Judge Judy is an American reality court show presided over by Judy Sheindlin. The show features Sheindlin adjudicating real-life small-claim disputes within a simulated courtroom set. Prior to the proceedings, all involved parties signed arbitration contracts agreeing to Sheindlin’s ruling, handling, and production staff management. The show aired in first-run syndication, and was distributed by CBS Television Distribution.First broadcast in 1996, the series won three Emmy awards and garnered high ratings among syndicated programming in the United States. Sheindlin and CBS renewed their contract through the program’s 25th season (2020–21). In March 2020, Sheindlin announced the 25th season of the show would be the last, to be followed by a direct successor, Judy Justice.Judge Judy Sheindlin was born on October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to German-Jewish parents Murray and Ethel Blum. Sheindlin described her father, a dentist, as “the greatest thing since sliced bread” and her mother as “a meat-and-potatoes kind of gal.” It was reported in October 2012 that Sheindlin had a $45 million yearly contract with CBS Television Distribution, in effect until 2015 and up $20 million from 2007. It was later reported in October 2013 that Sheindlin was the highest paid TV star, earning $47 million per year for Judge Judy, which translates into just over $900,000 per workday (she works 52 days per year). In 2018, Sheindlin reportedly earned $147 million; $100 million from the sale of the present and future video library of her show to CBS, in addition to $47 million, her regular salary.Sheindlin had gained a reputation for her tough judicial approach in both the family court and televised court, also known widely for her no-nonsense fact-finding, restive nature, and incisive impositions that dismiss attempts at debate. In line with these attributes, her program had been touted as “a show where justice is dispensed at the speed of light.” Loosely related was her resoluteness in opinions and rulings, often resulting in the parties arguing, debating and excuse-making to no avail.
Written by Dianne Washington