‘Judge Judy’ Staying In Session Till 2020

Judy Sheindlin, host of the No. 1 rated show in first-run syndication Judge Judy, has extended her deal with CBS Television Distribution for three more years through 2020, it was announced today by Armando Nuñez, CEO of CBS Global Distribution Group.

Judge Judy has been the highest-rated show in first-run syndication for the past five seasons and currently, in its 19^th season, is averaging 10.3 million viewers.

No terms were disclosed. TV Guide pegs her current salary at $47 million a year, making her by far the highest-paid personality on TV. Sheindlin is 72.

The new deal also includes a first-look production deal with Sheindlin’s company Queen Bee Productions Inc., which produces Hot Bench, the top-rated new show in syndication this season.  

“We could not be more excited to continue our longtime relationship with Judy,” Nuñez said. “She is a true television icon, who entertains and inspires millions of fans each day on Judge Judy. “We look forward to continuing to provide our station partners with her highly successful show and to working with her to create the next generation of hits.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with my CBS family for five more years, and very excited about this new adventure in production,” said. “I loved the experience of creating and developing Hot Bench and look forward to replicating its success with more new, compelling and smart TV.”

Sheindlin is also creator of the court program Hot Bench, which debuted in Fall 2014 and is the No. 1 freshman show in syndication, averaging 2.3 million viewers.

Judge Judy is a Big Ticket Pictures production. Randy Douthit is executive producer and director.

Hot Bench is created by Judge Judy Sheindlin and executive produced by Randy Douthit and Maureen FitzPatrick. Patricia DiMango, Tanya Acker and Larry Bakman comprise the three-judge panel.