractive enough and you need to earn a living, then you start at Sur, and you’re on Vanderpump Rules. If you move to the Valley, you’re on The Valley, or if you’re Persian and you move to the Valley, well, that’s another show. Later in life, you may become a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. If things go wrong, then we put you on Botched.”

The acquisition comes on the heels of personnel changes at Sony, including the departure of Holzman and Saidman, who left the studio with their IPC banner, which produced notable series such as Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath and Surviving Mormonism.

Sony’s broader television portfolio includes 19 Entertainment, producers of Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, along with Sharp Entertainment, known for 90 Day Fiancé, and Maxine Productions, which focuses on true-crime content.

Baskin will continue to lead 32 Flavors as CEO as it becomes part of Sony’s expansive network. Pope highlighted Baskin’s passion and dedication, stating, “Alex is one of the most passionate and hardest-working people in this business, with an impressive track record of building durable, culture-driving franchises.” She noted the acquisition’s alignment with Sony’s strategy to invest in top-tier creative talent and expand its unique intellectual property in the evolving landscape of premium nonfiction programming.

Reflecting on the partnership, Baskin remarked, “32 Flavors has been on a remarkable trajectory, and with Sony’s support, we expect that momentum to accelerate meaningfully.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the company’s creative integrity and entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from Sony’s extensive resources and expertise.

Baskin was represented in the acquisition by Ron Wilkes and Bryan Bowles from Bryor Media Partners and the law firm Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.