Maureen Fitzpatrick Named EP Of ‘Hot Bench’

Maureen FitzPatrick has been named executive producer of the new syndicated court show Hot Bench, it was announced today by Judge Judy Sheindlin, who created the show.  FitzPatrick joins Randy Douthit, who had previously been announced as executive producer.

FitzPatrick will transition into the new role from her current job as EVP of programming and development at CBS Television Distribution, where she developed new first-run syndicated programming and oversaw current shows, including Entertainment Tonight, Judge Judy and The Arsenio Hall Show.

A daytime television veteran, FitzPatrick joined CTD in 2012 with a substantial resume as an executive producer, programming consultant and producer with overall deals at multiple studios, including Sony, Buena Vista and Fox TV Studios. Her credits consist of numerous daytime talk shows, including executive producer of Living it Up! With Ali & Jack, Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus and Donny and Marie, as well as serving as a consulting producer on Ellen.

She also has producing credits on numerous conflict talk shows including Jenny Jones, Danny Bonaduce and Jerry Springer, as well as various game shows including The Newlywed Game, The Dating Game and Whose Line Is It Anyway? In addition, she has served as executive producer of GSN’s game show Pyramid.

Previously, she spent six years at FremantleMedia North America in several roles. She served as SVP of comedy development, developing, selling and producing scripted live-action and animated adult comedies for numerous cable networks, and she served as SVP of digital content.

FitzPatrick holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications and political science at Marquette University, Milwaukee.

Hot Bench, created by Sheindlin, will premiere on stations across the country in fall 2014. The half-hour strip will be produced and distributed by CBS Television Distribution.